Fair Lawn, a quiet suburb in Bergen County, New Jersey, has lately found itself under the spotlight, with the local real estate market sizzling hot and buyers finding themselves pushed towards Glenrock and Ridgewood due to the lack of available houses. As the community grows, so does the sense of collective achievements and the need to develop and expand communal resources.

The recent Borough Council meeting was brimming with acknowledgments of community achievements, from local students’ sporting successes to the expansion of cultural inclusivity. The spotlight was on the Pepitone brothers, winners of gold and silver medals in Special Olympics games. Resident Pamela Coles called for recognition of their achievements, highlighting the inclusive nature of the local school system. Council Member Rhinance echoed her sentiment, expressing pride in the brothers for bringing glory to Fairlawn.

Deputy Mayor Cutrone took the time to congratulate the Volunteer Ambulance Squad on their 75th anniversary and the Fairlawn community’s commitment to inclusivity, which she attributed to the borough’s growth and prosperity. The sense of unity in Fairlawn was further enhanced by a range of community events, including the inaugural Make Music Day, a day-long event designed to promote music as a mode of self-expression. The event was organized by the Arts Council with enthusiastic participation from local businesses, demonstrating the synergetic relationship between businesses and the community.

Along with community celebrations, important topics around town management were also addressed. Among them, several ordinances passed unanimously, which introduced a Fire Watch Program and amended the administration of the Office of Emergency Management and the borough fee schedule. Pamela Coles raised queries on several resolutions, including bioxide chemicals for odor elimination and potential legal action over PFAS contamination, and they were clarified by council members.

In an effort to invigorate the local economy, Sebastian Feliciano, an intern for Main Street Incorporated, discussed their various initiatives, including the collaboration with the Bergen County Workforce Development Board to provide labor and hiring resources for Fairlawn businesses. Feliciano also mentioned the initiation of a community eGift card program and the recent grand openings of Glen Toyota and the Maple Ave Shop, all markers of economic growth in the borough.

Council members also appreciated the Community Relations Advisory Committee for organizing the Pride Block Party and the Juneteenth celebration. Both events symbolize the borough’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, values also embodied by the recent Pride event.