Government
A pending Trenton measure, S1836, would override all local zoning for projects with affordable units — allowing densities 40 times current norms — drawing alarm from the Township Committee.
Public Safety
S1421 would require municipalities to formally budget for emergency medical services, potentially forcing the replacement of volunteer ambulance corps with paid staff.
A state bill requiring municipalities to budget for EMS could effectively end volunteer ambulance corps like Wyckoff's, where volunteers provide all emergency medical services at no cost to taxpayers.
Community
Three neighbors appeared in support as the board unanimously approved a second-story addition on a substandard corner lot — a project driven by the need to create an accessible first-floor bedroom suite for the homeowners' parents.
The owners of a substandard corner lot on Princeton Avenue won unanimous approval to add a second story, with the project designed to create first-floor accessible accommodations for the homeowners' aging parents and three neighbors appearing to support the application.
State & Local
New Jersey's affordable housing law cycles every ten years, and Wyckoff has been navigating its requirements since the 1980s. Here is the full picture of what the fourth round means for residents.
Wyckoff's affordable housing obligation cycles every ten years under a state Supreme Court mandate. The fourth round's overlay zones target commercial corridors and two financially strained church properties — and the fifth round begins in 2035.
Community
After four months of hearings that reshaped the project, the Planning Board unanimously approved a new retail building at the Cedar Hill Shopping Center — with conditions.
The Wyckoff Planning Board unanimously approved a new retail building at the Cedar Hill Shopping Center after a four-month review, with conditions addressing landscaping, driveway safety, and snow removal.
State & Local
The legal tool at the heart of New Jersey's affordable housing debate can override local zoning entirely. Here's how it works and what's at stake for Wyckoff.
Builder's remedy lets developers override local zoning in towns that haven't met their affordable housing obligations. Wyckoff is racing to meet a March 15th deadline to protect itself from this threat.
State & Local
An undersized lot on Auburn Street presented a clear hardship, the board found, as the owners received unanimous approval to add a second floor and covered front porch to a ranch-style home.
The owners of a Dutch Colonial ranch home on Auburn Street won unanimous approval to add a second story, with the board citing a clear hardship from the property's undersized lot.
Community
Three signature events and a full calendar of programming will mark Wyckoff's 100 years as an incorporated township.
Three signature public events — a formal gala in March, a Main Street street fair and fireworks in June, and a historic cemetery tour in October — anchor Wyckoff's year-long centennial celebration.
Government
The 2026 municipal budget was approved unanimously, with the average homeowner facing a $253 annual increase — nearly all of it attributable to a 36 percent spike in state health benefit costs.
Wyckoff adopted its 2026 budget with a $253 average tax increase driven by a 36 percent surge in state health benefit costs, while honoring fallen firefighters and beginning capital improvements including a long-overdue police department renovation.
Government
An exploratory feasibility review — strictly voluntary and years from any decision — will examine whether the two neighboring townships could achieve savings by sharing police services.
Wyckoff and Midland Park launched an exploratory police shared services study, while the committee introduced a $925K road bond and tightened short-term rental rules from 31 to 91 days.
Three youth basketball teams celebrated as league champions
The Township Committee honored three Wyckoff youth travel basketball teams: the 3rd grade girls team (19-3 overall, Northwest Bergen-Passaic Champions), the 3rd grade boys team (22-4, North Jersey Junior Travel League Champions), and the 5th grade boys team (32-4, their third consecutive league championship with a combined 51-2 record over three years).
AH compliance certification expected by end of May
Fair Share Housing Center sent Wyckoff a draft compliance certification agreeing with all of the township's affordable housing filings. Township attorney David expects to submit the paperwork to the Bergen County judge within days, with formal compliance and builder's remedy protection expected by month's end.
Wyckoff Community Foundation granted 501(c)(3) status
The IRS has officially granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to the Wyckoff Community Foundation, meaning donations to the organization are now fully tax deductible. The Foundation supports community programs in the township.
Tom Gentimer retiring after 25 years
Tom Gentimer, Wyckoff's construction official, will retire this summer after 25 years of service. The township is actively seeking his replacement; qualified candidates holding both construction official and building subcode official certifications should apply through the township website.
Helena Ave sewer project complete
The long-running sewer project on Helena Avenue has been completed. Committeeman Boonstra thanked the homeowners along the street for their patience during construction and recognized Michael Scolese for managing the project.
Police department renovation set for winter, backed by $1.1M grant
The 2026 budget includes a required down payment for renovations to the Wyckoff police department facility. The project is supported by a $1.1 million congressional appropriation, which officials said significantly reduces the local burden.