Roseland Resident N. Caldwell's New Inspector

For the first time in more than two decades, a new era began in the North Caldwell building department last week.

Leonard Mendola Jr., who has been the part-time building inspector in Montclair the past three years, took over as North Caldwell's part-time construction code enforcement officer and building inspector on July 12.

"I've been in this area a while and I enjoy working here," said Mendola, 48, who lives in Roseland. "In Montclair, we've done just about every type of inspection there is, so it probably will be the same here. So I don't foresee any big challenges here—the towns are all pretty similar."

Mendola, who works in North Caldwell on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, replaced Ronald Young. After 21 years with the borough, Young announced his retirement in May, effective June 30.

"I think he did a wonderful job for the town," Borough Administrator Joseph Kunz said. "He didn't necessarily get along with everybody, but he generally had the town's and the homeowners' interests on projects and he didn't really favor the builders. He wanted to make sure that everybody would be treated fairly."

While Young did not specify his personal reasons for retiring, Kunz believed it was related to the changes in state government.

"Basically, because of the uncertainty with the state and the pensions, if I were within retirement age and could do it, I think anyone would be foolish not to," Kunz said. "It seems to be a hot issue, and after working 21 years, you don't want to lose that. Retirements have been happening everywhere."