Proposed Project Nixed At North Caldwell Field, Mayor Says

NORTH CALDWELL, NJ — A multi-million-dollar project that was being proposed for the recreational facilities at Mountain Avenue Field in North Caldwell has been derailed, officials say.

North Caldwell borough officials issued a statement about the proposal last month, noting that a public meeting was scheduled to discuss it on Jan. 28. Read More: North Caldwell Mulls Possible Projects At Mountain Avenue Field

Mayor Joshua Raymond provided an update on Thursday. His message to the community follows below:

“This message is being sent to Borough residents to provide an update on the Mountain Avenue Field project. During the North Caldwell Mayor and Council Regular Meeting held on January 28, 2025, the Mayor and Council presented virtual and in-person attendees with information related to a potential enhancement of the Mountain Avenue Field area through an $8 million investment by Essex County.

“The Borough Administrator and I previously engaged in discussions with the County in the hopes of improving North Caldwell via an injection of external funds as opposed to an increased burden upon our taxpayers.

“Following these discussions, Essex County presented the Borough with two visions for Mountain Avenue consisting of some combination of a football/lacrosse field, a playground, a baseball/softball diamond, and a walking path/track. The project would ultimately include a renovated bathroom and snack bar, upgraded site parking, enhanced drainage and improved lighting. This initial presentation by the County of these concept plans was meant to inform our community about their preliminary ideas and solicit feedback from our community. During the January 28, 2025 Council meeting, other alternative suggestions were presented and discussed.

“We understand the importance of open and constructive dialogue with the community. Along those lines, it was my intent, following the receipt of these concept plans in early January, to solicit feedback from the community and key stakeholders, and to use that feedback to engage with the County in a discussion/negotiation and to decide what improvements and terms would best suit our Borough’s needs.

“Unfortunately, a small but vocal group of concerned citizens within our Borough promulgated negative rhetoric, not entirely based in fact, regarding the potential project with the County. As a result, on January 27, 2025, even before the governing body could present these concept plans to the Borough and engage in 2 a meaningful dialogue, Essex County sent a letter informing us of its decision that it would not move forward with the project to improve the Mountain Avenue Field.

“Needless to say, the majority of the Council is upset and disappointed with the loss of this potential $8 million dollar investment into our community. We are likewise frustrated by the fact that the Borough was never able to negotiate with the County and directly relay legitimate concerns presented by well-intentioned residents.

“While we do not currently have any alternative plans to improve the Mountain Avenue Field, we will nevertheless continue to seek fiscally responsible ways to make improvements to our Borough. We thank County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and Essex County for presenting this potentially amazing investment and hope that we can work together on future efforts to continue to make North Caldwell a wonderful place to live and raise our families.”

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