How Glen Rock’s Open Space Fund Is Spending an Extra $35K This Fall

In a unanimous vote on July 23, 2025, Borough Council members approved Councilmember Jill Orlich’s proposal to allocate an additional $35,000 from the local Open Space Trust Fund toward tree planting efforts this fall. This new funding is in addition to the $35,000 already budgeted earlier in the year, doubling the borough’s tree investment for 2025.

The Open Space Trust Fund was established following voter approval in November 2022. It collects funds through a small property tax: ½ cent per $100 of assessed value, averaging about $28.83 per household per year. The fund is reserved exclusively for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of lands for recreation and conservation purposes. It provides a consistent, dedicated revenue stream for enhancing public spaces and allows Glen Rock to qualify for matching grants from the Bergen County Open Space Trust.

Councilmember Orlich emphasized that the fund’s purpose is to protect and enhance Glen Rock’s open areas. She believes this objective is well-served by bolstering the town’s tree canopy. “This is exactly what the fund was designed for,” Orlich stated during the session.

The supplemental planting initiative will focus exclusively on public lands, excluding sidewalks and residential properties. Targeted areas include Glen Rock’s parks, the grounds surrounding Borough Hall, public spaces near the train stations, and other locations identified by Public Works Director Bob Buono for optimal canopy replenishment.

During public comments, residents shared both support and concern. Eight-year-old Giulia, a Glen Rock resident, addressed the Council directly: “When we cut down the trees, it kind of makes me nervous that we're not going to have a good environment and we're not going to have a lot of oxygen.”

Councilmember Amy Martin responded to Giulia's comments by affirming the borough’s commitment to sustainability. “We’re actually planting double the trees this year,” she said.

Giulia's father added, “You move to a town without trees, you tell me how the property values are. I guarantee they're not going to be as high as ours.”

Council candidate Jon Hendl voiced concerns about sidewalk damage caused by trees. He asked, “How do I opt out of having any trees put in front of my house in the future?”

Another resident, Boaz, raised issues about transparency in tree removals. “You come home one day and the tree is gone… why can’t the town notify homeowners before cutting them down?” he said.

Director of Public Works Bob Buono addressed these concerns, clarifying the borough’s process for tree removal. “We're not out there driving around looking for trees to cut down,” Buono said. “When we’re notified of a potential hazard, our licensed tree care operator assesses it. If he determines it’s a risk to property or life, we act. We won’t wait. We can’t risk safety.”

The motion passed with full support from Councilmembers Martin, Gilbreath, Orlich, Coll, Rosanski, and Rosenstein. The vote reflects Glen Rock’s broader efforts to preserve and enhance its public tree canopy.