Bergen County Sets Aside $2M for Open Space Projects in 14 Towns

Local officials have split $1.9 million in Open Space Trust Fund money between fourteen towns. Eight spots in Pascack Valley will share $861,006, while six Northern Valley areas will split $1,079,376 for parks and historic sites.

Park Ridge secured $232,000 to save the Frederick Wortendyke Homestead at 12 Pascack Road. "This purchase and preservation will allow the next generation, and future generations, to learn and celebrate our past," said Mayor Misciagna, according to The Press Group.

Standing since the mid-1700s, the Wortendyke house marks the oldest structure in Pascack Valley. Frederick Wortendyke Jr. built it after his father bought 465 acres in 1735.

A $165,000 grant went to Englewood for property at 173 West Forest Ave. Meanwhile, $50,000 will fix up the Wortendyke Barn, now an agricultural museum run by county staff.

Plans for the J.J. Blauvelt Octagon House earned Montvale $75,000. This unique 1800s building, featured on the town seal, has served many roles, from hotel to restaurant to office space.

Seven areas won money for park fixes. New playground gear and shade will come to Emerson's Ackerman Park. Hillsdale wants a pavilion by its bandshell. Three Montvale parks will get fresh benches and better paths.

Town Hall tennis courts in River Vale need repairs. Washington Township plans better access at two sites with new seating, parking, and play areas. McKinley Park in Westwood will add an accessible playground. Woodcliff Lake tennis spots will see new fences, lights, and plants.

The county set aside $100,000 to watch over the dig work at River Vale's Baylor Massacre site. Seven Northern Valley spots missed out on funds this round.

Officials will check these plans at a public talk on Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Hackensack. Work starts Nov. 12 with a four-year deadline.

Want to speak up? Write to Trust Fund head Kenneth Aloisio at the Bergen County building or email kaloisio@co.bergen.nj.us.