Glen Ridge Council Endorses Regional Affordable Housing Plan, Names New Emergency Management Coordinator
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The Glen Ridge Mayor & Council opened its June 23, 2025 meeting by unanimously endorsing the borough's Round Four Affordable Housing Plan, backing a Planning Board proposal adopted on June 16, 2025 that maps out potential redevelopment sites along Bloomfield Avenue and floats a "gentle density" zone allowing duplexes, townhomes, or garden apartments on parts of the R5 residential district near Glen Ridge Avenue by the Montclair border. Council members stressed that any actual zoning changes would still need a separate ordinance and additional public process before taking effect.
In other business, the council unanimously appointed Captain Nardellis (referred to in discussion as "Deacon Nardellis") as the borough's new Emergency Management Coordinator for a three-year term. He succeeds outgoing coordinator Ann Marie, who was thanked publicly for her service during events including the COVID-19 pandemic and a six-foot water main break.
The council also certified the borough's 2024 annual financial audit, calling it a "clean audit," while unanimously adopting a corrective action plan to address two minor compliance issues involving the purchasing process and delays in processing dog license payments. Separately, the council unanimously approved about $3.4 million in claims and warrants, most of which will go to the Board of Education, and authorized refunds for Glen Ridge property owners or their mortgage companies who had made duplicate tax or utility payments.
On more routine matters, officials noted that the Sunset Classic race would cause traffic delays on Thursday evening and urged drivers to watch for runners. The Municipal Clerk also reported that a recent election day went smoothly, with 144 voters turning out — higher than expected and more than the last primary — though an exact percentage of registered voters was not available.
What to watch
- Any future ordinance proposing actual zoning changes tied to the Round Four Housing Plan, including the possible "gentle density" overlay near Glen Ridge Avenue, would require further council action and public process.