As election day approaches, Teaneck residents are faced with critical decisions about the future of our town. At the heart of these decisions are the reason why we are running for reelection and asking for your vote. We have consistently worked to address the key challenges facing our community—and very much want to ensure that Teaneck remains a vibrant, inclusive and responsible place for all who live here. We’d like to enumerate our key goals as we ask the community to support our candidacy for Town Council.

Responsible Development For Teaneck’s Future

We have long advocated for responsible development that addresses Teaneck’s growing fiscal needs without compromising the character of our town. One of Mendy’s proudest accomplishments is the transformation of a long-dormant storage facility on Teaneck Road into a 40-unit, senior-restricted affordable housing site. This project, completed in August, provides 100% affordable housing, something that’s difficult to achieve with privately-owned sites.

Development must be done responsibly, by focusing on vacant or abandoned sites along main roads—not removing greenery or disturbing single-family neighborhoods. Our vision for Teaneck is simple: growth that serves the community, brings in much-needed revenue, and preserves the integrity of our residential areas.

As the town faces an annual $1.5 million deficit, we want you to know that new development is essential to closing that gap. Our focus will remain on responsible and community-centered growth.

Communication and Community Engagement

We also deeply understand the needs of our community while fostering strong communication and engagement. Karen worked on many advancements to improve communication with first responders and unions, including bringing 911 dispatch back to Teaneck and partnering with Hackensack to enhance fire dispatch operations.

We value the input of those on the front lines. Listening to and working with the people who are directly involved helps strengthen the entire community.

We also prioritize the needs and requests of residents, particularly when it comes to improving parks and fields for children. Residents have made it clear that this is a priority, and we are committed to ensuring our fields are playable and safe for our kids.

Listening and Learning

We have both made community engagement a cornerstone of our work, albeit with slightly different focuses.

Mendy’s approach has been to step out of his comfort zone and build connections with diverse groups. From his involvement with TVAC and youth soccer to walking the streets and attending other houses of worship, Mark actively seeks opportunities to engage with all members of the community.

Karen’s attention to fostering relationships with residents has led to improvements in traffic safety. After a tragic accident on Palmer Avenue, we heard concerns of residents and worked directly with them to implement practical solutions, including revising stop sign placements. This hands-on approach to governance is something we hope to continue in our next term, particularly through initiatives like community policing, which is vital to building trust between residents and law enforcement. Community policing allows officers to be a positive presence in neighborhoods and schools. It’s crucial that our youth see officers as helpers and allies from a young age.

Looking Toward Teaneck’s Future, Together

As we look toward the future, we remain focused on building a stronger, more connected Teaneck. From responsible development to open communication and safety initiatives, our vision is one where every resident’s voice is heard and every community within Teaneck is supported.

We feel we offer Teaneck a balanced, thoughtful approach to the challenges ahead—ensuring that Teaneck not only grows but thrives for generations to come. We are grateful to our community for its partnership and hope it continues. As always, please be in touch with us with any questions or concerns at [email protected] and 917-902-9303.

From our families to yours, best wishes for a Chag Sukkot Sameach!