Council highlights local events; historical society outlines Old Town Hall dedication and renovation timeline

At the June 22 meeting of the Little Falls Township Council, members used their reports to highlight a string of local events and community resources and listened to a public comment update on Old Town Hall renovations.

Councilmember Urvin Patel told the council she attended the Tucker Dance House grand opening and praised the support for the woman-owned business, saying, “It was definitely a packed event, and it was great to see such great support, especially for a woman owned business and for someone as passionate as the owner Gianna is.” Patel also noted a health-department workshop, "Healthy Brain Habits," scheduled for June 24 at 1 p.m. at the Little Falls Civic Center and gave the Clifton Health Department contact number for registration.

Councilwoman Habbitt described the library’s summer reading kickoff and a busy farmers market that will run through October; she announced Old Town Hall’s front-plaza dedication on July 4 at 10 a.m., citing exterior improvements funded in part by an AARP grant and a planned 2026 time capsule.

Councilman Vancheri echoed congratulations to local businesses and graduates, offered condolences to the family of retired Detective Captain Robert Ryker (d. June 12), and reminded residents of a retirement walkout for Police Chief Brian Brough scheduled for June 26 at 2 p.m.

During the public-comment period, John Berry, speaking on behalf of the Little Falls Historical Society, said the Old Town Hall front plaza and new accessible walkways will be dedicated at 10 a.m. on July 4. Berry told the council interior renovation work is underway but subject to grant timelines; he estimated the whole project could take roughly a year to complete and said parts of the building (including the tenant Ethan and the Bean) might reopen by November or December depending on grant timing and construction sequencing: “I would expect that we should be done within the year, and maybe Ethan and the Bean will open up… by the end of this year.”

The council did not take formal action on the renovation update during the meeting. The meeting record notes that virtual participation was available for public comment via the township’s website.

The council adjourned after completing the evening’s agenda.