Welcome, Closter residents! As we move into 2025, our Borough is bustling with exciting projects and initiatives designed to improve our quality of life, maintain our excellent schools, ensure safety, and preserve the charm that makes Closter such a desirable place to call home. Here’s a look at what’s happening in our community this year, tailored to the issues that matter most to you.
Better Roads and Safer Streets
Closter is committed to keeping our roads smooth and our streets safe. This year, a $190,000 NJDOT Municipal Aid grant will fund the resurfacing of Demarest Avenue, a vital roadway for many of us. This follows successful repaving projects on streets like West Street and Poplar Street, ensuring our neighborhoods remain accessible and attractive.
A major upgrade is also underway at the Piermont Road & Ver Valen Street intersection, where Bergen County and Closter are teaming up to install a new traffic signal, improve lane alignments, add sidewalks, and upgrade curbing. These changes will reduce congestion and make this tricky junction safer for drivers and pedestrians alike—perfect for those daily commutes or walks with the family.
The Department of Public Works is also hard at work maintaining our water and sewer systems, often in collaboration with county utilities. Plus, through the Stormwater Outreach program, the Borough is promoting better drainage and educating residents on how we can all help keep our environment clean. These efforts not only make daily life more convenient but also protect our property values by keeping Closter’s infrastructure top-notch.
Investing in Our Top-Ranked Schools
Closter’s schools are a cornerstone of our community, consistently ranking among New Jersey’s best. In 2025, our school district is making significant investments to keep our facilities modern and our students thriving. Thanks to a successful 2023 bond referendum, Hillside Elementary School (HES) and Tenakill Middle School (TMS) are seeing major upgrades, including:
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New windows at TMS ($454,000 project)
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Roof repairs or replacements at both schools ($1.24 million contract)
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High-efficiency boilers ($930,000) for energy savings
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Upgrades to security systems, including swipe-entry systems, and technology infrastructure, like network replacements at HES
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Parking lot improvements for safer drop-offs and pick-ups
These projects ensure our kids learn in safe, modern environments. Beyond facilities, Closter’s schools continue to excel academically, with strong curricula and unique programs like the MacBain Farm education partnerships, which teach students about agriculture and sustainability. The district’s collaboration with the Borough on shared services, like field usage for sports, further strengthens our community’s family-friendly appeal. For homeowners, these school investments are a big reason why Closter remains a top choice for families relocating to Bergen County.
Keeping Closter Safe
Safety is a top priority, and Closter’s first responders are among the best. The Closter Police Department (CPD) is fully accredited by the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police, ensuring top-tier training, accountability, and community-focused policing. From distracted driving enforcement to requiring alarm system registrations, CPD is proactive in keeping our streets and homes secure.
Our Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Corps, vital to our town since 1893, are calling for new volunteers to join their ranks. With membership at historic lows, the Borough is encouraging residents to step up and is exploring ways to support these heroes with better training and equipment. Discussions are also underway to maintain or replace aging fire trucks and ambulances through careful budgeting. These efforts, combined with improved communication systems and coordination with neighboring towns, ensure Closter remains one of the safest communities in New Jersey—a key factor for residents and potential home buyers.
Enjoying Closter’s Community Spaces
Closter’s parks, farms, and cultural programs make our town truly special. A major highlight for 2025 is the restoration of the historic MacBain Farmhouse at MacBain Farm Park. This 6.8-acre gem, where volunteers grow free vegetables, herbs, and flowers for residents, is set to see its 1934 farmhouse renovated for community use—perhaps as a caretaker’s home or a hub for educational programs. The 2024 harvest was a success, and 2025 promises even more bounty, thanks to our dedicated volunteers.
Our parks are also getting a boost. The Borough’s updated Open Space & Recreation Plan for 2025 will guide improvements at Ruckman Park, Memorial Field, and Schauble Park, home to youth sports and events like the Little League parade and Art in the Park. Meanwhile, Closter Plaza will come alive with free, family-friendly pop-up concerts and events organized by the Closter Improvement Commission and the Mayor’s Committee for the Arts. The Closter Public Library and Closter Nature Center continue to offer enriching programs, from guided night hikes to music by the pond, making Closter a vibrant place for families and retirees alike.
Smart Growth and Community Preservation
Closter is carefully managing growth to maintain our suburban charm. The Borough has met New Jersey’s affordable housing requirements through 2025 by repurposing the former Village Middle School into affordable units and partnering with non-profits for special-needs housing. This proactive approach has protected Closter from dense development while fulfilling state mandates, preserving our low-density neighborhoods.
The former Closter Swim Club property on Blanch Avenue is another exciting project. With a state grant covering 75% of cleanup costs, this 5+ acre site is being remediated for public use—potentially as a park, nature trails, or even a community pool. By dedicating this land to recreation, Closter is preventing high-density housing and enhancing our community’s appeal.
Additionally, Closter’s 2022 ban on recreational cannabis businesses ensures our downtown remains family-friendly, aligning with the values of many residents. These policies, combined with careful zoning and open space preservation, keep Closter a peaceful, attractive place to live.
A Responsible Budget for a Bright Future
Closter’s 2025 budget supports these initiatives while keeping taxes stable. With a municipal budget of approximately $15 million, the Borough funds essential services like police, public works, and recreation, while investing in capital projects like road repairs and emergency equipment. By securing grants (e.g., NJDOT, FEMA) and sharing services with neighboring towns, Closter offsets costs and maintains a strong credit rating. This fiscal discipline ensures we can enjoy upgraded infrastructure, safe schools, and vibrant amenities without breaking the bank—a win for homeowners looking to protect their property values.
Why This Matters to You
Whether you’re a long-time resident or considering Closter as your new home, these 2025 initiatives reflect our Borough’s commitment to quality of life. From smoother roads and safer intersections to top-tier schools and vibrant community spaces, Closter is investing in what makes our town special. These efforts not only enhance our daily lives but also keep Closter a top destination for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a tight-knit, high-quality community.
Stay engaged! Attend a council meeting, volunteer at MacBain Farm, or join the Fire Department or Ambulance Corps. Together, we can keep Closter thriving.