The central topic of discussion during the meeting was the proposed Stide Park Serenity Garden. City Engineer Chris Wheaten presented the concept to secure a grant from the Bergen County Open Space Municipal Park Improvement Program for fiscal year 2025. The garden, designed by consultant Neglia, is planned to feature wildflowers, a grassy meadow, pathways, informational kiosks, a pollinator house, benches, and necessary amenities like lighting and security cameras. Positioned adjacent to Kohl’s Brook, the garden aims to transform an expanded parking area into a serene green space. The estimated project cost is approximately $600,000, with a portion allocated for removing existing asphalt. Public comments revealed strong community support, although some residents expressed interest in a dog park, which had been previously considered but faced opposition. The city continues to explore alternative locations for a dog park while committing to further refine the garden design with input from the Environmental Commission and green team.

Transitioning to redevelopment efforts, the council discussed the financial and community impacts of ongoing projects. Redevelopment was highlighted as a key driver of economic growth, with the city receiving approximately $11 million in PILOT revenue, expected to increase significantly. The council underscored that redevelopment had minimal impact on school enrollment, contributing to less than 2% of the school-age population. The economic contribution of new residents was estimated at $70 million annually. Affordable housing was a priority, with several projects underway, including 100% affordable units at specific locations.

Notably, the redevelopment of the former Sears site was addressed, with plans to maintain the Sears Tower while introducing new residential developments in the adjacent parking lot. This project is anticipated to boost tax revenue from $320,000 to $1.388 million once fully leased. The council also discussed using PILOT agreements as a tool to incentivize development and generate revenue for city projects, with projections indicating potential earnings exceeding $18 million by 2029.

The council introduced multiple bond ordinances to finance various city improvements. Ordinance 21-25 proposed nearly $6 million for park enhancements, vehicle acquisitions, and infrastructure upgrades, such as pump station repairs and fire engine purchases. The funding strategy involves grants and the Hackensack open space trust fund. Ordinance 22-25 focused on stormwater equipment for the Department of Public Works, with the city benefiting from 100% principal forgiveness on the loan. These measures are part of a larger financial strategy to manage debt while facilitating essential infrastructure improvements without raising taxes.

Public comments during the meeting touched on various community concerns, including the transparency of the PILOT program in the tax registry. Residents advocated for clearer information on pilot payments. Concerns were also raised about sidewalk conditions, speeding, and noise pollution from low-flying helicopters. The council acknowledged these issues and discussed potential solutions, such as additional signage and speed bumps to enhance safety.

Deputy Mayor Candace Trino provided updates on Teter Airport, focusing on noise pollution reduction efforts through alternative flight paths. A successful test of a new flight path in January received positive feedback with minimal complaints. The council also addressed early voting logistics, clarifying that costs are covered by the county and state, with efforts ongoing to improve voter accessibility and address demographic differences with neighboring areas.