Mayor Colleen Mahr announces the reopening of Fanwood’s public facilities closed more than 14 months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m pleased we are able to welcome our citizens back to Borough Hall, our recreation buildings, and library,” she remarked. “It’s timely since the state of New Jersey’s health emergency has been declared over.”

DPW Director Clint Dicksen and Borough staffer Courtney Agnello work in newly reconfigured work space at Borough Hall

Since last spring, most government business has been conducted by phone, email, and ZOOM. The recreation buildings at Forest Road Park and LaGrande Park were closed to avoid the spread of COVID. Fanwood Memorial Library loaned books at the curbside and later offered limited browsing by appointment only.

Beginning in the fall of 2020, Borough Hall underwent an interior redesign that better uses space creates offices for staff, and reconfigures the spaces where the public may conduct business. A new service window has been established in the entry hall as a first stop for people with business or inquiries. There is also a window to pay tax and sewer bills. The construction office has its own wing. Computer/IT infrastructure has been updated as has a portion of the adjoining Police Department.

“The building was long in need of an upgrade to accommodate the traffic that’s increased over the decades,” said Mayor Mahr. “While we’re glad it’s been reopened, we still urge citizens to check our website first for the information they are seeking, fanwoodnj.org. Masks will still be required to enter the building and our staff will also mask when interacting with the public.”

Forest Road Recreation building with newly repaved access road and path

Recreation buildings may again be booked for events. Complete rules and availability are available at fanwoodrecreation.org/rental-policy. Those renting the Forest Road Park building will be surrounded by new landscaping and paving, along with upgraded walkways, bike racks, a basketball court, and a new pickleball court.

The library and its many programs for people of all ages are back to pre-pandemic schedules. Visitors may once again browse the stacks. There will be a 30-minute limit on computer time. Library hours will be:

Monday         9:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday         12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wednesday   9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday.       9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday              9:30 am – 1:00 pm

“For the time being, Borough Council meetings will continue to be held via ZOOM and Facebook streaming,” said Mayor Mahr. “We are hoping to reopen the meetings for limited public attendance over the summer.”