combines direct intervention with market-driven solutions that benefit businesses and job seekers. “We just had a job fair in combination with the Chamber of Commerce. We had about 150 people come and talk to companies. We had probably 30 companies exhibit,” Mayor Ghassali reports.The town works closely with Bergen County to match students seeking employment with major employers like KPMG and other large companies based in Montvale, though these connections happen on an as-needed basis rather than through formal programs. Housing availability remains a more complex challenge that directly impacts workforce development. Despite strong demand, Mayor Ghassali deliberately avoids encouraging residential development due to infrastructure constraints. “We don’t go after developers and tell them to come and build housing only because I think we’re at the point now where we’re almost reaching the limit relative to the infrastructure,” he explains, intimating lessons learned from previous mixed-use developments that strained municipal services. Market dynamics continue to favor sellers in Bergen County, where 72% of homes sell above asking price and inventory remains limited. In Montvale specifically, this translates to premium pricing that mirrors the community’s desirability. “We just have had eight houses being built. Each one is $2 million, and they were sold before they were even being built,” Mayor Ghassali notes. Throughout Bergen County, 72% of homes sell above asking price, with average values reaching $754,579 and properties typically going to pending status within 18 days of listing. If you're in the area, come visit us at 12 Railroad Ave, Montvale, NJ 0764! SIGN UP BONUS EXCLUSIVE DEALS FUEL SAVINGS BUY 5 GET 6TH FREE CLUBS GET THE APP JOIN TODAY! SCAN ME WITH EXPERIENCE MORE IN MONTVALE PER GALLON 25¢ OFF IN-STORE $5 OFF SAVE BIG WITH 118 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
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