MAYOR'S MESSAGE

As mayor, it is my responsibility to give the State of the Borough address during our annual Reorganization Meeting.  There is much to tell you this year.  First I would like to congratulate the new Council President and Vice President.  I look forward to working with each of them as well as the entire Council.

This Administration has made economic development one of its highest priorities.  Late last year and continuing into early this year we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor.  Millview Lofts, a project that has been stalled for years is now under way and completion should be within one year.  This project converts a factory in a residential neighborhood into residential housing.  The Dello Buono project on Washington Ave, which is nearing completion,  also removes an industrial property from a residential neighborhood. 

Last year, the Planning Board approved plans to turn a restaurant on Goffle Road into a new car showroom and a supermarket on Wagaraw Road.  This will mark the return of a supermarket more than 33 years after the Grand Union left Lafayette Avenue.  It is my hope that the supermarket will become an anchor spurring more development on Wagaraw Road.  At a recent Planning Board meeting eight applications were presented for Certificates of Compliance.  In addition, the Economic Development Committee is working with our planner to create a new zone from Lafayette Avenue to Braen Avenue on Goffle Road to make it easier for businesses to get the approvals they need to open.  This is part of our ongoing efforts to make Hawthorne more business friendly. 

Last fall, Jefferson School gained distinction as a blue ribbon school.  This award of excellence from the Department of Education was given to 304 schools countrywide, with only 7 of those schools in New Jersey. 

In late November, we received a piece of steel from the world trade center.  Last week, a committee met to decide how best to display the artifact and how to honor our first responders.  I hope to have the project completed by September 11th so we can dedicate the memorial that day. 

The fourth annual Hawthorne Day will take place on October 6th.  We are hopeful for dryer weather this year.  Each year this popular event has grown bigger and better, and this year will be no exception.  

I am hopeful for a kinder and gentler spring so that we can get the maximum use of our fields at the Wagaraw Complex. The Board of Recreation is getting a new look with three new members.

The practice we started last year of dedicating portions of streets for those who died in service to our country will continue this year with dedications in June and November.  Our June honoree will be announced shortly.

Last year was a challenging one with snow and rain and downed trees.  Our Department of Public Works employees did a great job clearing snow, branches and debris in the street.  

I continue to proclaim that Hawthorne has great first responders from the Police, Fire and EMS.  They bring pride and professionalism to their jobs.  I thank and commend each of them. 

2012 promises to be an exciting year for Hawthorne.  I invite you to get involved and be a part of our success. 

Sincerely, Richard S. Goldberg, Mayor