The borough was awarded more than $25 million in grants since last year for an ongoing revitalization project that includes major infrastructure improvements and a new library-recreation complex.
“These grants will help the town maintain its standing as one of the most desirable places to live in the country for residents of all ages,” said Mayor Tom Calabrese. “And we deeply appreciate the generosity of federal, state, and county officials in assisting us.”
This month, Cliffside Park was awarded a $1,092,000 federal grant under the government’s 2026 spending bill. The money is earmarked for both separating and repairing storm and sanitary piping, said U.S. Congresswoman Nellie Pou, who represents the borough in the House of Representatives.
“I am excited that the House has approved these direct federal investments to support communities across our district,” she said.
Last year, Cliffside Park garnered about $3.1 million from the state and county for similar work.
Meanwhile, the borough was awarded more than $1.3 million for major roadway improvements including a recent a $238,726 state grant for resurfacing work on Nelson Avenue. Grants for road work on Jefferson, Lincoln and Aurora Avenue and DeSoto Place were also received last year.
Thus far, the town has also received a total of $18 million in grants to help fund the new library-recreation complex on Edgewater Road. It is slated to be completed by 2028 and will include a 40,000 square foot library, a 20,000 square foot recreation center and a large parking garage.
“The new complex will provide residents with a beautiful new library and an expansive recreation complex along with much needed parking,” Calabrese said. “We are in the process of selecting a contractor for the project and hope to do so in the coming months.”
The borough also has received grants totaling more than $547,000 combined for new tennis courts at West Grantwood Playground on Oakdene Avenue and Honor Park at the Seniors Complex on Gorge Road and Palisade Avenue.
Grants totaling $810,000 for borough hall improvements that include a new elevator and HVAC system replacement were also received. And more than $250,000 in grants were obtained for various programs involving police, the public works and health departments, the summer recreation program for children, and the Municipal Court.
These improvements and enhancements across the borough enabled it to be ranked by AARP as the country’s most desirable mid-sized community of between 25,000 to 99,000 residents. For the second consecutive year, Cliffside Park beat out hundreds of competitors nationwide with the highest “Livability Index” for its overall services, amenities, and performance for residents of all ages.
