State Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd announced Monday that she had given final approval for the plan to reopen the former Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood.

Hackensack University Medical Center plans to reopen the 128-room hospital as HUMC North at Pascack Valley. They have been running an emergency room at the facility while waiting for approval.

Governor Chris Christie held a town hall meeting in Westwood Wednesday, at which he praised the commissioner's decision, saying the hospital will bring jobs back to the area and improve local medical care.

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Westwood Police arrested two men Monday who allegedly argued with a jogger before purposefully hitting him with a car and fleeing the scene.

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The Washington Township Zoning Board continued hearing testimony about a proposed new gas station and convenience store at the site of 5 Star Gas on the corner of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue. Engineeer Brian Shortino explained how the planned store had been made smaller to address concerns of neighbors and fire department officials.

Zoning Board Chairman William Johnson said he expects the board to vote on the plan at thair May meeting.

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The Westwood-Washington Township Education Foundation hosted its annual gala at Seasons Thursday. The foundation raised money for Westwood Regional Schools' social studies program and awarded several community members and teachers for their work.

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Westwood-based business Errands, Etc. started a new service this week, offering to paint NCAA-standard basketball keys for residents, businesses and schools. Their other services include a number of handy jobs, pet transportation, and, of course, running errands. In January, Errands, Etc. also added emergency supplies to their list of services.