Elmwood Park Daily Brief: Assessments, Park Rules and Safety Updates

Property revaluation letters now arriving

Elmwood Park homeowners are beginning to receive new 2026 property assessment notices in the mail. The borough’s contracted appraisal firm has finished its work and is now scheduling one-on-one meetings with residents who have questions about how their homes were valued. Appointments are available by phone, in person at Borough Hall, or virtually, giving property owners some flexibility as they review their new figures.

Borough officials continue to stress that the revaluation is designed to reset assessments so they more closely match current market values, and that it is intended to be revenue neutral overall. Individual tax bills may still change depending on how a given property’s new assessment compares with others in town.

Park dog rules and towing fees headed for February hearing

Three ordinances introduced at the January 22 council meeting are moving toward a public hearing later this month. One proposal would formally allow leashed dogs in borough parks, paired with updated facility rules and enforcement language. Another measure would update towing fee schedules and tighten licensing rules for local towing companies that respond to police calls.

The ordinances are scheduled for further consideration at the council’s February 19 evening meeting at Borough Hall. Residents will have a chance to comment before the council takes any final vote, and copies of the measures are available from the Borough Clerk’s office in advance of the hearing.

Council weighs water rates and safety initiatives

Recent coverage of the January 22 meeting also highlighted a proposal to raise local water rates by ten percent. After pushback over the timing and impact on household budgets, the council tabled the increase for more study. Members signaled they want a deeper review of infrastructure needs and other options before deciding whether any adjustment is necessary this year.

That same meeting featured discussion of a planned police substation near the borough’s supermarket district, intended to strengthen day-to-day visibility and response in a busy commercial area. Officials described the plan as a partnership with the property owner that would limit costs to borough taxpayers while adding another visible point of contact for residents.

Looking ahead

With budget season approaching and several quality-of-life issues on the agenda, residents who want to stay engaged will find February a good time to attend meetings, watch posted videos, or reach out to borough staff with questions about assessments, park rules, or neighborhood safety.

Sources

• https://www.elmwoodparknj.us/elmwood-park-news
• https://www.elmwoodparknj.us/
• https://thelocallens.org/elmwood-park-council-tables-water-rate-increase-amid-safety-and-infrastructure-discussions/
• https://elmwoodparkpd.com/