From the Mayor's desk
In 2022, I was elected with a clear mission to drive reform and restore fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer dollars were spent efficiently and productively. My leadership began with a push for reorganization and transparency, addressing lawsuits filed by the previous Council and reassessing the Borough’s management practices. My goal as Mayor is to replace ineffective leadership with a Council that values sacrifice, competency, and service to the community.
As Mayor, my vision is to streamline our public services to deliver the greatest value to our residents. This means cutting waste, eliminating redundant positions, and focusing on projects that directly benefit the community—such as improving public safety, enhancing amenities, and reducing the tax burden. By eliminating redundant positions, we saved over $500,000 in 2024 and are on track to save $350,000 in 2025, stabilizing taxes as a result.
Addressing long standing issues with our public facilities and infrastructure has been a top priority.
We have focused on repairing the Borough Hall building’s structural and fire safety concerns. The new roof at Borough Hall is one of the first steps in a series of improvements planned for completion by the summer of 2025. The building is in the final stages of compliance with POESHA regulations, with the fire alarm systems up to code and all mold and asbestos issues addressed. This summer, the DPW will receive a new street sweeper truck and sewage drain cleaning truck to help prevent flooding. The Broad Avenue Streetscape Project, funded by grants, will enhance public spaces by adding benches, crosswalks, decorative lighting, plants, trees, and trash receptacles—all while promoting cleaner, safer, and more welcoming streets. This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Additionally, this fall, we will welcome a new Pickleball court and Dog Park, made possible through grant funding.
Ensuring quality services and creating a safe, vibrant community remains a priority. Public amenities, like recreation centers, senior centers, and cultural venues, are essential to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. I’ve worked diligently to secure grants and funding to support these developments. The community pool is undergoing renovations, including a new roof for the outdoor seating area and a splash pad.
The snack bar will reopen, and new pool pumps, along with a credit card processing system, will be in place for the summer season.
I am also committed to cleaning up past mismanagement, ensuring compliance with laws like the Affordable Housing Act, and tackling illegal housing issues that strain public services. Under my leadership, tax increases have remained among the lowest in the region, and I continue to seek ways to save and reinvest funds into essential services, such as improving roads, upgrading public safety, and ensuring that future growth is sustainable. This year, road improvements are scheduled for Palisades Blvd., 4th Street, Central Blvd., Temple Terrace, Lawn Avenue, 1st Street, and Edsall Blvd., all funded by grants.
Looking ahead to 2025, my goals focus on optimizing Borough operations, reducing liabilities, and making significant investments in infrastructure and public services. Key initiatives will enhance public safety and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The Palisades Park Police Department is pursuing accreditation to lower insurance premiums and qualify for government funding, which will support the implementation of a Fleet Management System. This program will streamline police vehicle management, enabling quicker and more cost-effective vehicle replacements compared to in-house handling. Additionally, increased police surveillance will be implemented to patrol residential streets, and the department is developing a plan to reduce car accidents by installing more blinking STOP signs and increasing police presence at busy intersections.
Ultimately, my vision is to instill a sense of pride, culture, and progress in the community by reforming management practices, eliminating political influence, and ensuring that the Borough of Palisades Park moves confidently into the future together. Regular updates will be shared on various topics to keep everyone informed and engaged.
I welcome feedback and suggestions via email, as open communication is essential to making our community stronger.
Mayor Chong Paul Kim
Pride. Culture. Progress.
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