businesses, or their improvements.” The committee also works closely with companies looking to expand, aligning their needs with local regulations. “There are a couple of companies that are looking to expand, which means their footprint will be bigger than what’s allowed. We’re working with them, to give them what they want, but still stay within the code and the laws,” conveys Ghassali. He discloses that one major company is planning a significant expansion, nearly doubling its current size. On the workforce development side, efforts are underway to improve transportation options. Additionally, Montvale is focusing on expanding daycare facilities, as Ghassali expands, “About a third of our community is younger families, and many of them work outside of town. So, they need daycare.” The borough also benefits from a very active Chamber of Commerce, which the mayor says plays a crucial role in supporting both business and workforce initiatives, including organizing internship opportunities for high school seniors. PRESERVATION AND PROGRESS Beautification efforts have been underway as part of the revitalization of Kinderkamack Road, the heart of Montvale. This has included attention to parks, and a veterans banner program, creating a welcoming atmosphere that will attract people to the downtown. “A lot of the focus over the past three to five years has been on DiPiero Drive, Grand Ave, and sort of creating a new town center,” admits Voytus.“But we certainly don’t want to ignore Kinderkamack because that is the history of the town. It’s an area that we want to revitalize and get some more retail and mixed-use in.” Montvale has also purchased the iconic Octagon House, built in 1850 and depicted on the borough logo. The goal is to receive grant funding to restore the building and offer it as a resource for community groups to use as an office and meeting space. “It does have that historic character, and there’s a sentimentality about that building,” Voytus acknowledges. “It’s something that we want to preserve. We don’t have a ton of historic buildings. So, I think it’s important that the buildings that we do have are preserved and kept for the community.” HOUSING DEVELOPMENT With no vacant land left to build on, Montvale is focused on repurposing existing spaces. “Everything that we’re going to see in terms of new development would have to be redevelopment,” Voytus asserts.“It’s going to be taking the spaces that 174 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx