the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fair Lawn NJ, Fair Lawn Avenue is getting a long-awaited facelift—thanks to a strategic expansion of one of the borough’s two Special Improvement Districts (SIDs). The goal? Drive economic growth, enhance public spaces, and support small businesses along one of the town’s most-traveled corridors.
Fair Lawn Avenue Joins the SID Club
After years of being left out, Fair Lawn Avenue has officially been added to the River Road SID, joining Broadway as one of two business zones designed to improve economic vitality and the appearance of local neighborhoods.
“We’re finally giving Fair Lawn Avenue the attention it deserves and desperately needs,” said Ryan Greff, executive director of Fair Lawn Main Street Inc., the nonprofit managing the SIDs.
What is a Special Improvement District (SID)?
SIDs are localized zones where businesses pay a special assessment that funds services like:
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Supplemental garbage collection
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Landscaping and beautification
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Holiday decorations
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Façade improvement programs
Fair Lawn Avenue’s inclusion adds 23 properties to the district and brings in an additional $40,000 annually, supplementing the $150,000 from River Road and $120,000 from Broadway.
Business owners in the new area will pay 9.7 cents per $100 of assessed property value—the same rate as other SID participants.
Not All Business Owners Are Sold on the Expansion
While many local businesses support the move, others have raised concerns over the added financial burden.
“I’m a town person. I love Fair Lawn, and I hope this makes a miraculous impact,” said Dave Drahouzal, owner of the Dutch House Tavern. “But I do have some questions.”
Drahouzal worries the SID fees will force businesses to drop memberships in other community groups. In fact, he’s already withdrawn from the Chamber of Commerce, saying, “This is basically replacing it.”
From Clinton/Gore Stickers to Clean Sidewalks
The condition of Fair Lawn Avenue prior to the expansion spoke volumes.
“At the Panera Bread intersection, there was still a ‘Clinton/Gore ‘96’ sticker,” said Greff. “That tells you how little attention this area had received.”
Since the ordinance passed in February, Fair Lawn Main Street Inc. has hired Dare Commercial Services for bi-weekly litter cleanup and Native Fields Landscaping for seasonal weeding and plantings.
Local Businesses Hopeful for Cleaner, More Vibrant Streets
Cameo Zvanets, who owns CoZie Café, The Beauty Loft, and Better Daze Café, says she’s already noticing a difference on Fair Lawn Avenue.
“When we opened CoZie, someone messaged us saying they loved the café—but not the trash around it,” she said. “Now, with extra cleaning services, we’re really looking forward to seeing change.”
Zvanets is also excited about potential holiday decorations, more walkability, and beautification projects—all of which attract more foot traffic to local shops.
Looking Ahead: Façade Improvements and More
Greff hopes to bring the successful façade improvement program—already implemented on River Road and Broadway—to Fair Lawn Avenue next.
Stella Lemberg, president of the Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce, understands both the optimism and hesitation among businesses.
“Some store owners don’t realize there’s an added cost to all those perks,” she said. “But now that it’s an expanded district, we can deliver more resources and real results.”
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The town of family needs to improve on their litter pick up, they should be sweeping that town 24 seven, it has become a mini city and kind of filthy