Mayor and Council Propose Residential Parking Fee

It's Christmas week, we know, and it may be hard to pay a lot of attention to much else, especially if you've got shopping to finish up (or start), meals to plan and guests to prepare for. But there are plenty of things happening in Fort Lee that may or may not be holiday-related but are definitely worth checking out. Here is a look at five things you should know about and might not want to miss this week:

Number one:

The Fort Lee Board of Education meets Monday night at 8 p.m. at School No. 1 for its first regular meeting since its multi-million dollar proposal to upgrade and expand the borough's school system failed for the second time in three months—this time by a margin of 677 votes as opposed to the previous 54. And that after school officials knocked $10 million off the price tag and re-introduced the measure.

It'll be interesting to see what the board has to say about where things go from here. Will they go back to the drawing board? Will they decide something is better than nothing and attempt to further modify and re-introduce the plan?

Schools Superintendent Raymond Bandlow has said over-crowding and the "dire condition" of the schools' infrastructure are problems that "are not going away."

He's also said that in order to qualify for $18 million in state aid, some form of referendum may need to be passed before July, although he says the board has no specific plans yet to re-introduce the measure.

Number two:

The Fort Lee Mayor and Council will hold a special meeting Thursday on the five-dollar administrative fee on residential parking permits.

You wouldn't think paying $5 for a residential parking permit that's good for four years would have so many people so concerned, but people have been speaking out against the proposal nonetheless.

Critics of the move say it amounts to a tax and oppose it on principle. Other critics have said the council should have chosen a better time for the meeting when more people can attend.

Supporters, particularly those on the Borough Council like Harvey Sohmer, say the fee would help offset the cost of the stickers, signs and maintenance and that the current program runs on a deficit, costing the Parking Authority $162,000 over a four year period.

"This is still going to run at a deficit to the Parking Authority of $72,000," Sohmer said. "This is just some money that we're going to get back."

The special meeting and public hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in Borough Hall's executive conference room #201.

Number three: 

On Wednesday, the Fort Lee Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local #245 will conduct its annual toy delivery to Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck and Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in Englewood. The PBA has been collecting and delivering toys to children in local hospitals as well as local families in need for over twenty years.

Toys will be collected from all six Horizon Road apartment buildings, Mediterranean Towers (north and south) and the complexes at 2200 North Central.

For those looking to donate who are not residents of the high rises, there are toy drop boxes at the police station and Fort Lee Borough Hall on Main St. Although toy collection officially ends on Dec. 21, any additional toys or items that are donated up until Dec. 24 get distributed locally to families in need. People interested in giving specifically requested items for local charities should contact the Fort Lee Police Department with questions.

Number four:

The Fort Lee Lady Bridgemen basketball team resumes play at home against Bergenfield Thursday at 5 p.m. Their game was suspended Friday evening when referee Greg Dobbin collapsed in the middle of a play and had to be taken to the hospital. The game was suspended with Bergenfield up 5-2 with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Other sports events you may not want to miss this busy last week before winter recess:

• The girls also host Cliffside Park on Monday, which will account for their first official win or loss of the season.

• The boys' basketball team plays at Cliffside Park Monday after opening the season with a loss at Bergenfield. The Bridgemen then open a string of five consecutive home games.

• The wrestling team begins their season on Wednesday night on the road at Mahwah. Coach Alex Almeyda leads the team into a 7 p.m. showdown that will lead up to the Bergen County Tournament early next week.

• The Fort Lee indoor track team also opens its season this week. On Tuesday, the Bridgemen compete in the Spiked Shoe Holiday Festival at the 168th Armory beginning at 4 p.m.

• And the co-ed bowling team has just one match scheduled for the week with a meeting against Westwood Monday. Bowler City in Hackensack will host the two teams at 4 p.m.

Number five:

After a holiday pizza party at Schools No. 2, 3 and 4, early dismal at Fort Lee schools Thursday marks the start of winter recess. But don't miss the holiday concert at the middle school at 7:30 p.m. that night.

And by the way, for those who just can't stay away from Borough Hall, be aware that it is closed for the holiday on Friday as well.