the staff of the Ridgewood blog
PALISADES PARK, NJ — A costly and controversial police trailer project continues to generate headlines, as Palisades Park hires a third attorney to investigate why a $1 million temporary police structure—leased in 2023—remains unused and unconnected more than a year later.
The trailer, intended as a temporary facility for the Police Department due to black mold in Borough Hall, has never been operational. Now parked unused on Depot Place near ShopRite, the trailer has become a flashpoint of political tension, legal battles, and taxpayer frustration.
Timeline of the Police Trailer Controversy
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2023: Borough Council approves the lease of a temporary police trailer to address health hazards from black mold in Borough Hall.
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Delivery & Setup: The trailer was delivered and installed at a cost of $333,988, with monthly rental payments exceeding $30,000.
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Utility Costs Stall Project: The trailer was never connected to essential utilities like water and sewer. Borough documents indicate that connection costs exceeded $300,000, which stalled its use.
Legal Chaos and Investigations
The Borough initially hired Greg Cannon in 2023 to investigate alleged mismanagement and improper actions related to the project. Cannon’s investigation was reportedly delayed by uncooperative former employees, including then-Borough Administrator David Lorenzo, who was suspended and later terminated.
Lorenzo has since filed two lawsuits against the borough—one for retaliation and discrimination, and another for violations of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA).
In May 2024, the second legal firm, Kim, Lim & Partners, reached out to witnesses but withdrew after Lorenzo’s legal team cited a conflict of interest, alleging the firm had represented Mayor Chong “Paul” Kim personally.
Now, the borough has appointed Scarinci and Hollenbeck as the third special counsel, with a budget not to exceed $25,000. The firm will bill the borough $175/hour to complete the investigation.
Lorenzo Files $5 Million Tort Claim
On May 1, 2025, Lorenzo filed a tort claim notice seeking $5 million in damages, alleging defamation. He claims borough officials implied he engaged in misconduct during the trailer project and that he is being scapegoated due to his ongoing litigation.
How Much Has the Trailer Cost Taxpayers?
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Lease Total: $1.149 million over 26 billing cycles
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Monthly Payments: ~$31,918
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Payments So Far: At least 19 billing cycles, totaling over $600,000
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Installation Costs: $333,988
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Estimated Utility Connection Costs: $300,000+
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Total Estimated Cost (with trailer still unused): Nearing $1 million
The borough has the option to cancel the contract after 17 billing cycles—but invoices obtained via OPRA show that billing continues, most recently on May 16, 2025.
🧾 What’s Next for the Trailer?
According to Borough spokesperson Sara Rossi, Palisades Park is actively working with the trailer company to coordinate its removal. She added that the latest investigation aims to eliminate any barriers to participation by key individuals and resolve lingering questions around accountability.
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