the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Palisades Park NJ, a six-month investigation into the costly and unused police trailer in Palisades Park has stalled, with allegations of “deliberate stonewalling” by former borough employees. The project, initially intended as a temporary relocation for the Police Department during mold remediation, has already cost taxpayers more than $900,000.
The Unused Trailer and Its Costs
The custom two-story modular trailer was leased to house police personnel during repairs at Borough Hall and police headquarters. However, it has sat empty at Depot Place near the ShopRite since its delivery. The borough pays $34,141 every billing cycle for the structure, totaling over $700,000 so far, including $333,988 for delivery and installation.
High utility connection costs—estimated at over $300,000—have rendered the trailer unusable. The borough approved a two-year lease for $1.149 million, but there are no penalties for early termination. By spring 2025, the borough will have spent over $900,000 before returning the trailer.
The Investigation and Allegations
Special counsel Greg Cannon was hired to investigate potential improper actions during the project. Mayor Chong “Paul” Kim previously stated that the project was led by the Police Department Committee under Councilman Michael Vietri. Vietri, however, denied responsibility.
Efforts to move the investigation forward have faced challenges. According to Sara Rossi of Vision Media, the borough’s public relations firm, former Business Administrator David Lorenzo and others with direct involvement have refused to cooperate. Lorenzo, who was terminated last year and has pending lawsuits against the borough, has denied these claims.
Lorenzo’s attorney, Richard Malagiere, called the allegations against his client baseless, accusing the borough of attempting to deflect blame. Malagiere also stated that Lorenzo had advised against the trailer project and its costs on multiple occasions, as documented in borough records.
Potential Next Steps
The borough is exploring the formation of a special investigative committee with statutory subpoena power to compel testimony if cooperation continues to be withheld.
Mold Remediation and Employee Relocation
The police trailer was part of the response to mold discovered in Borough Hall and police headquarters in 2022, which caused over 50 employee claims of illness. While some progress has been made, employees and officers continue to work in Borough Hall during the mold remediation.
Independent air quality tests have shown acceptable levels for occupancy, and the borough reports that all known mold is being abated.
Lingering Questions and Accountability
Emails, meeting minutes, and OPRA-obtained documents reveal uncertainty over who is responsible for addressing the trailer’s issues. The mayor and council approved the trailer lease and began addressing building repairs only after media coverage highlighted the problems.
As taxpayers foot the bill for an unused trailer, the borough must navigate internal conflicts, legal disputes, and public scrutiny to resolve this costly debacle.
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