photo courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WESTWOOD, N.J. — In a heartfelt tribute, Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo celebrated the milestone swearing-in of Alyssa Dawson as she joins the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor.
the staff of the Ridgewood Blog Based on insights from Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
Westwood NJ, During a recent Senior Breakfast in Westwood, NJ, one burning question dominated the room: What is the future of development in the Pascack Valley? Local residents are rightfully anxious. Right now, Trenton lawmakers are pushing a trio of aggressive housing and zoning bills—S-1766, S-1786, and S-1836—that threaten to strip local power away from elected Mayors, Councils, and zoning boards. Instead of letting communities decide how they grow, centralized state mandates are attempting to force urban-style densities onto fully developed, small-town New Jersey.
photo courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, A major legislative battle is quietly unfolding in Trenton, and its outcome could fundamentally rewrite the rules of suburban life across New Jersey.
According to Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo, a series of state-level housing bills are moving through the legislative pipeline that threaten to strip municipalities of their local zoning authority. If passed, these measures would enforce a “centralized command and control” model, effectively allowing state lawmakers and academic planners to override the decisions of local land-use boards.
Continue reading Trenton’s Secret Zoning Takeover? The Radical New Bills Threatening NJ Suburbs
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WESTWOOD, NJ — A major step toward ending the chronic flooding issues plaguing the Pascack Valley took place this week, as regional leaders gathered to review a high-tech solution that could change how local waterways are managed.
Continue reading Westwood Mayor Hosts Stevens Institute to Tackle Regional Flooding
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood, New Jersey, is shining a spotlight on local energy savings! According to Mayor Ray Arroyo, the Borough’s proactive approach—combining a state-approved Community Solar program with smart municipal upgrades—is putting hundreds of dollars back into residents’ pockets while boosting sustainability.
Westwood’s New Heart: U.S. Navy Anchor Dedicated at Veterans Park in Stunning Eagle Scout Project!
photos courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WESTWOOD, NJ – Patriotism and local achievement converged early yesterday morning as Westwood celebrated a major new addition to its Veterans’ Memorial Park. The Township dedicated a powerful memorial to the U.S. Navy Armed Services, marked by the unveiling of a genuine ship’s anchor.
This significant project was the culmination of an extraordinary effort by fledgling Eagle Scout Michael Greco of Troop 321, making the memorial not just a tribute to the Navy, but a testament to community spirit and leadership.
Continue reading Anchors Aweigh in Westwood! Eagle Scout Dedicates New U.S. Navy Memorial
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo reminds everyone to please be aware :
photo courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, according to Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo on Saturday June 14th, Westwood Councilmembers Cheryl Hodges, Beth Dell, Erin Collins, and I convened at Zion Lutheran Church and presented Certificates of Achievement to BSA Troop 350’s newly hatched Eagle Scouts: Eric Herzing, Mark Marinkovic, and Ean Ralston.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, Chief Michael R. Pontillo and the members of the Westwood Police Department would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the growing number of complaints regarding unsafe and disruptive behavior by juvenile bicyclists in our community. These complaints vary in nature but have been occurring in the Central Business District and surrounding areas.
We want to be clear: while we fully support outdoor activity and youth independence, that must be balanced with responsibility and public safety. Reckless riding, disregard for traffic laws, and obstruction of roadways place both the juveniles and the public at serious risk.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, New Jersey lawmakers are set to vote on two controversial bills—S2974 and S1408—that could dramatically change suburban communities across Bergen County and Pascack Valley. These bills, expected to go before the NJ State Senate on March 24, 2025, would:
photo courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo is calling on residents of Westwood and surrounding neighborhoods to share their personal experiences with flooding. The Borough of Westwood is gathering firsthand accounts to support a FEMA application aimed at identifying flood-prone areas and developing potential solutions.
Continue reading Westwood Seeks Community Input for FEMA Flooding Study
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo and the Governing Body recently paid tribute to the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club for their unwavering support and dedication to the community. Following this year’s September 11th ceremonies, the club was formally recognized during Westwood’s final meeting of 2024, marking the 35th anniversary of the Nam Knights’ founding.
Continue reading Honoring the Nam Knights: Westwood Recognizes a Legacy of Service and Patriotism
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo and the community proudly join the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) in celebrating an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of dedicated service from firefighters Jaymee Hodges, Billy Quinn, and Danny O’Brien.
Continue reading Celebrating 50 Years of Heroism: Honoring Westwood Fire Department Legends
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Woodcliff Lake NJ, Bergen resident Orlando Miquel asked how lowing water levels at the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir might affect residents during the drought situation, “And this is precisely why Veolia can’t agree with Westwood’s persistent request to lower the water level of the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir. Have you seen the reservoir? Imagine if we had started this drought with a lower elevation.”
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Continue reading Pascack Valley Mayors Meet Up at Oradell’s new Resturant ORA FreeStyle Italian
