North Caldwell Looks to Purchase Walker's Pond

Less than two weeks after Elwood “Woody” Walker died, the Borough of North Caldwell seeks to memorialize the man referred to as its “First Citizen” by purchasing and preserving the large parcel of land he called home for more than 60 years. 

The former North Caldwell Councilman and West Essex Board of Education founding member, who served the borough in a myriad of ways, died on April 10 at the age of 91.

Members of the governing body and close friends discussed the possibility of acquiring Walker’s 17-acre property on Mountain Avenue at Monday night's regular council meeting.

The property is the site of Walker’s Pond, which Walker and his wife, Carlee, shared with the community for many years. Many longtime residents and those who grew up in North Caldwell recall times skating on the pond and attending tree lightings there during the holidays.

“There are many fond memories and there could be many more memories made,” friend and borough resident Edith “Bunny” Jenkins told the council.

Jenkins said she has been in contact with the family and they are “pleased with the thought” of selling the estate, which is currently in a trust, to the town.

“The Walker family is an anxious seller is what they conveyed to me,” Jenkins said. “I do hope you’ll consider it.”

Jenkins said the man-made pond sits on about five to seven acres of wetlands and would need to be dredged. In addition to the pond, there are seven building lots.

She said the property could be used for nature walks, picnicking and, ultimately, skating could be returned to the pond.

Councilman John Chiaia was in favor of the idea saying the property could be a “centerpiece of the town” and revitalizing it could have a positive impact on property values.

The council discussed acquiring Walker’s Pond at an earlier capital budget meeting Monday.

“I’m behind it 100 percent,” Councilman Art Rees said, adding he favored bringing the pond back to the way it was 50 years ago.

Mayor Joseph Alessi, who refers to Walker as North Caldwell’s “First Citizen,” was also interested in negotiating a purchase of the land with the trust.

“It would be almost like a living memorial to Woody,” Alessi said. 

Walker lived in a ranch house he built on the property in 1949 until his death.