Blue Laws Fight Tops January News in Paramus

Westwood Woman Seeks Repeal of Bergen Blue Laws

One Westwood resident is fed up with Bergen County's "blue laws" and is working to have the "old fashioned" rules appealed. Rosemary Shashoua has found some like-minded county residents and started a new group called "Modernize Bergen County" with the goal of repealing the blue laws, the rules which prohibit the sale of items like clothing, furniture and appliances on Sundays.

One woman's wish to end the Blue Laws in Bergen County has already hit a nerve with Paramus residents  who are dismayed at the attempt to end their peace and quiet on Sundays from the borough's extensive mall traffic. Residents cited concerns about increased weekend traffic and additional wear-and-tear on the roads and understaffed police department.

Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera is calling Westwood resident Rosemary Shashoua's argument to repeal county Blue Laws "ridiculous."

During the Jan. 24 council meeting, the mayor defended the Blue Laws and the Paramus residents who have been criticized for wanting to keep peace and quiet in this town on Sundays.

Mitchell T. Horn on behalf of Modernize Bergen County issued a Letter to the Editor in response to LaBarbiera's comments.

A large group of males harassed and threatened Paramus Police officers leading them on a foot chase that led to the arrest of two Teaneck juveniles and sent two officers to the hospital with injuries.

To ring in the New Year, the Paramus Department of Public Works will be instituting a new automated system of garbage collection which is projected to help make the borough cleaner and more efficient.

Each homeowner will receive a 96-gallon wheeled cart to be used in place of their current garbage cans. Delivery of the cans, which will each be labeled with an address and serial number, are expected to take place over the next few months.

he Paramus community filled the council chambers to standing room only Sunday to witness Democrat political newcomers Donna Warburton and Patsy Verile take their seats on the council for the first time.

The swearing in of Warburton and Verile returns the majority back to the Democrats for the first time in a few years. Both Warburton and Verile vowed to work together with the entire council as a team for the people of Paramus.

Paramus council agreed to get the hiring process in motion to bring on two more officers for the borough's police department.

The move addresses the need for more manpower, which has been at its lowest the past few years due to retirements and a previous hiring freeze.

Halfway through his college career at Monmouth University, former Paramus Spartan Michael Mordaga Jr. was at a crossroads. The running back that rushed over 1,000 yards in a single season at PHS was seeing minimal playing time with the Hawks and wasn't likely to move up the roster.

After transfering to Montclair State University, the Criminal Justice graduate has now joined in his families lengthy dedication to serve and protectas the newest Bergen County Sheriff's Officer.

Zinburger, the gourmet burger and fine wine bar, opened its doors at Garden State Plaza, on the ground floor nestled between JC Penney and Nieman Marcus.

The Paramus location marks the second one in New Jersey for Zinburger, which has locations throughout parts of the country originating out of Arizona.  There are many area folks who are already big fans of the upscale burger experience through the Clifton location, which opened about two years back.

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