Pascack Press

12/08/2025

The Twp of Washington Fire Dept. annual Christmas tree sale returned to Memorial Field on Nov. 28 — a hometown tradition with deep roots and devoted volunteers. Here’s the inside story. Reporting by John Snyder.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON — On a crisp December Sunday afternoon, Memorial Field felt like the heart of the town: kids weaving between rows of Fraser firs, families sizing up their perfect [...]

12/04/2025

Honored to share. May his memory be a blessing.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Surrogate Michael Dressler, a remarkable public servant whose impact on Bergen County will be felt for generations. His life was defined by resilience, leadership, and a commitment to guiding families through their most difficult moments. From establishing the Guardianship Monitoring Program to expanding community access, his work set a statewide standard. Michael’s presence, passion, and dedication to public service never wavered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Aggie, and the entire Dressler family. His legacy will not be forgotten.

12/04/2025

READ THE NEW ISSUE HERE! Pascack Press is the Pascack Valley’s hometown newspaper — your stories, your neighbors, your community. Huge thanks to everyone who makes this local journalism project possible: our readers, our advertisers, our contributors, and our dedicated staff. We’re proud to bring you the news that matters close to home.

https://isu.pub/ZF6iA59

12/03/2025

MONTVALE—Fox bite!

Montvale PD took a report of a fox bite on a resident earlier today

Be aware of foxes and keep your distance. The fox was seen in the northeastern corner of the town but it may travel.

Remain vigilant and keep an eye on your children and pets

12/02/2025

PASCACK VALLEY—What happens if Montvale or Park Ridge lose their immunity in the Fourth Round affordable housing process? Short answer: developers could override local zoning through builder’s remedy lawsuits — and both towns were “targeted” by Fair Share Housing Center this fall. Michael Olohan reports.

PASCACK VALLEY—With a Dec. 31 deadline looming to resolve challenges from the Fair Share Housing Center — and, in Montvale’s case, several intervening developers — both Montvale and Park Ridge [...]

12/01/2025

WESTWOOD ZONING BOARD UPDATE — Five Dimes Brewery CARRIED TO JAN. 12. Five Dimes Brewery’s zoning application will NOT be heard tonight (Dec. 1). The amended agenda (it's a packed one!) shows the matter carried to Jan. 12, 2026, which is the board’s reorganization meeting followed by its first regular session of the year. Five Dimes says it will meet privately with the objectors later this month to address concerns.

WESTWOOD—Five Dimes Brewery’s application will not be heard at the Dec. 1 meeting of the Westwood Zoning Board of Adjustment. The amended agenda formally carries the matter (ZB-25-0111) to Jan. 12, 2026 — which [...]

11/29/2025

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Woodfield Road–area residents are preparing to weigh in on a closely watched plan to lease part of the Bethany Church property for DPW storage, with the final vote set for Dec. 2. John Snyder reports.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON — The Township Council will meet Monday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. with a full agenda headlined by the public hearing and second-reading vote on Ordinance 25-25, which [...]

11/28/2025

MONTVALE — The Tuesday, Dec. 2 Planning Board agenda includes an application for the Chestnut Ridge Shopping Center, where Mayor Mike Ghassali has said Trader Joe’s is being proposed for the current Fresh Market space. Ghassali has invited interested residents to attend the meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at Borough Hall.

MONTVALE — The Planning Board on Tuesday, Dec. 2, will hear a variance application for the Chestnut Ridge Shopping Center — the site tied to Mayor Michael Ghassali’s recent announcement [...]

11/27/2025

PASCACK PRESS could not be more grateful for you. Wishing you a safe and bountiful Thanksgiving weekend.

11/26/2025

YOUR JUST-IN-TIME-FOR-THANKSGIVING digital edition of the weekend Pascack Press, the Pascack Valley's hometown newspaper. We've had such wonderful feedback about many of this issue's features already. Thanks to all who make this important project possible. We are grateful for you. | Link below:

https://isu.pub/nMxV3Yo

11/25/2025

EMERSON—The long-stalled Emerson Station redevelopment is back before a judge. The redeveloper has filed a lawsuit alleging borough delays and interference render the project "no longer economically viable"; the borough says it hasn’t yet reviewed the complaint. Michael Olohan reports.

EMERSON — Emerson Redevelopers Urban Renewal (ERUR), the firm behind the long-stalled Emerson Station redevelopment, has filed a new lawsuit against the borough and Mayor Danielle DiPaola, alleging that municipal interference [...]

11/24/2025

HILLSDALE—Among a season of lovely food drives in the Pascack Valley, the 33rd Annual Helping Hand Food Pantry Turkey Drive, held Saturday, Nov. 22 at Hillsdale United Methodist Church, was a huge success. See for yourself! John Snyder reports.

HILLSDALE — Cars were lining up before 10 a.m. outside Hillsdale United Methodist Church, and by noon — as the sun broke from overcast skies and warmed the proceedings — volunteers [...]