Rundown of My Interview With Tenafly Council Candidate Julie O' Connor

Julie O'Connor, a five-year veteran of Tenafly's City Council, is running for re-election. A committed public servant with deep roots in the community, O'Connor has lived in Tenafly for 25 years and raised two children in the local school system. Alongside her council role, she is a Bergen County teacher, giving her unique insight into the educational and community needs of Tenafly’s residents. As she seeks another term, O'Connor focuses on environmental preservation, infrastructure improvements, community engagement, and thoughtful development, all with a goal to “leave the community better than I found it.”

After an interview with her on goals for a possible next term, her accomplishments as a member of the Tenafly Council, and the values she supports and stands up for, I've put together some information to help you make an educated vote this election. Enjoy!

A Commitment to Green Spaces and Sustainability

O'Connor’s environmental initiatives are a cornerstone of her work on the council. She’s led efforts to preserve and expand Tenafly’s green spaces, recognizing the balance between necessary development and maintaining the town’s natural beauty. "Preserving green spaces and trees is very important to me," she says. As part of this commitment, she has worked to strengthen Tenafly’s "tree code," a regulation that imposes penalties on unauthorized tree removal and channels those funds into new tree-planting efforts around town.

One of her major achievements is the development of Grove Street Park, a new community park on the site of the former swim club. The park’s features include a pollinator garden to support vulnerable populations of monarch butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. "We’re creating an integrated space that people of all ages and interests can enjoy," she explains. The park will also include raised flower beds for residents with mobility challenges, allowing wheelchair and walker users to participate in community gardening. An expanded dog park, a new skate park, and community gathering areas are also in the plans. “I’m excited to see this park become a space that brings together residents of all ages, with interests as varied as gardening, skateboarding, and simply enjoying the outdoors.”

Her environmental efforts also extend to practical sustainability initiatives. O'Connor has introduced several electric vehicle charging stations around Tenafly and notes that the town is planning an official ribbon-cutting for these new stations. "Bringing EV chargers to town is one way we can attract visitors to our local businesses, as studies show that businesses near charging stations see increased foot traffic," she says, adding that this small but strategic move will not only support the environment but also encourage economic growth.

Improving Infrastructure and Flood Mitigation

Flood mitigation is a pressing issue for Tenafly, and O'Connor has made infrastructure improvements a top priority. With funding from a $1.6 million federal grant, Tenafly has planned projects to clear and de-snag Tenakill Brook and Overpeck Creek, which will allow these waterways to hold more rainwater, mitigating the risk of flooding. "By clearing out natural debris like twigs and leaves, we can increase the capacity of these streams by around 20 percent," she explains, adding that addressing flooding is a long-term commitment that requires sustained investment.

The town has also started mapping its culverts—the underground water channels that carry rainwater from drains to prevent flooding. "Mapping and clearing obstructions from our culverts is essential to ensuring the town’s infrastructure can handle stormwater effectively," she says. Beyond flood prevention, O'Connor has supported road paving projects, which have allowed the town to repave approximately three miles of road each year. “Our roads are in better condition than those of neighboring towns because we’ve prioritized regular maintenance,” she says, emphasizing her dedication to improving the daily lives of residents through infrastructure.

Fostering Youth Engagement and Civic Responsibility

As a teacher and a mother of high school-aged children, O'Connor is particularly invested in finding ways to engage younger residents in local government. Although the town doesn’t yet have a formal internship program, she envisions a future where young people have structured opportunities to contribute to their community. "Civic engagement for young people needs to be encouraged; it's so important," she emphasizes.

Recently, O'Connor organized a women’s history event that established Tenafly as a "sister city" to Seneca Falls, New York—the birthplace of the U.S. Women’s Rights Movement. She worked with local schools to encourage student participation, with one teacher offering extra credit to students who attended. "Many students who came didn’t expect to enjoy it but ended up learning a lot and felt more connected to the community’s history," she recalls. For O'Connor, events like these serve as an entry point for young people to understand the significance of civic engagement.

In addition to historical events, O'Connor has organized community environmental activities, such as an annual "Trash-a-thon" with the Environmental Commission around Earth Day. She has encouraged the local school system to promote these events, seeing school participation as crucial to fostering a sense of community among young people. "We need to stop thinking of school and town events as separate—the same kids attend both, so we need to promote community events within the schools," she says.

Strengthening Tenafly’s Local Economy

O'Connor is proactive in promoting Tenafly’s local economy and finding innovative ways to support businesses amid competition from larger retailers. She believes that initiatives like installing electric vehicle chargers are a practical way to attract more shoppers to the downtown area. "Putting EV chargers downtown is an out-of-the-box way to encourage people to visit our town and shop locally while they charge," she explains.

In addition to introducing EV chargers, O'Connor has supported changes to the downtown traffic pattern, which aims to make Tenafly more accessible for both drivers and pedestrians. The town has implemented new safety measures, such as a four-way stop sign near BBC Salon, and has ordered a traffic light near Clinton Inn, though it will take about a year to arrive. "All these changes are part of making Tenafly a safer, more convenient place for both residents and visitors to navigate," she says.

Balancing Development and Historical Preservation

In addition to green space and economic growth, O'Connor is committed to protecting Tenafly’s historical sites. She has been instrumental in securing grants to restore local landmarks, including the historic Café Angelique train station and a monument at Roosevelt Commons. "Historic spaces can also be preserved under open space funds, which is helpful in ensuring that these landmarks remain part of our community," she explains.

Looking ahead, O'Connor plans to further honor Tenafly’s history by making the town a stop in the Women’s National Historical Park, a national network of sites celebrating women’s suffrage and rights. "Elizabeth Cady Stanton lived here, and it’s vital that we preserve that legacy for future generations," she says. By integrating Tenafly into this national park network, O'Connor hopes to attract visitors interested in women’s history and to highlight the town’s role in the larger story of women’s rights.

A Leader Focused on Consensus-Building and Growth

Throughout her time on the council, O'Connor has honed her skills as a consensus-builder, working with her fellow council members to serve the community’s needs. "Being one of six council members means finding what’s important to everyone in the room and negotiating to reach a solution that works," she says. This skill was especially valuable in the planning of Grove Street Park, where she worked with various council members and resident groups to ensure the park met diverse needs, from adding a baseball field to expanding the dog park.

Reflecting on her growth as a leader, she notes that her ability to listen to and incorporate feedback has only strengthened over time. She recalls her first term, which began during the COVID lockdown, as a challenging period of adjustment. Since then, she has developed strong relationships with colleagues and residents, which allows her to approach projects more efficiently. "I’ve gotten better at getting to the right people and asking the right questions, which helps me achieve our goals more effectively," she says.

A Vision for Tenafly’s Future

While her overall vision for Tenafly has remained consistent—maintaining the town’s quality of life and strong community values—O'Connor sees emerging issues, like pedestrian safety, as key areas to address. She highlights improvements in crosswalk striping and road “bump outs” that make it safer for pedestrians to cross. "We’ve made strides, but I’d like Tenafly to become even more walkable,” she says, noting her personal connection as an avid walker herself.

Her approach to her role on the council remains rooted in her commitment to the community she has called home for over two decades. "I want to leave Tenafly better than I found it,” she says. "Whether it’s through environmental projects, improved infrastructure, or fostering a stronger sense of community, my goal is to make a positive impact."

With a focus on preserving Tenafly’s history, supporting its residents, and responsibly guiding its growth, Julie O'Connor offers a vision of Tenafly that honors its past while preparing for the future.