Message from Mayor
Letter to Editor of The Record/North Jersey.com
Response to Article on Property Taxes
To the Editor:
As a resident of Franklin Lakes for almost 45 years and current mayor, I was disturbed by the recent article on property taxes. It was inaccurate and misleading.
The article says that Franklin Lakes and several other towns “have the highest taxes” and describes these towns as “costly towns” and “most expensive municipalities”. The author confuses tax rate with tax bill. He says Tavistock has “the highest property tax rate” based on “an average annual tax bill of $38,206” and “Wayne represents the highest tax rate at $13,139”. The reporter clearly does not understand the difference and relationship between tax rate and tax bill. He then lists towns with the “largest average tax bill”, listing Franklin Lakes as 15th, with an average tax bill of $18,565.
The average tax bill means nothing other than as an indicator of the value of the average home in the municipality. Whether a town should be considered as having high tax burden depends principally on the tax rate. The tax rate is the percentage of the home’s assessed value upon which taxes are calculated. For instance, in Franklin Lakes, if the owner of a home assessed for $1,000,000 pays $15,000 in taxes annually, then the tax rate is 1.5%. If, in another municipality, the same home pays annual taxes of $20,000, then the tax rate in that municipality is 2%.
Franklin Lakes has among the lowest tax rates in Bergen County and the State of New Jersey, and can’t, under any analysis, be considered a municipality with a relatively high property tax burden. Of the 70 municipalities in Bergen County in 2024, Franklin Lakes had the 12th lowest tax rate – see https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/pdf/lpt/gtr/2024taxrates.pdf.
Please print a retraction.
Sincerely,
Charles J.X. Kahwaty, Mayor
| |
|
From the Borough Clerk
Annual Licensing Notice – 2025 Cat & Dog Licenses must be obtained by March 31
The Clerk’s office has begun processing annual cat and dog license renewals for the 2025 licensing period. Renewal notices have been sent by email to pet owners with current emails on file in the SDL Portal. Follow the instructions in the email, or visit franklinlakes.org/pets for complete information on licensing your pet.
Licenses must be obtained on or before the last day of March. Do not delay – renew today! Spayed/Neutered Dogs and Cats $11; Non-Spayed/Non-Neutered Dogs and Cats $14. Pets licensed after March 31 are an additional $15 per pet. All cats and dogs must be licensed annually.
Pet Licensing Questions? Visit franklinlakes.org/pets or call the Borough Clerk's Office at 201-891-4000 x1200 or email boroughclerk@franklinlakes.org.
Need SDL Portal Help? Select the HELP icon in SDL or call SDL Customer Support at 732-357-1280.
| |
From Franklin Lakes Board of Education
2025-2026 Kindergarten and New Student Registration
Pre-registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year for both incoming kindergarten students and other students new to the District. Residents may begin the pre-registration process by selecting the "New Student Registration" link under the Parent tab on the District website's homepage. To be eligible for Kindergarten in September 2025, students must be 5 years old on or before October 1, 2025. Begin the New Student Registration online.
| |
|
From Police Department
Crossing Guard Safety
Our Franklin Lakes Crossing guards are a vital part of the community and they need your help. They regularly report to work with an upbeat and customer-friendly attitude and greeting students and parents with a smile or friendly wave. Without fail, they welcome just about everyone in this manner, whether it rains, snows, or a bright sunny day. The crossing guards report to duty in the four-way road intersection of Franklin Avenue and Pulis Avenue, ready to work from 7:30 - 8:30 in the morning and again from 2:30 - 3:30 in the afternoon. The Franklin Lakes Crossing Guards are dedicated employees entrusted with the safe arrival and departure of the Franklin Lake Avenue Middle School students. Without them, crossing the busy intersection near the school would place students at great risk. The crossing guard's infectious smile, friendly morning greetings, and acts of kindness encourage the students on their way to school. Creating a positive atmosphere for students as they arrive to learn. They work hard to keep our students and their parents safe. Doing it humbly without complaints.
However, over the last few months, distracted, and aggressive drivers have acted in a manner threatening the guard’s safety. In speaking with them, they report that the overwhelming majority of the folks they encounter are excellent; with maybe 1% that are creating a challenge. Over the last decade, the accident rate for crossing guards has increased by a staggering 65%. This increase can be contributed to the traffic congestion on the roadways, which were not designed to handle the volume of vehicles as well as distracted driving. These factors are good enough reasons to slow down and be prepared to stop and wait until the crossing guard gives you direction to turn or otherwise enter a crosswalk. Full article can be found on website.
| |
|
From Police Department
Check Your Vehicle for Recalls During
Vehicle Safety Recalls Week March 3-9, 2025
The Franklin Lakes Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during Vehicle Safety Recalls Week from March 3-9, 2025. The mission is simple Keep people safe on America’s roadways. The event coincides with the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, which occurs Sunday, March 9, 2025. Twice a year, as Americans set their clocks forward and back, we work to remind drivers to use this time to also check their Vehicle Identification Number for open safety recalls using NHTSA’s user-friendly VIN Look-Up Tool. In 2021 alone, there were 1,093 safety recalls affecting more than 34 million vehicles and other automotive equipment in the United States, some of the highest recall numbers on record.
“Checking for recalls is quick and easy,” said Sergeant Denny Knubel. “During Vehicle Safety Recalls Week in March, we are urging everyone to take a few minutes to check for an open safety recall. Remember that every vehicle recall is important and should be repaired immediately. The best part? All repairs are free. Your diligence will help keep you and others safe on the roadways.” Full article can be found on website.
| |
|
Mayor and Council Special/Work Session Meeting
View the Mayor and Council Agenda for the 7:30PM Special/Work Session Meeting in the Conference Room at Borough Hall on Tuesday, March 4.
| |
Upcoming Meetings
- Monday, March 3 at 7:00 PM, Board of Health Meeting, Conference Room
- Monday, March 3 at 7:00 PM, Environmental Commission Meeting, Council Chambers
- Tuesday, March 4 at 7:30 PM, Mayor and Council Meeting, Conference Room
- Wednesday, March 5 at 9:30 AM, REACH Meeting, Ambulance Corps
- Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30 PM, Planning Board Meeting, Council Chambers
- Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 PM, Zoning Board Meeting, Council Chambers
| |
Help Wanted
Recycling Center Monitor - Part-time - Saturdays 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (5 hours). Monitor activity at the Borough’s Recycling Center. $16 per hour. Immediate opening available. Year round position. Application available at www.franklinlakes.org/forms or at Borough Hall, 480 DeKorte Dr, Franklin Lakes. For information, call Nancy at 201-891-4000, ext. 3010. Franklin Lakes is Equal Opportunity Employer.
Fire Prevention Secretary - Part-time - 12 hrs per week. Fire Prevention Secretary to assist Fire Prevention Bureau. Must be a self-starter with good people skills & organized. Computer skills including MS Office required. Experience preferred. Hourly rate based on qualifications and experience. Email resume and cover letter to Fire Official at BComitto@franklinlakes.org. The Borough of Franklin Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Technical Assistant to the Construction Official (TACO) - Full-time - Must be able to communicate effectively, be organized, multitask, & positive attitude to work with experienced, helpful staff in a busy office. Two years’ experience as TACO preferred with Technical Assistant license issued from DCA required. Computer skills including MS Word and Excel required. Knowledge of SDL software a plus. Mail resume to Construction Official at 480 DeKorte Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, or email GGoodman@franklinlakes.org. 35 hrs per week, full benefits, salary commensurate with experience. The Borough of Franklin Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
| |
|
Annual Ramadan Lighting Ceremony
The American Muslim Community of Franklin Lakes, Moutaz Charaf - Muslim Chaplain, the Imam of El-Zahra Islamic Center, and the Mayor and Council celebrated the annual Ramadan Lighting Ceremony on February 27, 2025. Ramadan is a holiday observed by Muslims in the United States and around the world every year. During the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the sighting of the new moon, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn till dusk, practice compassion with charity, pray and celebrate. The front of Borough Hall was lit with green and white lights to celebrate Ramadan and will remain lit until Saturday, March 29th when Ramadan ends. View video and photos on Facebook. Mayor's Speech.
| |
|
Street Banner Sponsorship 2025
Deadline: March 1, 2025
The Borough of Franklin Lakes is selling Street Banner Sponsorships for 2025. All Franklin Lakes businesses will have the opportunity to advertise on our lamp posts either on Franklin Avenue or Franklin Lake Road (FLR has 6 lamp posts, first come first serve). Please consider showing your support by purchasing up to two banners. Banners will be displayed from April 2025 through October 30th. (November 1st our Hometown Hero banners will be going up). The banners are double-sided and will have your business logo on the lower portion of the banner.
For more information on how to order please see attached letter and lamp banner sponsorship application form. All applications and artwork (high resolution PDF or JPEG 16’ x 8”) must be submitted by email to drobinson@franklinlakes.org by March 1st.
| |
|
Hometown Heroes Banner Program
Deadline: Friday, August 1st
The Borough of Franklin Lakes is proud to launch a Hometown Hero banner program. The banner program is open to all Franklin Lakes Veterans past and present! The banners will be hung for display for the month of November for 3 years from year of purchase; (2025, 2026, and 2027). Please see a sample banner here. All applications are due by Friday, August 1st.
For more information on how to order please see attached Hometown Hero banner submission form. All submission forms, copy of Veteran’s DD-214 (if available) and artwork (high resolution PDF or JPEG at 600dpi) must be submitted by email to drobinson@franklinlakes.org by August 1st.
| |
|
Baskets 4 HOPE - Registration Opens March 1
Saturday, June 7, 2025
The Mayors Wellness Campaign will host the annual Baskets 4 Hope, 3 v 3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, June 7th on the outdoor basketball courts at Pulis Avenue Recreation Field. It’s time to start putting together your teams and come up with creative team names. Teams of four are recommended, as you are guaranteed three games in the tournament. Every registered player will receive a reversible basketball jersey.
This year’s tournament will raise money in memory of Larry Sellitti. Larry dedicated 37 years to the Franklin Lakes Department of Public Works, where he retired as Forman in July of 2024. Throughout the past few years, Larry battled many health issues including heart disease and kidney failure. Please help us raise funds to donate a memorial bench to Franklin Lakes, Maywood, and Ringwood. The three towns Larry spent his life; working, raising his three sons, coaching, and growing up.
Registration will open March 1 at www.franklinlakes.org/baskets. Event flyer. To volunteer or sponsor, email the Community Director at drobinson@franklinlakes.org.
| |
From Flow Follies
39 Years of Community Spirit - “The Flow Show that Goes Wrong!”
Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 PM
Get ready for a night of laughter, fun, and community spirit as Flow Follies presents its annual play: "The Flow Show That Goes Wrong!" Come support Oakland, Franklin Lakes & Wyckoff students by raising funds for scholarships while enjoying a show that will have you laughing all night long!
Special Senior Matinee on Sunday, March 9 includes lunch at 12:30 PM. Advance reservations required. For $10 senior lunch and show tickets, contact John Morley at jmorc@aol.com.
Support the arts, give back to your community, and enjoy an unforgettable performance. A 501c(3) Organization. Tickets: $15 in advance | $20 at the door. Need tickets, visit https://flowfollies.org. Location: Indian Hills High School Auditorium, 131 Yawpo Ave, Oakland, NJ.
| |
From Recycling Coordinator | |
Recycle Right
NJDEP Air, Energy and Materials Sustainability
The cold winter winds can make a house feel drafty at times, so make sure your house has the proper amount of insulation. If insulation is needed, consider purchasing recylced content insulation. There are several types of recycled content insulation, including fiberglass insulation made from recycled glass, cellulose insulation made from recycled paper and even denim insulation made from recycled denim clothing. These products are effective, affordable and readily available. And don’t forget to insulate electrical outlets on exterior walls since they can allow a lot of cold air to leak into your home. Outlet insulators are not only a good idea, but also easy to find and install. Learn more about recycling at www.recycle.nj.gov.
| |
Schedule a Curbside Collection for Bulk Waste, and Metal/Appliance Recycling
Details on curbside collections that need to be scheduled, visit Metal/Large Appliance and Bulk Waste. Residents must schedule a collection by completing a request form for bulk waste and metal and large appliance pick-up no later than10:00 AM the day before the scheduled date of collection.
| |
Donate Bulk Waste Items
Before you place any bulk waste items out for curbside collection, consider donating any furniture or household items. A list of local organizations is available at www.franklinlakes.org/donations.
| |
Upcoming Community Events
-
The Old Stone Music and Coffee House - Friday, March 7. An Old Stone favorite band, Timepeace, will be performing from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM. $10 cover charge, includes entry, unlimited coffee, tea, cold drinks and some yummy baked goodies. BYOB is allowed. Bring a donation for the CUMAC food pantry, and you'll be entered in a drawing to get your cover charge back. Event flyer.
-
FLOW Follies - March 7, 8, 9. Facebook page with details.
-
Library Car and 50/50 Raffle - The Franklin Lakes Library Foundation is selling 4,000 raffle tickets at $100 per ticket. To purchase a ticket mail a check made out to Franklin Lakes Library Foundation, 470 DeKorte Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. Flyer.
-
Franklin Lakes Library - Find out what's happening at the Franklin Lakes Library, view our weekly newsletter. A full list of programs and services is available at franklinlakeslibrary.org.
-
Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce - Monthly Networking Meetings, 7:00 AM, second Friday of the month at the OEM Building.
| |
Stay Connected with Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education
| |
Help Keep Franklin Lakes Safe! | |
The Latest Buzz
"The Latest Buzz" will give updated status reports on those issues that seem to generate the most buzz throughout town, that may be under-reported in other news outlets. We will keep this information fresh and up-to-date, with the "Last Updated" date noted at the end of each article.
For more information on the following topics visit: www.franklinlakes.org/buzz.
| | | | |
