Kossoy, who has lived in Fair Lawn for 17 years, was appointed to fill a vacancy last February left by Michael Rosenberg, who stepped down at the end of 2024 after almost 18 years on the board.

"This caused the department to get creative in trying to fight the fire," said officials.

The state grant is part of a longer effort to revitalize the area and improve safety for students at Warren Point Elementary.