Mountainside Council Updates: Leaf Collection Delays, Halloween Plans, Pool and Downtown Projects

Mountainside Borough Council addressed multiple municipal issues at its October 6 work session, with significant changes coming to leaf collection and updates on community projects.

Leaf collection faces delays due to new state Department of Environmental Protection disposal limits. Public Works Director Matthew DeAnna explained that restrictions at the county leaf disposal facility will reduce how much material Mountainside can deliver each day. Collection routes that previously took about three days could now require five days, depending on leaf volume. Residents may see bags stay at the curb longer, particularly during the heavy collection period around Thanksgiving. Some pickups could extend into the following week.

The full leaf collection program is scheduled to begin November 2 and runs through December 11. The borough will attempt to collect bags in the Halloween road-closure area before the holiday. An alternate disposal location is available if needed, but at higher cost.

Halloween road closures are planned from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Old Tote area, with the same footprint as last year. The discussion focused on allowing families with younger children to begin earlier. Police and public works personnel will coordinate staffing and barricades. Police indicated that reopening could be adjusted if crowds remain, with officers managing the transition as roads reopen.

Council voted to retain a professional firm for design work on the Community Pool improvement project. The vote covers professional services only and does not set a construction start date. Ordinance 1362-2026, scheduled for introduction at the October 20 council meeting, would appropriate $100,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund for the municipal pool emergency.

Downtown improvements near completion include finished sidewalks and curbs, completed pad for a future pavilion, electrical infrastructure work, lighting installation, and landscaping. Remaining work includes parking-area improvements and final paving. Officials coordinated with PSE&G about lighting installation and consulted with Beautiful Mountainside on fixture selection. Weather and delivery times for lights could affect completion timeline.

Council also discussed community wellness efforts. Senior services staff noticed a regular program participant missed scheduled activities and obtained family permission before requesting a police wellness check. Officers found the resident alive on the floor and arranged hospital transport, demonstrating proactive community care.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2026. Find more Mountainside events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

FAQ:

Q: Why will leaf collection take longer this year?
A: New state Department of Environmental Protection restrictions limit how much leaf material the borough can deliver to the county disposal facility each day. This extends collection routes from approximately three days to up to five days.

Q: When does leaf collection start?
A: Collection begins November 2, 2026, and runs through December 11. Residents should expect longer collection periods, particularly around Thanksgiving.

Q: Will Halloween road closures happen this year?
A: Yes. The Old Tote area will be closed from 2 to 7 p.m. on Halloween. The footprint is the same as last year. Police and public works will coordinate staffing and manage reopening based on crowd conditions.

Q: What is happening with the Community Pool project?
A: Council voted to retain a professional firm for design work. A $100,000 emergency appropriation from the Capital Improvement Fund will be introduced at the October 20 meeting. No construction start date has been set.

Q: What downtown improvements are underway?
A: Sidewalks, curbs, and a pavilion pad are completed. Ongoing work includes electrical infrastructure, lighting, landscaping, parking improvements, and final paving. Weather and equipment delivery may affect completion timing.