Glen Ridge Council Confronts Statewide Car-Theft Ring, Advances Water Meter and Parking Rules
Listen
At the Glen Ridge Mayor & Council meeting on April 28, 2025, resident Alexander Colello of 16 Oakwood Avenue told the council about an attempted break-in at his home a month earlier, in which juveniles tried to steal his car's key fob. Police Chief Quinn confirmed the incident is linked to a sophisticated, organized statewide auto-theft ring currently under investigation by the state Attorney General's office, which is pursuing racketeering charges. Chief Quinn said there have been recent arrests but no signs yet that the activity is slowing down.
On other business, the council introduced a new ordinance on first reading that would require the borough to replace water meters on a comprehensive, timely basis, including a fine for noncompliance; officials noted the ordinance's effective-date language still needs to be corrected before final adoption. The council also adopted a resolution updating the borough's fee schedule for street and sidewalk work, parking permits, and water connection, shut-off, and meter-reading charges. Separately, the council gave final approval to new parking restrictions on a street shared with Bloomfield, adopted to allow for street sweeping after neighbors raised concerns about flooding and clogged storm drains.
The council also adopted a resolution authorizing payment of the borough's outstanding bills, though no dollar total was discussed. Following a public hearing that drew no comments, members adopted a routine annual ordinance letting the municipal budget exceed state spending caps by establishing a "cap bank." The council additionally approved the 2025 Essex County Hazard Mitigation Plan, a federally required risk-reduction plan, thanking the police department for its work on it, and proclaimed April 25, 2025 as Arbor Day, noting the Shade Tree Commission recently planted 53 street trees with about 50 more planned, plus two witch hazel trees planted with student help.
Public Works announced an upcoming Saturday household hazardous waste collection day in Cedar Grove, free to Essex County residents, for disposing of items such as oil-based paints, fluorescent bulbs, chemicals, and fertilizers. Chief Quinn also announced a prescription drug take-back event the following day outside a hospital lobby, supplementing the permanent drop box in the police department lobby. Councelor Moody reported that work continues on a resolution to streamline the Historic Preservation Commission's approval process following earlier public input, and announced a screening of the film "Plastic People" at the library on a Wednesday evening. Councelor Zimet announced that the town newsletter has been distributed and posted online, crediting Jim Cowan and the recreation department. Councelor Meyer reported that Glen Ridge's eighth-grade boys lacrosse team beat Montclair and won the trophy, crediting James Goodwin for organizing the program.
What to watch
- Final adoption of the water meter replacement ordinance, once corrected effective-date language is in place
- Continued council work on a resolution to streamline the Historic Preservation Commission approval process
- The upcoming household hazardous waste collection day in Cedar Grove