Council Approves Five-Year Lease Extension for Train Station With NJ Transit

Glen Ridge's Mayor and Council voted October 24, 2022 to approve a five-year lease extension with NJ Transit for the borough's train station, continuing under the same terms as the prior lease with rent remaining at $100 per year. The council also authorized the sale of aging borough vehicles and decommissioned police patrol car parts through GovDeals, an online government surplus auction site, and approved a $2,800 change order for tree removal work, bringing that project's total cost to $35,600.

The council also heard that renovation work at the train station has been completed, including new flooring, interior and exterior painting, roof repairs, and new cabinets, sinks, and toilets. The renovated space is now available for rental by civic organizations and the borough's wrestling program.

Councilor Mans thanked residents for their patience during recent water-related work and the ongoing repaving of Midland Avenue, which she said would wrap up shortly. The council also approved a resolution refunding a water-utility overpayment to a resident following the sale of their home, along with routine payroll and claims resolutions. All votes at the meeting passed unanimously with all six councilors present.

The Chief of Police made a lighthearted comment, somewhat garbled in the recording, about "relinquishing" his authority on November 4 to a Ridgewood Avenue School student as part of some kind of raffle or student event tied to the department; the exact nature of the event was not entirely clear from the transcript. He also reminded residents, with Halloween approaching, to drive carefully and for pedestrians to use crosswalks and carry flashlights.