Public Works Facility Agreement With Leonia

Township of Teaneck Announces Agreement with Borough of Leonia for New Department of Public Works Facility

Teaneck, NJ — [March 3, 2026] — The Township of Teaneck has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Borough of Leonia establishing a long-term land lease agreement that will allow the Township to construct a new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility, marking a major step forward after many years of evaluating solutions for its aging operations site.

Teaneck’s current DPW facility at 1600 River Road no longer adequately supports modern operations and requires significant upgrades to meet environmental and safety standards. The new facility that will be built adjacent to Leonia’s existing DPW at 1 Overpeck Park Driveway, will provide a long-term solution designed to improve efficiency, compliance, and working conditions for our DPW Director, Travon Romeo and his hardworking DPW staff.

“This agreement represents an important investment in Teaneck’s future,” said Mayor Mark Schwartz. “Partnering with the Borough of Leonia allows us to move forward with a modern facility that strengthens essential services for our residents while supporting our workforce.”

The planned Department of Public Works complex will include but not limited to a covered salt storage structure, protected fleet storage, upgraded office space, and a dedicated mechanic and maintenance area to support ongoing fleet improvements and daily operations. Our Recycling Depot will be relocated and efforts will be made to keep this drop off location within Township limits.

Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen added, “Our DPW employees have worked for years in a facility that no longer meets operational needs. This new home will provide the safe, functional workspace and amenities they deserve, and we are excited to move this long-anticipated project forward.”

This achievement builds on many years of hard work and especially former Township Manager Dean Kazinci's dedication to exploring several options for a new DPW facility. "When I stepped into this role as Township Manager in July 2024, I was approached with this challenge and sincere disbelief that we would ever achieve this goal for our DPW team, said Township Manager Jaclyn M. Hashmat." "Today, I, along with the Mayor and Council, are proud to deliver this promise and provide recognition and investment that our DPW workforce has long deserved."

The Township also extends sincere gratitude to Leonia Mayor, William Ziegler, Borough Administrator Marisa Mesropian and their entire Council and leadership team for their collaboration and partnership. This agreement creates opportunities for continued cooperation between neighboring municipalities, including the potential sharing of equipment and resources when needed.

In addition, we thank County Executive James Tedesco for his continued leadership and support for both of our towns as we worked through this challenging situation for Teaneck residents and our DPW staff.
The Township of Teaneck Mayor & Council and Township Manager look forward to our future planning and construction phases as we move to break ground before end of year.