The many residents who give countless hours of volunteer time are a major factor in making Teaneck a special place. The Township Council takes this opportunity to thank all who participate actively in municipal government as unpaid members of the Statutory and Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees. It is impossible to place a monetary value on their service.
We also take this opportunity to highlight some of the boards, commissions and committees.
Patriotic Observance Advisory Board: The Patriotic Observance Advisory Board is appointed each year by the Township Council. Its members represent various civic and veterans organizations as well as the community at large. The Board has the overall responsibility to coordinate the Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans' Day ceremonies. The Board also organizes the annual Fourth of July parade and makes recommendation to the Township Council on other matters of a patriotic nature such as the placing of names on the memorial on the Municipal Complex Green, as well as its maintenance. The Board's goal is to continue the recognition of all patriotic events and the education of the public regarding their participation and understanding.
Shade Tree Advisory Board: The Shade Tree Advisory Board was created in 1995 to provide technical and management advice to the Council and Shade Tree Supervisor as well as educating residents to the benefits and care of trees. The Board conducts tree inspections when necessary in conjunction with the Shade Tree Supervisor, assists in identifying suitable tree planting sites and recommends appropriate species for Township planting. The Board annually tracks and evaluates progress made towards the goals and objectives of the recently approved Community Forestry Management Plan. The Board also plans Teaneck's annual Arbor Day celebration and sees that Teaneck maintains its Tree City USA status.
Teaneck Economic Development Corporation: The Teaneck Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit corporation organized under the auspices of the Township of Teaneck. Its purpose is twofold: 1) to foster and nurture the current and future business climate within the Township. 2) to act as District Manager for the Special Improvement Districts within the Township. Currently, there is only one District within the Township, the Cedar Lane Special Improvement District. The Corporation is had undertaken a project to create a business development plan which will involve all four commercial areas within the Township.
Environmental Commission: The Teaneck Environmental Commission advises the Planning Board on environmental aspects of site plans, Master Plan development and the sale of Township property. The Commission is empowered by State law to conduct research in the possible use of the open land area of the Township and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes. The Commission may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which, in its judgment, it deems necessary for its purposes. The Commission is required to keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open space, marshland, swamps and other wetlands.
The Commission was recognized in 2000 by the Association New Jersey Environmental Commission with an Achievement Award for its work. The Commission also conducts hearing and organizes meetings on topics related to its charge. It has links to the Shade Tree Advisory Board, the Hackensack River Greenway Advisory Board and one of its members, by State law, serves on the Planning Board. The Commission recently completed a revision of Teaneck's Environmental Resource Inventory, which includes the development of an open space plan to be included in the revised Master Plan.
Teaneck Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse: The Teaneck Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse focuses its efforts toward the prevention of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. Its purpose is to develop prevention programs for outreach and community support. The Alliance works closely with local municipal officials, police, school personnel, professional organizations and residents to support local programs such as D.A.R.E., Project Graduation, Night Out, Parenting Workshops, Senior's programs, and alcohol/drug free activities.
Teaneck Civilian Complain Review Board: The Board's function is to receive complaints of possible police misconduct (unnecessary force, excessive force, harassment or use of abusive language), investigate, evaluate and if appropriate, refer them to the appropriate disciplinary authority.
Teaneck Library Board of Trustees: The Board sets the policies which govern the operation and programs of the Teaneck Public Library. In implementing this responsibility, the Board works with its appointed Director to analyze and oversee the Library's operating and capital budgets, keep abreast of standard and trends in the field and maintain liaisons with the Township Council, the Board of Education, the Friends of the Library and the wider community.
Advisory Board on Parks, Playgrounds and Recreation: The Advisory Board on Parks, Playgrounds and Recreation (PPRAB) advises the Council on matters relating to parks, playgrounds and recreation. These matters arise from the Council, professional staff and other Township employees, residents and directly from PPRAB members. PPRAB always endeavors to enhance the quality of life in Teaneck and to satisfy and balance the needs in Teaneck by considering conflicting and competing interests.
PPRAB provides recommendations to the Planning Board as well as input on the municipal budget. Recent projects (Master Plan) which PPRAB initiated or assisted in their development/implementation included the proposed Tryon Park Walking Path, Adopt-a-Park Program, Hackensack River Greenway Through Teaneck, Hackensack River Stories Project and East Forest Avenue/Argonne Park beautification.
Hackensack River Greenway Advisory Board: Its mission is the design and development of a walking or jogging path along the 3.5-mile length of the River in Teaneck. Recreational opportunities also include bird watching and photography. Additional objectives are environmental conservation and restoration in the form of protection and enhancement of water quality and protection of native animal and plant species. Work has begun on the Terhune and Andreas Park sections. Entrance signs have been placed along River Road and stories in art and text may be seen along the way. In the course of the year 2001, HRGAB worked with the Township Engineering Department to develop the Andreas Park section under an $18,750 matching grant from the National Recreational Trails Program. Our landscape architect completed plans, which were approved by HRGAB. Bids were then solicited from contractors by our engineering staff and construction will be completed in 2002.
The Greenway has been extensively used for events such as walks and bird watching planned by the Friends of the Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck.
Teaneck Senior Citizen and Transportation Advisory Board: The Teaneck Senior Citizen and Transportation Advisory Board is appointed by the Council and is concerned with improving the quality of life for Teaneck Senior Citizens.
It's purpose is to advise or recommend to the Council the concerns and needs of our older population.
The Board has recommended in the past the need for a Senior Center and a van to transport senior citizens to medical appointments, food shopping and recreational events.
The Advisory Board is interested in hearing any ideas or suggestions of unmet needs in the community. Please contact us through the Township Clerk's Office.
The Teaneck Redevelopment Agency: The Teaneck Redevelopment Agency was created in 1970 by the Township Council. The Agency's mission was to acquire, plan and provide for the redevelopment of the area set forth as follows: Route 80-95 - Glenwood Avenue area, and to stimulate the proper and sound growth of this area of the Township. The Glenpointe Marriott Hotel and the Glenpointe Condominiums were part of the first phase of the redevelopment plans, completed during the late 1970s, early 1980s. During 2000-2001, the final approvals were obtained for the construction of an independent living facility which represents the development of the final portion of this area.
Please contact the Township Clerk's Office at (201) 837-4806 for further information on these and all other Boards and Commissions.