Published on June 11, 2026
It is my honor and privilege on behalf of the Nutley Board of Commissioners (BOC) to present the 2026 Nutley State of the Township.
As I began this term as Mayor two years ago, I said that Nutley is a destination in life, and it continues to be a destination in all facets of life. Significant progress has been made on the Township's redevelopment projects, businesses continue to grow and many new businesses have opened, home values remain strong and continue to grow, and we have been fortunate to host and present a plethora of events for our residents and their families
I personally was thrown a curveball this year. I was called up to active duty service in the U.S. Army and spent six months in Iraq and Kuwait. I am truly grateful for the patience everyone has shown me, the support I received from the entire Board of Commissioners, and the way the Department of Public Affairs continued to provide services in my physical absence. Fortunately, today's technology allowed me to continue to serve as your Mayor while serving you overseas. Today, I am proud to share a number of updates and happenings on behalf of our great Township.
Township Recognition: Nutley continues to rank among the top communities to live in the country. Median sale prices are up 10.3 percent since last year (per Redfin.com) and average homes sell for a 6-15 percent above list price (per Zillow.com). Nutley is also a very hot market according to Realtor.com and the community is highly ranked by Niche.com, placing in the top six percent for best places to raise a family in America and the top 12 percent for best places to live in America.
Township Events: Over the past year our Township has offered over 250 events and programs for our children and adults to participate in, including our annual 4th of July and Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies, which I am proud to say are second to none.
Township Services: The BOC is always proactive, continuously seeking ways to enhance the services we offer while also being mindful of our budget. One example is the Township’s transition to a Uniform Cart model for garbage collection services. This change not only is more aesthetically pleasing, but also helps us avoid a potential cost increase for residential garbage services. Additionally, we've seen a reduction in usage costs when comparing yearly figures under the old system. The town saved over $250,000 in fees at the dump and rodent complaints are down 75 percent.
Local Business Support: The BOC has been working tirelessly to promote our local businesses and to create opportunities for the creation of new businesses. For more information on these initiatives, please visit the Nutley Chamber of Commerce at
Student Accomplishments: Continuing our tradition of academic excellence, we salute our Township students’ achievements and educational excellence:
www.nutleymusicboosters.org/ensembles/awards-honors
Ciccolini Property Update: The BOC has recently approved a resolution to enter into a development agreement with the new property owner of the former Ciccolini Brothers site. Once the plan is approved by the Planning Board, we anticipate signing it imminently. As it stands, the deal promises significant benefits to the town. For instance, public parking will increase from about 75 spaces to approximately 125 spaces on the property and Nutley will gain a minimum 5,000 square feet of parkland. This project will provide much-needed revitalization to the Northern side of Franklin Avenue.
Hoffman-La Roche/On3 Update: Since reaching a settlement with the redeveloper of the On3 site last year, the BOC have made significant progress toward the site being responsibly developed while also increasing tax ratables. Further, as a result of the settlement, the redeveloper agreed to withdraw its application to create a truck terminal/warehouse on Kingsland Street. While there have been rumors of the redeveloper submitting an application to construct a data center, no such application has been filed. Further, any application for a data center will be carefully and thoroughly reviewed to ensure that the proposed development does not harm the health, safety or welfare of Nutley’s residents or our environment. Also, Reckitt, a multinational consumer goods company, officially opened its new North America headquarters in building 100 earlier this year.
Diamond Springs Update: After multiple planning board meetings and reviews, the Nutley Planning Board granted preliminary and final site plan approval for the project at the old Diamond Springs Pool Club. This luxury project is nearing completion, and will provide 82 age-restricted (55 and older) luxury apartments which will provide increased tax revenue for the Township. Many will recall this project was a result of many years of litigation that threatened to impose 145 market apartments that were not age-restricted on the site with minimal setbacks (less than10 feet in some places). As a result of the BOC's hard-fought efforts in court, the scale and impact of this project was drastically scaled back, with minimum setbacks of at least 31 feet. A new developer took over the project and has been working well with Township officials.
One Nutley: The Board of Commissioners are actively working with and supporting the Board of Education’s efforts to improve its financial stability. Renovation of the building at 777 Bloomfield Avenue was completed on schedule, allowing for the Board of Education office relocation and providing space for 150 pre-K students. This innovative concept, which was accomplished in less than 24 months by the BOC, eliminated a need for a potential $80 million referendum. As a way to financially assist the BOE's financial struggles, the BOC took on the cost of providing crossing guards at intersections to ensure the safety of all at busy crossings, especially our young people. The BOC continues to work with the Board of Education to share costs and save you, the tax payer, money. Additionally, I am pleased to share that John H. Walker Middle School is on pace to become a 6-8th grade middle school this fall.
As Nutley continues to strengthen its foothold as a “Destination in Life,” if there is anything the BOC can do to further enhance your quality of life, please do not hesitate to let us know. The BOC is composed of dedicated public servants with whom I am not only proud to serve with, I am proud to work with. Together with the BOC, we look forward to serving you now and well into the future.
