THE END OF AN ERA: PAL JOEY’S TO CLOSE IT’S DOORS!
Hair Salon Was A 50-Year InstitutionAlong Ridge Road. 
NORTH ARLINGTON – Pal Joey’s, one of the oldest and most respected local businesses along Ridge Road is closing come December 31st
The salon, was owned and operated by the late Joseph Bianchi, a former councilman, mayor and longtime volunteer firefighter
His wife continued operations since his passing. For Pal Joey’s represents a series of longtime retailers that have closed their doors including the Italian Villa pizzeria and Boston Market, both longtime and popular places to eat for locals for decades. Many fear these locals could be demolished to make way for even more apartments on Ridge Road. Bianchi, a popular local businessman with long roots in the community served on the North Arlington Planning Board, Borough Council and was elected Mayor in 2014 and passed away just weeks before seeking a second term in 2018.
Many NA residents are concerned with what has been described as the “urbanization” of Ridge Road where high rents are pushing out retailers and being replaced with a plethora of expensive multiple dwellings that are increasing density and traffic in the community to the dismay of many homeowners who view this as a “tale of two communities.”
For the loss of these popular retailers could be the result of overdevelopment, urbanization, and ultimately the gentrification of a community that once prided itself on being “small, safe and suburban.”
For many believe North Arlington is becoming an extension of Kearny, Harrison and East Newark, versus the traditional gateway to Bergen County.
Others believe the elimination of competitive, two-party elections has led to this direction as NA Republicans are fueled financially by builders, developers and other construction and real estate interests according to contributions reported with the state’s Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).
No Democrat has served on the governing body since 2019.
The last time Democrats won locally was 2016 and Republicans dominate the governing body holding all six council seats as well as the office of mayor despite the fact registered Democrats out number registered Republicans by a wide margin.
North Arlington has become a political island to itself as Democrats dominate the state legislature and county government while the local GOP led by Mayor Dan Pronti politically opposes popular Democrats such as US Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9), NJ Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36) and Assemblymember Clinton Calabrese (D-36).
NA Democrats plan to run a spirited campaign in 2024 as insurgents John Balwierczak & John Yampaglia are expected to challenge embedded GOP incumbents Brian Fitzhenry and Allison Sheedy.
Both Fitzhenry & Sheedy have voted themselves generous council raises and supported the unbridled construction of apartments while endorsing the increased heights of these structures along Ridge Road.