Mayor Outlines Top Glen Rock Goals in 2013

The borough has a few ambitious goals in their sights for 2013, according to Mayor John van Keuren.

Speaking at the annual reorganization meeting on Wednesday night, the municipal leader outlined three major challenges the council would like to make headway on for the new year.

While 2012 was defined in many parts by stronger communications with residents, van Keuren said there's room to improve.

Most of the related initiatives focused on utilizing technology to reach borough citizens. But if you weren't computer savvy, you didn't receive the full force of information, he said.

"I'm hoping that we can develop better ways to communicate with them [residents] during a similar emergency," he said, citing Hurricane Sandy. He stressing that daily communication with citizens is also desired. "And probably the best way is to start with our seniors, and people with special needs."

The mayor also called for forward movement to add further senior housing in Glen Rock.

"There is a senior housing committee that has been working diligently, and long, to develop a plan that would provide more housing in addition to what we have at Glen Court," he said. Ideally, van Keuren remarked, an established plan can be presented to the public for review in 2013.

Perhaps the most controversial of the goals in 2013 is to cement an improved shade tree policy.

Hurricane Sandy's wrath illustrated the dueling issues on trees; while they can present safety hazards to residents, they're a vital component of the borough.

"It's not going to be easy," he said of striking a balance. "Obviously from the storm we had in October, the safety challenges are clear. But to just wipe out the trees in the interest of maximizing safety is not a desirable or conceivable way to do it."