Paramus NJ - Paramus Park Mall in New Jersey Information

Paramus New Jersey - A Place to Shop

Paramus is known for its multitude of stores and malls. It has 5 malls, more than most towns it's size. On New Jersey State Highway 4, there is the Bergen Mall and the Mall at IV. On New Jersey State Highway 17, there is Paramus Park and the Fashion Center. At the intersection of Routes 4 and 17 is Paramus's biggest and most famous mall, the Garden State Plaza. Across from the Garden State Plaza, there is an Ikea, one of three in the New York City metro area. There is also a Crate & Barrel, a Home Depot, a Best Buy, and lots of other major store chains located on Routes 4 and 17.

Paramus is also big on entertainment. One of it's three movie theaters is a Loew's theater with 10 cinemas, located on Route 4 just east of the Bergen Mall. They want to put it near the Garden State Plaza, but local opposition has prevented this due to the extra traffic. Also, several arcade chains have put places in Paramus. Amazingly, Paramus, along with the rest of Bergen County, has a law preventing stores from being open on Sundays, the only reason for the few remaining chains that haven't opened there. Paramus is also the headquarters of Toys "R" Us, which has 2 stores in Paramus, one of each on Routes 4 and 17.

HISTORY OF PARAMUS NEW JERSEY

The Lenni Lenape Indians gave this land its name. One of the earliest written versions of the name in 1708 called it Parames. Later it was referred to as Perampsus. Experts on the Lenni Lenape language say that Perampsus means literally "where there is worthwhile or fertile land". Where there was fertile land, maize or corn was grown and wild turkeys were also found in abundance. Thus, the meaning of Paramus . . . "A fertile land where corn was grown attracting wild turkeys".

On April 4, 1922, the Borough was incorporated. For additional history and facts on Paramus, the following books are available at the Paramus Public Library: Paramus a Chronicle of Two Centuries, Frederick W. Bogert, 50th Anniversary Commemorative Journal 1922-1972 and Paramus, New Jersey, and Applied Natural Resource Inventory. Fritz Behnke's book, "Paramus, The Way We Were" is also available and can be purchased at the Chamber office or by contacting Fritz Behnke at 201-261-7095.

FACTS ABOUT PARAMUS NEW JERSEY NJ

Paramus occupies 10.573 square miles, 6,767 acres. It is the second largest among 70 municipalities in Bergen County.

There are over 7,892 homes in Paramus, of which 401 + are two or more unit structures. Minimum lot size is 75' x 125'. Homes range from $150,000 to $750,000. The population of Paramus is approximately 25,100. Median household income as of 1989 is $58,995 compared to the county average of $49,249. Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990.

Paramus is in the center of Bergen County and lies astride Rt. 4, Rt. 17 and the Garden State Parkway; Exits 165 and 163 South; Exits 161,163 and 165 North. Surrounding towns are Ridgewood, Washington Twp., Rochelle Park, Maywood, Emerson, Oradell, River Edge and Fair Lawn. New York City is approximately 13 1/2 miles away.

The 1994 Tax Rate is $1.90 per $100.00 of assessed valuation. (revaluation in 1987).

Total businesses in Paramus is approximately 2,200.

THE PARAMUS NEW JERSEY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Paramus Public Schools is a nationally recognized district and is composed of the following: 180 students in Early Childhood; four elementary schools accommodating 1,423 students in grades K-4; two middle schools of grades 5,6,7 and 8 with a combined enrollment of 1,137; and a senior high school with an enrollment of 1,083 students.

Paramus schools offers a comprehensive program that meets the diverse needs of youngsters. Specialists are on the staff in the fields of art, vocal and instrumental music, physical education, computers, enrichment, speech, learning disabilities, and supplemental instruction. Special education classes for children with learning disabilities are being conducted in the system.

The policy-making body of the Paramus Public Schools is the nine member Board of Education which serves without pay and is elected by the voters for three-year terms.


The Paramus Community School for Adult and Continuing Education brings to this municipality not only an enlarged conception of the Adult School, but a new dedication to community services. Community School programs include: Adult Program (days and evenings); Young People's Workshops (day classes for pre-schoolers, elementary and middle school children); and School-Age Child Care (before and after school care program for elementary children of working families).

The Paramus Public Library is located at E. 116 Century Road (599-1302) and the Charles E. Reid Branch Library is located at W 239 Midland Avenue (444-4911). Open 65 hours per week including Sunday afternoons October through May at the Main Library from 1-5 p.m. Open on most holidays.

The Paramus Public Library provides special services and programs for children and adults. There's Lots O' Tots, You Two, Storytimes, CIRCLE programs, reflecting the residents' interests and concerns are planned. Program schedules are available.

The combined libraries house 104,000 volumes. Videocassettes, CD's, Books-on-Tape, newspapers, magazines, microforms, foreign language materials, and an extensive collection of business services are available. Circulation services are fully automated. On-line computers give residents access to over 4 million volumes at 67 area libraries. Also provide the public with computer for Internet access. Library e-mail address:para1@bccls.org.

The community meeting room is available for occasional use by local social and civic groups. People who are employed in Paramus are welcome to use the library. Everyone is invited to join the Friends of the Paramus Library. Call 599-1300 for information.

Bergen Pines County Hospital is located on Farview Avenue between Oradell/Ridgewood Avenue and Forest Avenue 967-4300.

The Mid-Bergen Center, Inc., a nonprofit agency, offering comprehensive mental health treatment and preventive services within the community is located at 610 Industrial Avenue. A multi-disciplinary team of therapists is available by appointment to children, adults and families with problems of an emotional nature. Call 265-8200 for further information.

The Paramus Municipal Swimming Pool, situated off Midland Ave., is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Membership is open to all Paramus residents and a limited amount of out of town residents. Fees are based on the number of family members joining. Call 265-2100 at Ext. 665.

The Paramus Golf and Country Club is a borough owned and operated facility. It is located at 314 Paramus Road and has 18 holes with a complete Pro-Shop and restaurant (201) 447-6067 and 447-6079.

Nursing Homes: Dellridge Care Center (261-1589), Pine Rest Health Care Center (652-1950).

The Main Post Office is located at 33 E Midland Avenue (201) 262-6886, with a sub-station, for convenience, located at Lee's Pharmacy, 63 E Ridgewood Avenue (201) 262-1612.

Shopping Centers: Bergen Mall - 90 stores; Fashion Center - 15 stores; Garden State Plaza - 320 stores; The Mall at IV - 15 stores; Paramus Park - 110 stores; Thirty Five Plaza - 10 stores.

PARAMUS NEW JERSEY BOROUGH SERVICES

Police Department - The third largest municipal force in Bergen County. Its functions are divided among its patrol, investigative, traffic, records, criminal identification, narcotics and youth bureau. It also employs a contingent of crossing guards during school months, as well as special police officers for directing traffic and police reserve. Now, in effect is a 911 emergency number. Headquarters are located behind the Borough Hall and can be reached at 262-3400.

The Paramus Volunteer Ambulance Corps is a group of approximately 60 dedicated people who are volunteers. They are fully trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-D), Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Childbirth. They stand ready on a 24 hour basis, 365 days per year. Headquarters are at 295 East Midland Avenue and can be contacted through the Paramus Borough Hall - 265-2100 ext. 448 for non emergencies. For emergencies call 911.

We also offer limited home health care backup such as canes, crutches, walkers and wheel chairs. For these items call 265-2100 ext. 448 and leave a message on voice mail.

Anyone wanting to volunteer for the corps, leave a message on voice mail at 265-2100 ext. 448.

The Paramus Fire Department is composed of four companies, all of which are volunteer. Each company has a staff of approximately fifty people. There is a Fire Prevention Bureau whose basic function is to inspect all commercial, industrial and office occupancies for compliance to fire safety regulations.

The Paramus Rescue Squad is comprised of approximately 30 volunteers who make up one of the most experienced and trained Rescue Squads, with its two modern rescue trucks and equipment.

The Paramus Environmental Commission was established to protect the Borough's natural resources and promote the well-being of its residents. The Commission's function is to advise the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Building Dept. and Board of Health on all matters relating to the environment.

The Paramus Recreation Commission maintains a community center, twelve parks and recreation fields and a complete year-round sports and cultural program for residents of all ages - 265-9321.

The Joseph Cipolla Senior Citizen Center, located at 93 Farview Avenue, at the corner of Carlough Drive, is an adult recreational center, established with Federal Funds and owned and operated by the Borough of Paramus. The Center is open for use from 12 p.m. for Paramus Residents only age 55 and over.

The Senior Center opened in September of 1980 and now enjoys a registered membership of over 350. It is equipped with a game room, dance floor, bingo facilities and offers a wide range of activities, including sponsoring trips and parties designed to provide entertainment to the members. Telephone: 265-2100 or 261-9767 - Director: Eileen McDowell.

PARAMUS POINTS OF INTEREST

Bergen Museum of Art & Science, Lower Promenade, Bergen Mall, Rt. 4 E. & Forest Ave. Paramus, NJ 201-291-8848. www.thebergenmuseum.com

In 1956 the museum was founded to provide a center for the purpose of stimulating youth and adult interest in the arts and sciences. The Museum is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization.

The mission of the Bergen Museum is to participate in the community quality of life by bringing world class exhibits and programs to the public. The Museum also recognizes that Bergen County is a combination of many distinct cultures. The Bergen Museum continues to explore the region's roots and identity by promoting its regional artists through our Exhibitions, Bergen Music & Art Festival, juried shows, Youth Art Gallery , Music programs, Holocaust Yom Hashoah Remembrance, visual arts and science programs. The Museum's educational outreach program brings programs to the schools and the public.

The collection is composed of Regional historical artifacts, local and regional artwork. The collection includes the Bergen Museum 's Stefan Knapp Mural (was once displayed on the Alexander's building in Paramus ), paintings, photographs, the Mastodon skeletons, substantial collection of donated artwork and scientific objects.

Museum hours: Monday – Saturday 10 – 5PM Free to members, Adults $5. Students & children over 12 $3. Seniors Free on Wednesday. NJ

Schedule is posted on web site: www.thebergenmuseum.com

The New Jersey Children's Museum is located at 599 Industrial Avenue. The New Jersey Children's Museum is an interactive play and learning center where children and adults can learn about the world and have a great time together.

The Museum is designed for children from 1 to 8, but children of all ages will enjoy their visit. All exhibits are child friendly. Touching everything is very much encouraged. And we're huge! Fifteen thousand square feet of carpeted exhibit space is brightly decorated and divided into thirty different rooms, each with its own unique and exciting theme.

The emphasis is on fun and learning. Every room has something for your child to play with, hold, and turn on and off. Every exhibit is fascinating, educational, interactive, and fun for adults too! The Museum is open 7 days a week, including Sunday. Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 1 through October 1, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., winter months 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - 262-5151.

The Bergen Community College, offers two-year associate degrees and one-year certificates in more than 70 career and transfer programs. Students may choose from day and evening courses in business, social sciences, communication arts, humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, allied health and physical education. A variety of non-credit programs are also offered through the division of continuing education. For more information, call (201) 447-7100.