In Teaneck, we have always prided ourselves on responsible governance—on making decisions that balance the needs of our residents with the long-term prosperity of our township. That is why I made the difficult but necessary decision to rescind Councilwoman Hillary Goldberg’s appointment as my representative on the Planning Board.
This decision was not made lightly. It was made because Goldberg’s actions in recent months have demonstrated a troubling pattern: She supported key development projects for years—actively participating in planning, negotiations, and zoning discussions—only to abruptly reverse course when it came time to vote.
One of the most glaring examples is the vote on 100 and 140 State Street. These sites have been vacant for a combined 30 years. Teaneck needs the revenue from responsible development, and these projects were thoroughly vetted, revised, and ultimately approved by the Planning Board. Goldberg sat on the Zoning Subcommittee, participated in collaborative discussions with developers, and never voiced opposition throughout the process. Yet, when the final vote arrived, she and Councilman Michael Pagan shockingly voted against the very projects they helped shape.
Why? No clear reason was given. No substantive concerns were raised. Instead, the reversal appeared to be pure political maneuvering—an attempt to placate a vocal minority while disregarding years of careful work and collaboration.
Worse, this pattern is not an isolated incident. Goldberg has been weaponizing her role alongside Pagan to obstruct progress, rather than build a stronger Teaneck. They claim to “listen to residents,” yet their actions suggest otherwise. Leadership means making tough choices in the best interest of the entire community, not just reacting to the loudest voices on Facebook.
Take 100 State Street, for example. It was originally slated to become housing. After significant community opposition, the developer adapted and converted the plan into a self-storage facility—a change that brings tax revenue without adding strain on local services. This was a compromise, a demonstration of responsible development that met community concerns while benefiting Teaneck as a whole. Yet, even after these changes, Goldberg and Pagan chose obstruction over solutions.
The bottom line is this: Leadership requires consistency, accountability, and a commitment to Teaneck’s future. Goldberg’s recent actions have not aligned with those principles. That is why I made the decision to rescind her appointment. Teaneck deserves representatives who don’t just “hear” the community—but who listen and act with integrity.
