2024 Newsletter - Accomplishments

Dear Demarest Residents,

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the progress our community has made this year. I’m proud to share some of the key accomplishments we’ve achieved together. These milestones are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Borough’s governing body, employees, and residents alike.

Here’s a look back at some, not all, of our major accomplishments in 2024:

1. Acquisition of Property for Little Cost
We secured a significant piece of property for Demarest on Piermont Road (the Baptist Church Property) at a very low cost, ensuring that our town has the space and resources to grow and evolve in the coming years. This acquisition sets the stage for a senior center and to meet future needs of the Borough.

2. Shared Municipal Court with Tenafly
In an effort to reduce costs and streamline services, we entered into an agreement with the Borough of Tenafly for a shared Municipal Court. This agreement enhances efficiency, improves service delivery, and creates long-term savings for Demarest taxpayers.

3. Redevelopment of Downtown
We received approval for the redevelopment of our commercial downtown district, a key step toward revitalizing the area. This project will bring new energy, opportunities, and amenities to our town, while preserving the small-town charm that makes Demarest unique.

4. Gazebo Enhancement Grant
We obtained approval for a grant to enhance our beautiful Gazebo, one of our community's most cherished landmarks. This funding will help us maintain and improve this vital space for community gatherings and events.

5. County Collaboration for Turn Lane Installation
Thanks to ongoing cooperation with the County and Chief Executive Jim Tedesco, the installation of a much-needed turn lane downtown is now out to bid. This infrastructure improvement will alleviate traffic congestion and make our downtown area safer and more accessible. We are aiming for completion by Spring 2025.

6. New Long-Term Contracts for Police and DPW
We successfully negotiated new long-term contracts with both our Police Department and Department of Public Works (DPW). These agreements will help ensure that we continue to offer quality services to our residents and enhance your safety while being mindful of our fiscal responsibility.

7. Noise Ordinance Revision
In response to resident concerns, we revised our noise ordinance to help improve quality of life for all. This change ensures that Demarest remains a peaceful place to live while addressing noise-related issues in a fair and reasonable manner.

8. Rewrite of Tree Ordinance
We are working on a major rewrite of the tree ordinance, which will provide homeowners with more control over tree removal on their private property, while also ensuring responsible stewardship of our community’s natural resources.

9. Leadership Changes in Police Department
In a move that has been received with widespread support, we appointed Frank Visaggio as our new Acting Police Chief. Chief Visaggio has stepped into the role with professionalism and dedication, and he’s doing a fantastic job ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.  We also promoted officers to appropriate ranks to recognize their service and to permit us to create shift changes to help the Borough.

10. Police Shift Change to Increase Patrols and Reduce Overtime
Through collaboration with the Police Union, and with the promotions and new hires, we successfully adjusted police shifts to increase patrols and reduce overtime costs. This strategic change ensures that Demarest continues to have a visible police presence, while also maximizing the efficiency of our resources.

11. Holiday-scape Improvements
We re-connected the downtown sprinkler system, which had been disconnected by a prior administration, to provide necessary water to our park area to maintain our trees, grass and beautiful  parks.  This spring, we will install benches and tables to the park area for your use and we also installed new lights on the Christmas tree, Gazebo and  and our downtown holiday-scape.  Please be sure to take a moment and enjoy the Hallmark card moment!

12. Savings with DPW Superintendent Appointment
Through the strategic appointment of a new DPW Superintendent, we have secured substantial savings for the Borough while maintaining and improving the high standard of public works services we provide.

13. Resolution of Compost Yard Issue
We are close to finalizing the resolution of the long-standing issue surrounding the Borough's compost yard. This solution will provide a more effective and sustainable system for yard waste disposal and service to residents.

13. Improvements to Borough Services
This year, we also made key hires to enhance Borough services, including new staff in the Finance, Land Use, and Clerk’s Offices, as well as needed police personnel. These new additions will help us better serve you and meet the growing demands of our community.

14. The Art School at Old Church
Upon acquiring the Property on Piermont Road, we also secured the Art School as a tenant and entered into a long-term lease with them so they can maintain a presence in Demarest.  If you missed it this year, you must attend next year’s Annual Pottery Show to admire and purchase pottery from artists from here and elsewhere.  The show and the pottery were magnificent!

15. My Friday Emails
It is a pleasure to write my Friday emails every week, as it allows me to communicate with you weekly at no cost to the taxpayer.  I greatly appreciate the warm and positive feedback that my emails receive.  I have also used my emails to send out emergency notices to the residents who are signed up to receive them.  To date, my emails are received by 1,081 people but I want to reach everyone in town.  Don’t forget to visit demarestnj.org and click on the link for the Mayor’s Friday Updates to sign up for my emails or scan and register using the QR Code below.

While these accomplishments are significant, they are just some of what we are doing to improve the town and the services that we can provide to you.   As we look ahead to 2025, we will continue to work hard to improve our town, ensure fiscal responsibility, and create a place where everyone can thrive.  In this regard, for example, I am currently negotiating with another town to provide shared van/bus service for our seniors to provide transportation to doctors, hospitals, rehab appointments and food shopping.  I will keep you posted. 

I am incredibly grateful for the support and engagement of the Demarest community. Together, we’ve made great strides, and I’m excited for what the future holds.  My appreciation, gratitude and thanks to all of our employees, volunteers, Commissions, Boards, Demarest Athletic Association and residents.  You have all shared an important role in helping me.  Thank you!!

Wishing you and your families a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Warm regards,
Brian K. Bernstein
Mayor, Borough of Demarest