Glen Ridge wipes out 30-year-old tax debt, liens Ridgewood Avenue property for tree removal

Resident Raymond Donnelly raised four recurring concerns during public comment — flashing pedestrian lights at Bay and Forest Avenues, sign-postering rules, graffiti, and potholes. The council then certified completion of the hazardous tree and branch removal at 150 Ridgewood Avenue ordered at the prior meeting, confirming Downes Tree Service had done the $5,200 job, and formally placed that amount as a lien on the property, due by May 10, 2022 before interest accrues at the tax rate.

In a more unusual item, the council cancelled $14,940.49 in unpaid 1991-1992 property taxes on 99 Forest Avenue tied to a prior owner's 1992-93 Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding, acting on the Borough Attorney's advice that more than 30 years had passed and no viable legal action remained to collect the debt; the resolution noted the current owners, Sheremet and Venera Gashi, are current on all taxes since. The council also authorized submission of a Municipal Alliance grant strategic plan for 2022-23 (state funds of $13,100, plus local cash and in-kind match), established a $600 police department petty cash fund, and gave final adoption to Ordinance 1760 designating new multi-stop intersections after a hearing drew no public comment. All recorded votes were unanimous, with Councilor Meyer absent for most of the meeting.

The council approved a fireworks display permit for the Glen Ridge Country Club's July 4 event (8:45–10 p.m.), contingent on whatever COVID-19 restrictions were in place at the time, and introduced Ordinance 1761, renewing the borough's government energy aggregation ("SEA") program, on first reading. Committee reports covered upcoming water/utility interest and shutoff notices, spring field preparation and pothole repair by Public Works, and a Public Safety Committee discussion of recent traffic study findings.

What to watch

• Ordinance 1761 (energy aggregation program renewal) due back for public hearing and final vote.
• $5,200 lien on 150 Ridgewood Avenue due by May 10, 2022 before interest begins accruing.
• July 4 fireworks permit for Glen Ridge Country Club contingent on COVID-19 restrictions in effect at the time.