Town improvements are something most locals appreciate and look forward to seeing for a variety of reasons. However, is every improvement truly beneficial for the town, or could some changes end up being a setback?

   The ongoing construction project in Glen Rock, located at the entrance of the town CVS and the old strip mall, has caught the attention of town residents who aren’t afraid to voice their opinions.  

   Glen Rock has seen a few positive improvements over the last few years, including the fountain near the corner of Maple Avenue, new lighting in the corridor near the GR Pharmacy, and now the latest construction off Rock Road. This project created a firestorm of misinformation and concerned residents ran to community social media pages to vent their concerns.

   Locals have expressed their outrage on the Glen Rocker’s Facebook account stating, “Not enough parking as it is, it’s only going to get worse” and another ranting, “Avoid it at all costs. I’ll start using the CVS in Fair Lawn”

   These concerns are compounded by the fact that these changes occur right next to a very active train track crossing. Glen Rock High School student, Ella Torsiello, stated, “The driveway was hard to navigate before. It is turning into a nightmare.” 

   Traffic trouble is highly expected due to the narrowing of the roadway entrance. Along with the 69-unit apartment complex being built in the same area, many Glen Rock residents are not happy and believe this “improvement” will create a mess. Currently, the morning commute for those on the west side of the mainline train station is bumper-to-bumper, and once this project is finished, that’s an additional 100+ cars entering and leaving that area every day.

   One positive town beautification element is the area for additional flower beds and greenery, which adds some charm to Glen Rock. However, will this be at the expense of safety for those using the roads? 

   The approval process for projects such as these are often taken up with the Town Hall meetings, which, like most towns, are known for low attendance. Considering the uproar online and the rumor mill buzzing throughout town, it may be a lesson on the importance of getting involved with town decisions before approvals are finalized.