Community News from Garfield, New Jersey • A13

WOOD-RIDGE Borough discusses renovation of boulevard the Shade Tree Commission, was also at the walk-through. "In my opinion, I think that the older Oak trees should come down for health reasons. According to Riccardella, the latest effort to beautify the boulevard is part of a larger initiative to increase downtown activity. In addition to a similar project that dealt with the area between Highland Avenue and Sussex Road, the mayor and council have also imposed parking limitations on the boulevard in order to detract commuters and reserve space for shoppers. Eric Altomare has been in busi Riccardella refused to grant his approval before talking more with the Shade Tree Commission.

"The last time we took down trees, even though we meant well, members of the community were upset," he said. The trees in question line the front of an apartment complex owned by Albert Rottini, who said he was in favor of the removal. "We want them to come down because we think it doesn't make sense to do those sidewalks and leave them up," he said. "Of course, I'll abide by whatever the town says." George Meglio, the chairman of ness on the boulevard for two years. His shop, the Eric Alt Salon, is host to an eclectic cast of customers, ranging from Olympic gold medallists to news anchors.

"I think its going to be a won- derful thing for the community," said Altomare. "I think it will grate two sections of the boulevard together." Altomare added that uniformity always fuels commercial success. "I would like to see some of the stores have similar signage," he said. Sean Nyhan's e-mail address is nyhannorthjersey. com BY SEAN NYHAN Staff Writer The mayor and council are in the design phase of another renovation to Valley Boulevard.

On Oct. 16, Mayor Paul Sarlo, members of the council, and other borough officials met at the corner of Columbia and Valley boulevards with flashlights to survey the new beautification zone. The small crowd made their way up and down both sides of Valley Boulevard, between Columbia Boulevard and North Avenue, citing needed improvements along the way. SADDLE BROOK The streetscape project will include brick pavers on the west side of the boulevard for commercial purposes. On the opposite side, where there is an apartment complex and a single residence, the new sidewalks will include strips of grass.

The entire project will be funded with grant money. The council is currently in the design phase and will seek bids in the coming months. One item in the preliminary design that is up for debate is the proposed removal of several trees that line the eastern side of the boulevard. Councilman Robert cle. "Why should we have to pay for gas and insurance for somebody else's personalprivate business?" Rodriguez said.

D'Arminio countered that the car is not for private business and he had the right to use the car. He said as an administrator and public safety director, he is allowed to use any vehicle in the municipal fleet if the need arises. "That vehicle is for municipal purposes and not private purposes," said D'Arminio. D'Arminio said he used the car WET ONE Mayor, councilman clash over use of wrongdoing here. I take exception to it.

He either doesn't understand the form of government that we have here or what my duties may be or may not be." Councilman Edward Kugler was sympathetic with the mayor but said the car should be marked "Mayor of Saddle Brook" and should be designated under a more accurate line item in the town to meet with other mayors in Lodi and with Bergen County officials while pursuing flood remediation. Rodriguez said the mayor's vehicle was part of six cars that should be used by the police department. "As far as I'm concerned, the mayor does not wear a badge in town," Rodriguez said. The councilman believes the mayor should return the car for use by the police. "He's making innuendoes," said D'Arminio.

"(Rodriguez) has given the perception as if there's some BY SUSAN CLARK Staff Writer A councilman questioned the mayor's use of a car paid for by the borough. At the Oct. 11 council meeting, Councilman Omar Rodriguez said he believed Mayor Lou D'Arminio should not use a vehicle owned by the borough. He suggested the mayor was taking advantage of taxpayers' money and it was unfair to council members who did not have the use of a similar vehicle, which is an unmarked police vehi PLANTING A vehicle D'Arminio said the police vehicle is a detective car and is unmarked for a reason. The mayor said he reserved the right to use the vehicle if he needed it but that the police would have use of it most of the time.

"It's not the mayor's car," said D'Arminio. "It's a municipal car." Susan Joy Clark's e-mail address is clarksnorthjersey.com November 9 y.30 p.m. $22 for adults $20 for students senior citizens 65) Vodou Drums of Haiti Music Dance Simple Gifts Music from Around the World November 11 y.oo p.m. $12 for adults $10 for students senior citizens 65) HBL All events at Bergen Community College Ciccone Theatre Call 201-447-7428 for ticket information UPCOMING EVENTS: The Golden Dragon Acrobats of China Saturday, November 17, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Crabgrass Puppets' Mr. Punch's Christmas Carols Saturday, December 15, at 3:00 p.m. bBersen COMMUNITYCOLLEGE Rare Opportunities. Shared Dreams. 400 Paramus Paramus, NJ www.bergen.edu NICK MESSINASTAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Marge Kayne, president of the START II rescue organization, gets a wet kiss from Dice, a 7-month-old puppy at the Camp Bow Wow grand opening in Elmwood Park on Oct.

20. Dice received all of his shots and is up for adoption..