Paramus Residents Deserve to See the Numbers — and Understand Their Right to Be Heard
Petition Update:
October 8, 2026
Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, and expressed concern about the future of Eisele’s Nursery & Garden Center.
We want to share two important pieces of public information: a New Jersey law concerning public ballot questions and the Borough of Paramus’ official 2026 municipal budget.
1. New Jersey Law — N.J.S.A. 19:37-1
Under N.J.S.A. 19:37-1, a municipal governing body may adopt an ordinance or resolution requesting a nonbinding public question on a general-election ballot, subject to statutory requirements.
The request must be filed with the county clerk at least 88 days before the election.
The law provides a way for elected officials to formally ask voters how they feel about a matter affecting their community.
The vote would not force the borough to purchase land or require a property owner to sell.
However, it could give residents an official opportunity to express their preferences.
We respectfully request that the Paramus Mayor and Borough Council explain whether this procedure could be used for a question concerning the possible preservation of the former Eisele’s Nursery property.
We also ask for written clarification of any separate legal procedures for requesting a special election.
Residents deserve to understand which opportunities for public participation are legally available and how to pursue them.
2. Paramus’ 2026 Municipal Budget — $98,073,155
According to the borough’s official budget, Paramus has approximately $98.07 million in 2026 municipal appropriations.
Where the Money Comes From
Municipal property taxes: $68,464,329
Library property taxes: $4,603,869
Miscellaneous revenues: $16,954,957
Budgeted surplus: $6,400,000
Delinquent tax receipts: $1,650,000
Total: $98,073,155
That includes $73,068,198 raised through municipal and library property taxes.
Where the Money Is Allocated
Salaries and wages: $40,047,050
Other operating expenses: $38,085,005
Deferred charges and other appropriations: $11,842,462
Debt service: $5,448,638
Reserve for uncollected taxes: $2,150,000
Capital improvements: $500,000
Total: $98,073,155
These amounts do not include the separately administered school and county budgets.
We recognize that municipal funds support essential public services, employees, infrastructure, and existing obligations. This is not money that can simply be redirected without consequences.
But these figures demonstrate why transparent financial planning matters.
3. What Would Preserving Eisele’s Nursery Actually Cost?
The approximately six-acre Eisele’s Nursery property reportedly sold for $14.5 million in September 2026.
That sale price provides an important reference point, although any future voluntary purchase could have a different price.
We would like to understand:
Could the borough approach the current owner about a voluntary purchase or preservation agreement?
Could New Jersey Green Acres or Bergen County open-space funding help?
What would acquisition and long-term maintenance actually cost?
What would the potential financial impact be on Paramus taxpayers?
Could suitable, previously developed properties help address other municipal needs?
We are not asking the borough to disregard its financial responsibilities or the rights of property owners.
We are asking that the available options be evaluated and explained publicly.
4. What Happens Next?
Our community includes veterans, children, families, seniors, and neighbors who care deeply about what Paramus will become.
For months, questions have been raised about preservation, public participation, and the possibility of a referendum.
We respectfully ask our elected officials to provide a clear response outlining the lawful voting procedures, potential preservation resources, and financial considerations.
The land has been sold. The questions remain. And the community deserves an opportunity to understand the choices before it.
Thank you to everyone participating in this conversation and helping ensure these concerns receive serious consideration.
Vision means holding on to the past while embracing the future — without erasing it.
Sources
New Jersey Division of Elections — N.J.S.A. 19:37-1 through 19:37-5
https://www.nj.gov/state/dos-statutes-elections-19-31-39.shtml
Borough of Paramus — 2026 Municipal Budget