North Caldwell: Walker’s Pond Cleanup May Cost More Than Expected, Report Says

NORTH CALDWELL, NJ — The purchase and cleanup of Walker’s Pond may end up costing North Caldwell more than officials planned, a report says.

The North Caldwell Borough Council approved a $2.85 million bond ordinance to acquire Walker’s Pond and make improvements to the property at 400 Mountain Avenue in April. The township first began discussions about possibly purchasing the property in 2013 following the death of Elwood “Woody” Walker, often referred to as the town’s “first citizen.”

• See related article: North Caldwell Looks to Purchase Walker's Pond

During the council’s March 22 public meeting, North Caldwell Mayor Joseph Alessi said that he’s spoken to hundreds of residents who are ecstatic about the Walker’s Pond improvements and don’t want to see a private developer purchase the property, TAP Into West Essex reported.

• See related article: North Caldwell To Buy Walker's Pond: Approves $2.85M Bond

Town officials had previously discovered contamination from old pesticides in the area, which possibly came from an old orchard that was on the property, The Progress reported.

"The borough tested the pond sediment on more than one occasion prior to closing on the property and was aware of the contamination," Borough Engineer Frank Zichelli told Patch.

Zichelli stated in a report that the contamination will “substantially” increase the cost of the pond’s restoration, but added that some funding for the project may be possible via the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Economic Development Authority.

Zichelli told Patch that the borough negotiated and received a credit of $125,000 from the sellers after the contamination was discovered.

Read the full report here.

Patch file photo

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