Resident urges action on Hackensack River; commissioners point to long-running cleanup and volunteer efforts

Kendall Descalzi, a Teaneck resident, told the Bergen County Board of Commissioners that the Hackensack River is “very dirty” and “smells every time I go by it,” and asked the county to do more to clean and acknowledge the river.

The request came during the public-comment portion of the commissioners’ meeting. Descalzi said she has observed floating trash and a tire and suggested forming a volunteer organization or program to help clean the river.

County officials and a commissioner-style speaker responded that the Hackensack River has been the focus of long-term cleanup work. A speaker identified as Commissioner (unnamed) told the meeting the Hackensack Riverkeeper organization — led by Bill Sheen — has led volunteer outings and has won grants and awards to support cleanup over the past 15 years. The speaker said a Riverkeeper office is located on Main Street in Hackensack and recommended Descalzi contact that organization for volunteer opportunities. Another speaker (Chairwoman/meeting official) noted the county receives state “Clean Communities” money to fund projects and volunteer efforts.

In response to a follow-up from a commissioner, another commissioner-style speaker reminded the public that the river has been designated a Superfund site and that decades of industrial dumping required an extended cleanup effort; the speaker said wildlife has returned in places because of sustained cleanup work and encouraged volunteers to join monthly cleanups.

The county did not propose a new, county-led cleanup program or vote on any action at the meeting. Instead, commissioners and staff pointed listeners to existing actors and funding: the Hackensack Riverkeeper organization, volunteer cleanups, and state Clean Communities funding.

Descalzi said she would like to become involved and asked for more information; county speakers directed her to the Riverkeeper office on Main Street and suggested contacting county administration for volunteer opportunities.

Ending: The public comment closed with an invitation for Descalzi and other residents to connect with Hackensack Riverkeeper and county volunteer programs; no formal county action was taken at the meeting.