Governor's Visit, CVS Testimony, Alleged Car Thief Top This Week's News

Gov. Christie Praises Westwood Hospital's Reopening

Gov. Chris Christie visited Westwood Thursday for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley. 

Christie praised the hospital's officials for their work and State Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd for ultimately approving the hospital last year. HUMC at Pascack Valley was the first hospital to receive a license from New Jersey in almost 30 years.

"I'm thrilled that this is happening and we can be part of it together," Christie said.

Also read: 

• Yet-to-Open Westwood Hospital Already Has Expansion Aims
• Monument to 'Community Spirit' Stands at Westwood Hospital
• Westwood Hospital Welcomes Residents to Open House

Board Members 'Insulted' by CVS Planner's Testimony

Members of the Washington Township Zoning Board questioned testimony presented by planner Richard Preiss during a hearing for the proposed CVS on the corner of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue Tuesday night.

Preiss testified about the current conditions at the site and the surrounding properties, highlighting that there are other businesses nearby in the residential zone and that the owner of the proposed CVS site — 660 Pascack Realty, LLC — also owns several of the surrounding properties, thereby minimizing any negative effects the project would have on neighbors, he said.

Nutley police pursued the driver of a stolen car into Newark where they arrested him after a foot chase through the city, authorities said. 

On Monday, May 13, Nutley Officers spotted a vehicle speeding on Route 21 South that Passaic Police said was out of Newark.

The driver, identified by police as Yusef Gresham, 34, of Hillsdale, reportedly sped up and made reckless maneuvers to elude police when Nutley police flashed their overhead lights. The pursuit continued into Newark where the driver allegedly attempted to elude police by making sharp, fast turns down side streets, according to a police report. 

County Superintendent Blocks Pacack Valley School Split

Interim Executive County Superintendent Todd Flora has decided that Woodcliff Lake will not be allowed to withdraw from the Pascack Valley Regional School District.

In a 14-page decision sent to municipal and school officials, Flora wrote that Woodcliff Lake and Montvale would see only "minimal" savings while "the increase financial burden imposed upon the taxpayers of Hillsdale and River Vale would be detrimental in comparison."

He also wrote "it is not advisable that [the regional district] be disrupted" because it has "consistently demonstrated a high level of student academic performance."

Washington Township Cell Tower Contracts Finalized

The planned cell tower at the Washington Township Municipal Complex is now really close to being built, according to Township Attorney Kenneth Poller.

Poller said that he had finalized the leases with Verizon and AT&T Monday for the 120-foot tower.

"We're right on the verge of getting this thing done," he said.

Hillsdale Police Holding 'Coffee With a Cop' Event

Officers from the Hillsdale Police Department will hold their first-ever "coffee with a cop" event atStarbucks on Broadway June 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Police Officer Adam Hampton, who is planning the new program, said they aim to get to know residents — and have residents get to know them — in an environment that is calmer than the typical events which bring police in their lives like being the victim of a crime or having a medical emergency.

"This is an opportunity for us to break down the barriers," Hampton said.

Washington Twp. Officials Consider Generator Law

Washington Township may create a new law for residential generators in order to address issues with the machines' exhaust and noise.

Councilman Richard Hrbek noted that more residents have been using generators in recent years. Some residents were without power for weeks after Hurricane Sandy hit the area last fall.

"With the storms we've had, it's becoming a really popular addition right now," Hrbek said.