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Closter • Demarest • Harrington Park • Haworth • Northvale • Norwood • Old Tappan • Rockleigh NORTHVALE
LOADED GUN SEIZED FROM DWI DRIVER, CHIEF SAYS
Northvale Police Chief Howard Ostrow says officers recovered this unmarked, loaded handgun from inside the vehicle of a driver arrested for driving while intoxicated and drug crimes who was sleeping inside his car at Hogan Park. | Northvale police photo
Garcia appeared to be asleep in the driverʼs seat with the vehicle running, said Northvale Police Chief Howard Ostrow. “Officers detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the interior of the vehicle and observed what appeared to be a controlled dangerous substance analog in plain view on the passengerʼs seat,” Ostrow said. After several attempts to wake Garcia, he exhibited signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Ostrow said, and was unable to successfully perform standard field sobriety tests. “Further investigation by the officers led to the discovery of a loaded Glock 19.9mm handgun
See ARREST page 104
DEMAREST
DOWNTOWN ZONING IS UPDATED IN NEW PLAN
New uses approved for ʻarea in need of rehabilitationʼ BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
Photo courtesy Tom Migliore
Northvale police say they seized a loaded handgun concealed inside the vehicle of a sleeping driver who was also charged with drug crimes Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Hogan Park. Suspect Jeremy T. Garcia, 22, of Stony Point, N.Y., was taken to Bergen County Jail, accused of weapons and drug charges after police found him while responding to a reported suspicious person possibly sleeping in a vehicle. As police arrived at 7:45 a.m.,
MARCH 2, 2020
Closter Volunteer Ambulance squad members congratulate Andrew Basin and Janine Micera for graduating emergency medical technician training. Pictured at the graduation, from left, are: Brooke Glidden, Maayan Shalvi, Jenna Komar, Lt. Margaret Buchanan,Vice President Terri DeLyon, Andrew Basin, Janine Micera, President Tony Lupardi, and Doron Maresky.
CLOSTER—Andrew Basin and Janine Micera are the newest members of the Closter Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Squad. Members of the volunteer squad that provides life saving services to neighbors in need attended their recent graduation ceremony to show their support and solidarity with the two new members. “The Corps thanks you for your dedication, [and
for] spending numerous hours studying and attending class so that you can serve the community,” said spokesman Tom Migliore, adding that training is the equivalent of a six-credit college course. New volunteer members are always needed and appreciated. For more information about joining as a volunteer, or training, go to www.CVARCNJ.org, find the corps on Facebook or call (201) 768-3339.
GOP Congressional hopefuls speak at Northvale forum BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
NORTHVALE—Five candidates for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ5) in the November general election made their cases before party leaders and a couple dozen Republican voters Feb. 26 at an informal party fundraiser in Northvale. Sponsored by Northvale Republican Committee, the five candidates appeared at Madeleineʼs Petit Paris, Northvale, and raised pressing concerns such as defeating Gottheimer, border security, better inclusion of minority voters, preventing socialism, the “broken” health care system, and pledging support for President Donald Trumpʼs reelection in 2020. The five candidates hoping to win the Republican nod to challenge Gottheimer included Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali, and former 2018 5th District
THREE CHEERS!
Congratulations to the Northern Valley Old Tappan Golden Knights cheerleaders—theyʼre division champs!
SEE PAGE 10
Republican nominee John McCann, along with four newcomers. Both Ghassali and McCann are the raceʼs top fundraisers: Ghassali has raised $862,000, including $600,000 of his own funds, while McCann has raised $126,553, self-funding $57,716 of that total, according to Federal Election Commission records. Frank Pallotta, a Mahwah resident and retired financial executive, has raised $510,899, with $290,000 self-funded, FEC records show. Other candidates vying for the nomination are: James Baldini, a Newton middle-school teacher; and Hector Castillo, a doctor who immigrated to America when he was 11. Baldini has raised $1,388 and Continued on page 2
A revised redevelopment plan that will help the borough fulfill its affordable housing settlement was approved by the Borough Council 5-0 on Feb. 24. Councilwoman Janice Kurys was absent. The approved redevelopment plan and amendments will enable the borough to begin moving on efforts to allow new mixed-use and residential developments in an 11.2-acre downtown area previously declared “an area in need of rehabilitation” by the council as part of required action to provide opportunities for affordable housing. The “rehabilitation area” is centered along Hardenburgh Avenue, and includes boroughowned property and private residences. Its eastern boundary is along Park Street and the railroad rightof-way, while Christie Street creates the western boundary.
ʻVillage-styleʼ downtown The 24-page Downtown Redevelopment Planʼs five goals are to “encourage redevelopment” in the rehabilitation area in keeping with a village-style downtown; improve aesthetics of a village center and create an inviting, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere; expand retail and service offerings within the borough; create the opportunity for apartments and
See DEMAREST page 34
B ck in time...
A century ago the Willett family started their chicken farm on Anderson Avenue in Demarest.
SEE PAGE 4