Please forgive me, Charles Dickens, for borrowing the title of this article from your very famous book. However, the title seemed so appropriate. No, I am not referring to London and Paris, as you did, but rather two cities that are much more relevant to our readers and to me: Bergenfield and Teaneck.
Recently our cities have been infested with awful protestors. They are specifically Palestinian supporters who, from their chants, actions and vile behavior, have made it well-known that they are not only anti-Zionist but also antisemitic. As most know, I live on a major, busy street. Two weeks ago on a Sunday, I had absolutely no idea — until I heard loud noises and horns blasting and saw through my window Palestinian flags attached to cars — that another barrage of protesters was to be driving down my normally busy but peaceful street. One would think the residents of Bergenfield would have been forewarned about this invasion on their local streets, but of course not. Sadly, this has become the norm here as we, the residents of Bergenfield, had not been informed of the mass protest which took place outside Keter Torah two weeks ago.
Yes, I know Keter Torah is in Teaneck, but in order to get there most of the protestors used the streets of Bergenfield to arrive at their destination. That particular event we had all been forewarned about, thanks to the Jewish community and primarily to the Teaneck Police Department through Dean Kazinci, the Teaneck township manager, who invariably is on top of any local information that would impact our communities.
It does not make any sense to me that one city is so involved in what its community members need to know and the other never says a word. We all know what a nuisance it is when driving and coming upon a street that is undergoing paving or electrical work through PSE&G. Never to worry in Teaneck, because not only is there a notice sent out to inform residents, but a time is even given as to when the work will begin and end. Trees being removed closing a street? Never a word from the city of Bergenfield. You will find out when you are caught in a traffic jam as everyone might have to turn around due to the closing or repaving of a street. How come our neighboring community is able to immediately let its residents know of such activities?
Over two years ago I personally met with Mayor Amatorio and our esteemed Township Manager Corey Gallo to discuss the abhorrent crossing for people leaving Beth Abraham and needing to cross New Bridge. We also discussed the lack of proper lighting on various streets (such as Westminster Gate). They agreed they would get back to me shortly. Let’s just say that I am still waiting. Please do not tell me that now that there is a sidewalk on New Bridge near Congregation Beth Abraham that the problem has been solved. Once again, I shudder to think that the only way action will finally be taken is when one of us is killed trying to cross there, either in the pitch black after Maariv or in the middle of the day while cars go by watching people standing there and not bothering to stop. We need better lighting and definitely a flashing crosswalk light, which our surrounding neighborhoods have figured out how to do. Honestly, if the police would just ticket the number of cars that do not stop as pedestrians wait to cross, the city could increase salaries and hopefully the first ones to get an increase would be the police. I am so fed up and although I know the residents of our communities may not deem it important to vote when there is an election for local government, perhaps it is time for everyone to consider voting in the next election for the leadership of the city of Bergenfield.
Not to end on a totally bleak note, I must once again note the brightest star in Bergenfield and that is BVAC and the amazing people who devote so much time and effort to making sure that all emergencies are dealt with expeditiously. They are the honorees of this city.
Nina Glick can be reached at [email protected].
