Swastika displayed on Woodland Park home sparks community concern
Borough officials say it’s not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern of troubling behavior reported at the property for quite a long time
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A disturbing symbol of hate is raising concern in a typically quiet Woodland Park neighborhood.
Residents on Woodrow Avenue say one home has become the focus of growing alarm after a swastika was displayed on the front door of the property.
“I think it’s just a bad situation overall,” said one neighbor who did not want to be identified. “I really feel for the people who live nearby.”
Borough officials say the swastika is not an isolated incident. According to local leaders, the symbol is part of a pattern of troubling behavior reported at the home over a long period of time.
“When I first saw it, I was scared — like most people around here,” said another resident, who also asked not to appear on camera. “Then they started putting up strange pictures with people's faces distorted. It’s just gotten more unsettling over time.”
In a statement to News 12, borough leaders condemned the behavior, calling it “disgusting and reprehensible." They said it does not reflect the values of the community.
“The Woodland Park Police Department has responded to repeated complaints and referred this matter to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office multiple times, including submitting photos to show the extent of the messages. While municipal authority is limited when expression on private property is constitutionally protected, WPPD has taken action when legally permitted," Woodland Park officials wrote.
Neighbors say they understand the symbols do not represent their town, but they are hoping for a resolution.
“It brings a lot of unwanted attention,” another resident said. “With the pictures in the windows, the garage, the door — all these hateful signs — it’s not something anyone in a good state of mind would put up.”
News 12 has reached out to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office for comment.
