Tenafly council introduces $12 million safety bond
The ordinance would fund planning and design for transportation and pedestrian improvements, while council members pressed for answers on financing and the size of a new bandstand structure.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — council reviews financing for pedestrian safety, 2026 budget overview and discussion (tax, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
Council paired a major safety-project bond with practical questions: how the borrowing works, what gets designed first, and whether the new structure blocks sightlines.
A $12 million question reached the council dais this week. The Mayor and Council introduced a bond ordinance for planning and design work tied to a transportation and pedestrian safety improvement project. The action did not approve construction itself. It put financing in place for the next stage of work, with the project framed around traffic and pedestrian upgrades.
As the ordinance came up, David Fanslau walked through financing details. Council members used the discussion to ask what the borrowing would cover and how the project would take shape before any final buildout. The conversation widened to a separate design concern: the height and sightlines of the proposed bandstand or amphitheater structure. Council members questioned whether the structure’s scale could affect visibility in the area.
That left two tracks in front of the borough. One is the transportation and pedestrian safety project, now moving through planning and design under the proposed bond. The other is the design review around the bandstand or amphitheater, where council members signaled they want a closer look at how the structure sits on the site. For residents, the immediate takeaway is straightforward: the borough has started financing the design phase of a large safety project, but council members are still testing details before anything moves further.
2026 budget overview and discussion (tax rate, levy, caps, health insurance, surplus/reserves)
Budget season started with the math behind the tax bill. Mark Zinna opened a 2026 budget overview with Susan Corrado and the borough auditor, Paul Lurch, joining the discussion. They walked through how the municipal tax rate is calculated and stressed that residents see one bill even though the borough controls only the municipal portion.
The biggest pressure point was health insurance. Corrado said plan changes, including a move to a high deductible plan, would cut costs by $300,000. Lurch said insurance increases continue to run high, while the borough’s unused budget capacity and levy flexibility have both narrowed from last year.
The discussion turned to reserves, surplus, and what residents should expect on the full bill. Lurch said the borough’s overall surplus ended the year $400,000 below last year, but still ranked as the second highest in the past 10 years. Council members and the auditor said the borough should explain the combined picture clearly, and the borough plans to send a mailer to help residents understand the county, school, and municipal pieces together.
Council approves 14-intersection traffic study
The council approved a traffic engineering study covering 14 signalized intersections, with a focus on signal timing, pedestrian upgrades, and broader safety improvements. During public comment, a resident urged the borough to put pedestrian safety first and questioned spending on older traffic-light controllers and stop-line repainting.
The study could lead to signal changes, safer crossings, and future capital spending at busy intersections residents use every day.
Council introduces sewer machine bond ordinance
The Mayor and Council introduced Ordinance 26-21 on first reading to buy a new sewer jetter/vacuum machine for the Department of Public Works, with a $600,000 appropriation and bond financing. The vote was unanimous, and the public hearing is set for July 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. or soon thereafter.
land/acquisition
Mayor highlights events and board changes
Mark Zinna said the borough will retry its Knicks watch party at Hiler Park on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. after technical problems disrupted the first attempt. He thanked borough staff and TPR, praised the Nature Center gala, and said a Planning Board vacancy will require a shift from the Board of Adjustment and another backfill appointment.
leadership change
Council presses staff on vacancies and trash
During the administrator’s report, council members pushed for follow-up on vacant commercial properties, Hometown Heroes banners, signage requests, memorial plantings, and Juneteenth scheduling. A long exchange focused on trash near the Stop & Shop area, including whether landlords should handle cleanup instead of relying on DPW service.
memorial
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Tenafly had 97 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEPolice chief departure and deputy chief transition. Several council reports addressed Police Chief Chamberlain’s departure, including a reception to mark his last day and discussion of the deputy chief’s ceremonial swearing-in as the new chief. Committee members said the police committee was working through the replacement and retirement process and encouraged residents to attend the recognition event.
- GOVERNANCEAdministrator report highlights: pool usage and Hometown Heroes banner program. Council highlighted that pool usage exceeded 2025 levels and credited staff. The administrator reported strong participation in the Hometown Heroes banner program, including 35 applications and installation of 35 banners before Memorial Day, with additional research underway for banners honoring those killed in action.
- GOVERNANCEPublic comment period (multiple topics: East Hill property/dogs; sidewalks code enforcement; other safety and facilities issues). Residents and stakeholders provided public comment primarily on (1) the East Hill property dog-walking rules and delineation from Nature Center land, and (2) Hillside Avenue sidewalk violation notices and the fairness and safety implications of the sidewalk maintenance ordinance. Additional comments addressed lightning detection at the amphitheater, a missing stop line, and shade at the pool playground.
- GOVERNANCEComplete streets ordinance introduced with public support. Council introduced a complete streets, context-sensitive street policy on first reading and set a public hearing for September 8, 2026. During public comment, a resident backed the ordinance and also asked for lower nighttime brightness and fewer rotating messages on the new electronic sign.
- GOVERNANCEDumpster ordinance introduced and later adopted. Council first introduced, then later held a public hearing and adopted, Ordinance 26-17 adding dumpster requirements for multi-family and non-residential properties under the solid waste code. No public comments were offered at adoption, and both votes were unanimous.
- GOVERNANCEWashington Street / West Railroad skate project design details (benches, pavers vs stamped concrete, colors, ADA ramps, bike racks, lighting). Council reviewed design details for the Washington Street/West Railroad skate project, including bench selection (with backs), surface materials (pavers vs stamped concrete), color choices and ADA ramp visibility, bike rack needs, and LED lighting. Members requested follow-up on specific colors and installation details.
- GOVERNANCETown promotes FIFA events as residents seek safeguards. Officials promoted FIFA-related downtown events, including watch parties, a passport challenge, contests, and related programming with local businesses and the Chamber. Public commenters asked about permits, noise, crowd control near church services, and practical support for businesses dealing with damaged outdoor furniture and cleanup after events.
- GOVERNANCERecreation Department / community events report. Councilmember Corsair reported on upcoming Recreation Department events including Stars & Stripes festivities on Saturday the 27th, fireworks on Saturday July 4 with a pre-fireworks band, and a Nature Center “Fireflies & Fairies” event on Sunday July 26.
- GOVERNANCECommittee report: Tenafly Night Market and partnership with Police Department; event budget question. A council member promoted the upcoming Tenafly Night Market and noted a partnership with the Police Department, including a movie night at Oresko Park. The member asked about the annual budget for public events and was told it is $50,000 for the entire year, with sponsors and the Chamber playing an integral role.
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