The starring role this week has to be Saddle River which has been consumed with deer issues. Mahwah and Upper Saddle River were happy to have the spotlight off them for a bit.
Saddle River
Deer Cull The working meeting of the Mayor and Council was held this week with the backdrop of a protest by residents and others objecting to the hunt. Interestingly, the mayor was not present at meeting. Despite the rushed nature of the impending hunt the council was unable to give residents a date / time / location of where the deer culling will be. Saddle River residents expressed fear about the hunt and say they are ill-informed from the town administration and are concerned about their safety. As the hunt sites are not yet reported and can occur at parks, open land, neighbors homes etc. concerns for the safety of children, pets are high. Two forms were sent out to all Saddle River residents: one for the approval of having the deer culling on your property; the other is approval to remove the dead animals. Residents received notice that there will be a special meeting on Monday, September 17 at 6 & 7 pm. Details have emerged following an OPRA that contains information from 2015 about emails between SR Council President Eric Jensen to SR Councilman Paul Schulstad showing there was illegal hunting in Saddle River then – and they were aware of it. A lawsuit has been filed against the town to stop the hunting. Rumors are also circulating the coyote have also been killed by Tyco Animal Control – residents were not informed of this.
Mahwah
Mayoral Recall The process of the recall is moving ahead steadily. John Roth on Monday officially announced his candidacy for mayor of township in the November 6 recall election. Newcomer Robert Ferguson, a candidate councilman had a meet and greet at Mahwah Bar and Grill on Sept 13 which was well attended.
Toll Brothers A resident reports receiving a phone call from federal EPA investigatory office in NYC. More news to come.