Bergen County Pool Party Was 'Absolute Embarrassment' To Town, Mayor Says

NEW MILFORD, NJ — A Bergen County mayor said this week that a pool party that erupted in brawls on Sunday was an "absolute embarrassment" to the town.

New Milford Mayor Michael Putrino said in a social media post that the town did not authorize the privately owned New Milford Swim Club to allow the Sunday event.

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Police Chief Brian Clancy told Patch that officers headed to the pool at 10 p.m. Sunday to address a "large fight," but no weapons were found.

He said no one was arrested during the event, but the investigation is ongoing.

Police dispersed a large group of disorderly people with the assistance of police from River Edge, Oradell, Bergenfield, Dumont, Teaneck, and the Bergen County Sheriff's Department, Clancy said.

The involved parties declined to sign complaints, and no one was seriously injured, Clancy said.

The mayor wrote on social media, "We are aware of the unfortunate and disturbing situation that transpired ... It was an absolute embarrassment to the members of the club, the residents and to New Milford as a whole. The New Milford Swim Club is a privately operated organization that has leased Borough owned property since 1959."

Mayor Putrino said there have been some clashes between the town and club directors over the club's operations.

"We recognize the value that a community swim club can provide, and we are sympathetic to the many New Milford residents who are members, employees, volunteers and supporters of the club," the mayor wrote. "The event advertised as the 'Lavish Effect Pool Party' on August 30 was not authorized by the Borough. Further, the Club did not make the Borough or the Police Department aware that this event was taking place.

"The event resulted in serious incidents including reported disorderly, illegal and inappropriate conduct and physical altercations among attendees."

An Eventbrite site for the party says 112 people attended.