Little Falls Township Police Department

About the Little Falls Township Police Department

ABOUT LITTLE FALLS TOWNSHIP

Little Falls Township is named for the Passaic River waterfall that formerly spilled downstream from the dam in front of the Beattie Mill. The photo at right shows what the falls looked like back in 1890, when Union Ave. crossed the Passaic River via a covered bridge.

Little Falls can trace its heritage back to 1711. Its 2.8 square miles, now home to a population of about 11,000, are bounded by the communities of Montclair, Wayne, Cedar Grove, Woodland Park, Totowa, North Caldwell, Fairfield and Clifton.

Primarily residential, Little Falls has managed to retain the feel of a small town despite its strategic location in the tri-state metropolitan area. New York is only 15 miles away; Newark Liberty Airport is just 12 miles away. For many residents, local shopping, schools, and a variety of services are within walking distance.

The old Morris Canal, once an important artery of trade and transportation between the Delaware and Hudson Rivers, wound its way through the town, and vestiges of it still serve as a reminder of Little Falls' long history. Several well-maintained residences and other structures from the last century serve to further strengthen the town's sense of pride in it's past.

During most of the years of its existence, the Beattie Carpet Mill was the town's major employer. Even thought the mill was closed almost thirty years ago, the buildings have been converted into beautiful condominiums that overlook the river.

The quarrying of brownstone was another important local industry, and Little Falls brownstone has been utilized in many significant structures including New York's famous Trinity Church. Commercial activity is now comprised mainly of light industrial and office-based companies; there is some heavy industry. The many residents who commute elsewhere to work are among the best served in the metropolitan area, with frequent rail and bus service, as well as close proximity to key state and interstate highways.

For most of its history, a Township Committee consisting of five committeemen elected by the voters governed Little Falls. A chairman (Mayor) and deputy-chair (Deputy Mayor) were selected annually by the Township Committee members. Starting January 1, 2005, the form of government was changed as the result of a public referendum. The current government is a Mayor/Council form authorized by the New Jersey Faulkner Act. Under the new government, the voters directly elect a Mayor to a four-year term. The Mayor is responsible for the administration of the Township. The Township Council members, who are elected to four-year staggered terms, perform the legislative duties of the Township.

Little Falls has matured gracefully and today offers long term residents and newcomers alike the quality of life that makes suburban New Jersey a desirable address for home, career and recreation.