the staff of the Ridgewood blog
PALISADES PARK, NJ — Nearly two years after approving a $1 million lease for a temporary police department trailer, borough officials and residents are still left asking the same questions: Why was it never used? And why is it still sitting vacant near Depot Place?
In September 2023, the Palisades Park Borough Council approved the lease of a white metal trailer intended to temporarily house the Palisades Park Police Department. The move was prompted by health and safety concerns, including the discovery of black mold in Borough Hall.
Despite those concerns—and a lease contract signed by Mayor Chong “Paul” Kim in November 2023—the trailer has never been occupied. As of June 2025, the structure still sits unused near the borough’s ShopRite, with the surrounding lot serving only as overflow parking for police vehicles.
Investigation Into Unused Police Trailer Stalls
In July 2024, Mayor Kim called the situation “unlawful and improper” and prompted the borough to launch an official investigation. A special counsel, Greg Cannon of Matawan, was hired to probe the matter. However, that investigation stalled by late 2024 due to what borough officials described as “deliberate stonewalling” by former borough employees, including former Business Administrator David Lorenzo, who reportedly refused to cooperate.
In an effort to move the case forward, the borough retained a second special attorney to continue the investigation. However, details remain scarce. Borough spokesperson Sara Rossi of Visions Media said only that the trailer is “in the process of being returned” and the contract has now expired.
Mounting Costs and Contract Confusion
Documents obtained by NorthJersey.com show that the borough received its 19th invoice on May 16, 2025, totaling $31,918.19, and due by June 15. The lease agreement included a cancellation clause after 17 billing cycles, but it remains unclear whether the borough is still paying for the trailer.
Despite repeated inquiries about:
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The contract expiration date,
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When the trailer will be returned,
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Whether payments are still being made,
No clear answers have been provided by the borough or Rossi.
Political Disputes and Lack of Accountability
Mayor Kim initially blamed the Police Department Committee, chaired at the time by Councilman Michael Vietri, for spearheading the project. Vietri denied involvement. Meanwhile, a lawyer from Kim, Lim & Partners reportedly contacted at least three individuals in May as part of a renewed investigation effort.
As of now, no final report has been released. Residents and officials alike are left wondering how $1 million of taxpayer money was committed to a project that yielded no benefit to the community.
Bottom Line: The Palisades Park trailer debacle raises serious concerns about government accountability, transparency, and responsible spending. As investigations drag on, the community continues to wait for clear answers and resolution.
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