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Personal Injury AttorneyYou Deserve with Help from William Gonzalez
William Gonzalez-Black

The Personal Injury Attorney in Upper Saddle River, NJ, You Can Trust

Did you know that as a state, New Jersey has the 3rd most personal injury cases per capita? In fact, personal injury cases occurred at a rate of 30.34 per 100,000 capita, which is 218% higher than the national average of 9.53%. Perhaps even more alarming, personal injury cases account for 31% of New Jersey's entire caseload - 166% higher than the U.S. average, which lies at 11.65%. One look at those stats, and it's clear that thousands of men and women in New Jersey suffer from the unfortunate negligence of others.

The truth is, when an accident happens out of nowhere, even the most prepared New Jersey native can become a victim. Imagine driving home after a tough day at work, looking forward to relaxing, but suddenly, your life takes an unexpected turn due to someone else's negligence. Coping with the aftermath of personal injury accidents is a daunting task involving long-lasting pain, concerns about work, and worries about your loved ones.

Unfortunately, victims often fall prey to lowball settlement offers and provide official statements to insurance companies without a personal injury attorney in Upper Saddle River, NJ. Once you accept a settlement offer or make an official statement, it becomes challenging to correct the situation. That's where William Gonzalez Law Group comes in - to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.

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Personal Injury Attorney Upper Saddle River, NJ

The William Gonzalez Law Difference

William N. Gonzalez was Born in 1961 in the Bronx. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1973, where he attended Middle School, High School, and freshman year at the Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ultimately, he transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice C.U.N.Y., earning a B.A. degree in 1984.

After completing that achievement, he attended Seton Hall School of Law from 1987 through 1990, earning a J.D. and admission into the New Jersey State Bar. Shortly after, he began working for various law firms until2002, when he became a solo practitioner in the Township of West New York.

Since that time, he has dedicated his practice to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and hard work. His practice was founded with the main purpose of helping those who face crisis and are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Upper Saddle River, NJ, who sticks by their side.

Mr. Gonzalez focuses on a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to.

  • Auto Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Car Accidents
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Slip-and-Fall Accidents
  • Workers' Compensation Cases
  • DUI Cases
  • Municipal Court Cases

If you're looking for a fearless attorney to fully represent you and to fight the good fight on your behalf, look no further than the William Gonzalez Law Group. Now that you're up-to-date on William Gonzalez's background and accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into the nuances of personal injury law and the areas of law in which he focuses.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in New Jersey

While there are many different types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, some are more common than others - especially those that involve motor vehicles and driving under the influence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases that William Gonzalez helps clients overcome include.

Car-Accidents

Did you know that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey? The truth is that negligent drivers don't pay attention. They also don't adhere to traffic laws or use the right safety precautions. They often cause serious injuries by.

  • Driving Too Fast
  • Talking or Texting While Driving
  • Driving Under the Influence
  • Making Improper Lane Changes
  • Running Stop Signs and Red Lights
  • Rear-Ending Other Drivers

If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to have a personal injury attorney in Upper Saddle River, NJ, whom you can rely on. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible according to local laws. Your car accident attorney will also collaborate with specialists such as investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your injury and establish who is responsible for any damages.

 William Gonzalez Law Upper Saddle River, NJ

There are more than eleven million trucks that operate daily across the United States, with drivers who work long hours and carry sensitive materials. In 2016, there were over 470,000 large truck and semi accidents, with human error accounting for 90% of those accidents. Truck accidents can cause injuries in several ways, such as if a truck carrying hazardous materials explodes or spills its contents, causing damage to surrounding drivers and property. Commercial trucks can also jackknife or lose control of their steering wheel, which can result in injuries to the driver or others involved in the accident.

Due to the massive size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or whose vehicle was poorly maintained, it's time to hire a trucks accident lawyer. Doing so quickly after your accident will help protect your rights against insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

 Auto Accidents Upper Saddle River, NJ

If you ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you are at a higher risk of dying in an accident compared to other drivers. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The good news? William Gonzalez is highly skilled when it comes to representing motorcycle accident clients and the injuries they sustain, including.

  • Injury from negligent drivers who are reckless, distracted, or are involved in blind-spot wrecks
  • Injury due to serious road defects such as unsafe intersections, potholes, and more

If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party's negligence, you can count on William Gonzalez as your advocate. It all starts with an initial consultation with a motorcycle injury attorney who truly understands New Jersey injury law.

 Truck Accidents Upper Saddle River, NJ

If you have been injured while working, it can be a painful, confusing, and emotional experience. It can also be financially devastating for you and your family. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek the guidance of a qualified workers' compensation lawyer in New Jersey. The William Gonzalez Law Group has been successfully assisting injured workers for years. Mr. Gonzalez's goal is to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and take care of your family while you recover. If you've suffered an injury while on the job that resulted in lost wages or ongoing pain and suffering, it's time to fight for financial compensation.

 Car Accidents Upper Saddle River, NJ

Injuries resulting from trips, slips, and falls can be severe and may include fractures, brain trauma, neck, and back injuries, among others. Recovering from a serious fall can take months, and the victim may experience lifelong health issues and incur substantial medical bills.

However, in New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe manner. If someone gets injured on their premises or property due to their negligence, the owner can be held liable. The victim has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.

Some of the most common contributors to slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey include.

  • Poor Lighting
  • Narrow Stairs
  • Wet Floors
  • Missing Handrails
  • Uneven Flooring
  • Defective Sidewalks

 Motorcycle Accidents Upper Saddle River, NJ

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Upper Saddle River, NJ, can provide assistance. Despite decades-long efforts by civic organizations to curb drunk driving, it remains a problem throughout the United States, including in New Jersey, which has strict DUI laws and enforcement.

William Gonzalez believes that prosecuting drunk driving accidents not only helps clients recover compensation for their injuries but also serves as a warning to others who may consider driving under the influence.

What are Personal Injuries in New Jersey?

When an accident, incident, or illness causes you physical injury or emotional pain and suffering, it is referred to as personal injury. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident and experience a traumatic brain injury. In that case, you have the right to seek compensation for the expenses related to treating and recovering from your physical injuries. You're also entitled to financial compensation for the emotional distress you may have suffered as a result of the injury.

There are three general terms you should be familiar with as it relates to personal injury law in New Jersey:

  • Pain and Suffering
  • Bodily Harm
  • Emotional Distress

Pain and Suffering in New Jersey

Experiencing pain and suffering is not always limited to physical injuries. It can also affect one's emotional well-being, which may require the help of a mental health professional to properly document. Consulting with a mental health professional can help determine the extent of any potential psychological issues that may have arisen from your incident.

To provide accurate documentation of your emotional pain and suffering, it is important to record how your daily activities have been impacted and how you may no longer be able to participate in activities that you once enjoyed. This might include difficulties in communication or the inability to enjoy outings that were once pleasurable.

Bodily Harm in New Jersey

When someone experiences physical injury as a result of an accident, such as a car accident, they may sue for compensation for the harm done to their body. This compensation can help cover the costs of medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, home care equipment, or any other expenses needed to aid in their recovery from the injury.

Emotional Distress in New Jersey

Emotional distress can be difficult to prove, especially when it involves defamation of character or threats to one's physical safety. It's important to understand, however, that emotional distress is valid. You have the right to seek compensation for any fear or trauma you have experienced and should not hesitate to fight for what you deserve.

If you have suffered a serious injury due to an accident, it's time to protect yourself and your family with the help of a personal injury attorney in Upper Saddle River, NJ. Unlike your lawyer, the insurance companies involved in your personal injury case are not on your side and are known for presenting offers that don't fairly compensate you for your losses.

How Negligence Affects Your Personal Injury Case in New Jersey

In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.

According to New Jersey law, there are four elements that must be covered when trying to prove negligence in personal injury cases. Those elements include the following.

Personal Injury Attorney Upper Saddle River, NJ

In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.

Legal Duty

According to legal duty, the defendant has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the victim and prevent harm. In New Jersey, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely in regard to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Businesses are legally obliged to maintain their premises in a safe manner, ensuring there are no hazards such as ice, snow, or slippery floors.

Breach of Duty

To prove that the defendant is responsible for an accident, it must be shown that they behaved in a way that they knew could cause harm to others. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. For instance, it is common knowledge that driving a car, truck, or motorcycle under the influence can lead to an accident.

Causation

One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in Upper Saddle River, NJ, is so they can prove that your injuries are a direct result of the other party's breach of duty. This means that you need to demonstrate that your injuries occurred due to the defendant's actions. To do so, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a physician who can document your injuries and confirm that they were caused or worsened by the defendant's negligence. It is crucial to document your injuries with a doctor, as it can be difficult to obtain compensation for injuries that were not properly documented.

Damages

When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.

William Gonzalez Law Pro Tip

If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you should act fast to file a claim and hire a lawyer. In New Jersey, you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time frame set by the statute of limitations, you will lose your opportunity to do so. In most cases, if you attempt to file a claim after the two-year deadline, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss. There are very few exceptions where a personal injury claim may be filed beyond the two-year mark.

A Personal Injury Attorney in Upper Saddle River, NJ, You Can Count On

The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.

When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.

 William Gonzalez Law Upper Saddle River, NJ

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Latest News in Upper Saddle River, NJ

3 Of Best K-8 Schools In Country Are In Bergen County, US News Says

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — U.S. News & World Report just released its 2024 Best Elementary and Middle School rankings, based on student proficiency scores in core subjects. The data was obtained from the U.S. Department of Education, they said.Besides math and language arts achievement, U.S. News also crunched numbers on student backgrounds and student-teacher ratios.Aside from creating national lists, they also listed the top 10 elementary sc...

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — U.S. News & World Report just released its 2024 Best Elementary and Middle School rankings, based on student proficiency scores in core subjects. The data was obtained from the U.S. Department of Education, they said.

Besides math and language arts achievement, U.S. News also crunched numbers on student backgrounds and student-teacher ratios.

Aside from creating national lists, they also listed the top 10 elementary schools and middle schools in each state.

On New Jersey's top 10 lists, one elementary school and two middle schools in Bergen County were listed among the best.

As far as elementary schools, Clara E. Coleman School, a K-5 school in Glen Rock, was listed 4th out of the top 10 public elementary schools in the state.

Find out what's happening in Wyckoffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

US News said: "At Clara E. Coleman School, 82 percent of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 77 percent scored at or above that level for reading.The school’s minority student enrollment is 31 percent. The student-teacher ratio is 13:1, which is worse than that of the district."

In New Jersey, the top 10 public elementary schools on the US News list are:

Middle School List

Cresskill Middle School in that town, and Emil A. Cavallini Middle School in Upper Saddle River, made the cut.

At Creskill, a 6-8 middle school, "65 percent of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 77 percent scored at or above that level for reading," said US News.

In Upper Saddle River, "At Emil A. Cavallini Middle School, 72 percent of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 72 percent scored at or above that level for reading."

The top 10 public middle schools in New Jersey are:

The U.S. News list includes data on more than 79,000 public elementary and middle schools nationwide.

LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News, said the state and district-level rankings are intended to give parents a snapshot of their child’s school and how well it’s doing within its community.

“Easily accessible data on student-teacher ratio, district spending, and the number of school counselors available at the school can keep parents informed and involved,” Jones said.

To be included in district-level rankings, at least two of the top performing schools must rank in the top 75 percent of the overall elementary or middle school rankings to qualify for district-level recognition.

Related article:

Editor Michelle Rotuno-Johnson contributed reporting to this story.

Jessica Cini Promoted to President of Health & Wellness Partners, LLC

Distinguished Account Leader Adds Scientific and Medical Services Team to Her OversightUPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J., Oct. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Health & Wellness Partners, LLC (HWP) has announced the promotion of Jessica Cini, formerly Managing Director of Account Services, to President of HWP, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in growing the company's business and managing the full HWP account team.In her new role, Jessica will oversee Account Services as well as the Scientific and Medical Services team, enabli...

Distinguished Account Leader Adds Scientific and Medical Services Team to Her Oversight

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J., Oct. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Health & Wellness Partners, LLC (HWP) has announced the promotion of Jessica Cini, formerly Managing Director of Account Services, to President of HWP, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in growing the company's business and managing the full HWP account team.

In her new role, Jessica will oversee Account Services as well as the Scientific and Medical Services team, enabling her to provide true end-to-end leadership from project conceptualization through completion.

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Jani Hegarty, CEO and founder of HWP, commented, "Jessica has truly distinguished herself here at HWP over the past 8 years. Her promotion to President is well-deserved and I have no doubt will result in real growth for her personally and for HWP."

Jessica is a trusted leader who has mentored and motivated her team of more than 25 account professionals to grow HWP's business portfolio, while maintaining the superior level of service HWP clients have come to expect. During her 17 years in the industry, Jessica has consistently delivered creative, novel solutions that drive the advancement of patient care.

Jessica's core strengths include cultivating strong client relationships, supporting brand strategy and tactics, maintaining strict compliance, and providing superior customer service—all while using her proven judgment and management skills to ensure projects are delivered on target and on schedule. Jessica has gained experience on multiple client accounts in diverse therapeutic categories, including psychiatry, neurology, and rare diseases. Her success has made her well-known and well-respected among clients, key opinion leaders, and other industry stakeholders.

About HWPEstablished in 2005, HWP is a women-founded, women-led provider of medical communications solutions to global life sciences companies, across a multitude of therapeutic areas and disease states, from early preclinical to patent expiry. Headquartered in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, with a satellite office in San Diego, California, HWP currently provides three synergistic service offerings: medical affairs, medical marketing, and speaker bureau. Each offering is seeded in expert strategy, scientific content, and proprietary technology, enabling solutions that allow HWP to deliver tailored, high-impact educational engagements.

In 2023, HWP partnered with NMS Capital, a private equity investment firm focused on driving sustainable growth for middle-market companies in business and healthcare services. Earlier this month, HWP announced the strategic acquisition of Hybrid Healthcare Communications, LLC (Hybrid)—combining HWP's longstanding reputation for the highest-caliber medical/scientific communications with Hybrid's proven expertise in state-of-the-art digital and interactive media. This new partnership reflects HWP's vision for the future.

For more information about HWP, visit thehwpgroup.com.

CONTACT: Jani Hegarty, Jhegarty@thehwpgroup.com

SOURCE Health & Wellness Partners

What Is The Richest City In New Jersey? Latest Census Data Reveals The Details

In a recent study, we analyzed and identified the richest cities in New York state based on scoring several key financial factors. This time around, we’re looking at New York’s neighbor to the south &mdas...

In a recent study, we analyzed and identified the richest cities in New York state based on scoring several key financial factors. This time around, we’re looking at New York’s neighbor to the south — New Jersey, the Garden State.

We analyzed over 700 cities in the state in order to identify the richest cities in New Jersey. The way we evaluated and scored each city’s ranking is detailed below. Read on to find out what the richest city in New Jersey is, plus the top 50 wealthiest cities in the state overall.

What Is the Richest City in New Jersey?

In order to assemble a list of the richest cities in New Jersey, we pulled data from the Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, and we constructed a four-factor scoring system to help identify the wealthiest cities in New Jersey:

When it comes to Census data, for certain factors its numbers have upper limits. For example, for median household income, the Census Bureau has an upper limit of “$250,000+”. For median home value, the upper limit is “$2,000,000+”. And, lastly, for median property taxes paid, the upper limit is “$10,000+”. For these reasons, the mean or average household income dataset is crucial because the Census Bureau has exact figures for it. All four of these metrics were scored, added up, and then ranked by the cities’ combined scores.

Below you’ll find a table detailing the top 50 richest cities in New Jersey and their respective dollar figures for each metric:

The No. 1 richest city in New Jersey in our ranking is Rockleigh, a very small town of just 74 households, situated in the far north of the Garden State, along the border with New York state. It borders Palisades, New York, whose name comes from the steep cliffs of the eastern bank of the Hudson River, which resemble palisades. Not surprisingly for the richest city in New Jersey, according to Data USA, the main occupation by employment is Management Occupations, accounting for 31.5% of the workforce. The top three industries in Rockleigh are Health Care & Social Assistance (21.3% of the workforce), Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (20.4% of the workforce), and Construction (10.2% of the workforce). The median household income in Rockleigh is $201,500, while its average household income is the second highest out of the 700+ cities in New York we analyzed, at $413,309. The reported median home value in Rockleigh exceeds $2 million and the median property taxes paid by households is in excess of $10,000 per year.

The second richest city in New Jersey is Saddle River, which, like Rockleigh, is located in Bergen County, not far from New York state. What is particular cool about Saddle River is that it has retained a very rustic, natural appearance, filled with forests, rivers, and farmland. The median home value in Saddle River is a little over $1.94 million, and its median property taxes paid exceeds the limit of $10,000. Similarly, the median household income in Saddle River also exceeds the $250,000 Census Bureau limit. Saddle River has an average household income of $330,303 and is notably much larger than No. 1 Rockleigh, having more than 1,300 total households. Compared to some of the other richest cities in New Jersey, the top industries in Saddle River are an interesting mix: Health Care & Social Assistance (20.2% of the workforce), Wholesale Trade (11.1% of the workforce), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (10.4% of the workforce), according to Data USA.

Coming in as the No. 3 richest city in New Jersey is Short Hills, a sizable unincorporated community of more than 4,500 households, located in Essex County, which is notably the county with the highest income inequality in New Jersey. Like Saddle River, the median household income in Short Hills is over $250,000 and the median property taxes paid also exceeds the Census Bureau’s upper limit of $10,000. Short Hills stands out the most by having the highest average household income in New Jersey, at $428,352. Meanwhile, its reported median home value is nearly $1.39 million.

Out of the top 50 richest cities in New Jersey, the largest is Westfield, which has 10,514 households. Westfield, like many of the wealthiest cities in New Jersey, is in the New York City metro area, located in Union County. The median household income in Westfield is $185,319, while its mean household income is $259,377. Although its median home value is only $810,400, the median property taxes paid in Westfield still exceeds $10,000 because New Jersey has notoriously high property tax rates.

Upper Saddle River affordable housing hearing delayed again, moved to Friday

UPPER SADDLE RIVER — A year after the borough was "close" to an affordable housing settlement, its compliance hearing was again delayed, this time until Friday.The hearing before Judge Christine Farrington in Superior Court is expected to confirm plans in progress and future affordable housing development sites in the borough, mostly on the Ramsey border on or near Route 17.The borough's 54-page 2020 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan is posted for viewing on its website, ...

UPPER SADDLE RIVER — A year after the borough was "close" to an affordable housing settlement, its compliance hearing was again delayed, this time until Friday.

The hearing before Judge Christine Farrington in Superior Court is expected to confirm plans in progress and future affordable housing development sites in the borough, mostly on the Ramsey border on or near Route 17.

The borough's 54-page 2020 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan is posted for viewing on its website, usrtoday.org. Three sites with affordable housing have been built, one is under construction, and three more are proposed.

The completed sites include the 19.6-acre Pinnacle development on Mountainview Road (154 rental units, 18 affordable); the Lancaster development on Skymark Court off East Crescent (35 town houses, seven affordable); and Crescent Village on Chapel Lane off East Crescent (24 affordable units).

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The former Pearson Education campus at East Crescent Avenue and Lake Street is under construction for 208 units (186 market, 22 affordable). A 16-unit Alzheimer's facility is proposed for 172-175 E. Crescent Ave. Another 25 affordable units are proposed for 160-168 E. Crescent Ave., south of the Crescent Village site.

A 7.8-acre wooded site behind the Porcelanosa kitchen/bath corporate offices and showroom at 600 Route 17 north was purchased by the borough in 2005 for affordable housing. It has been approved for 70 units, all affordable, originally assigned to the Upper Saddle River portion of the Apple Ridge Country Club site.

Instead, the Upper Saddle River portion of the country club site is now being developed with 44 single-family homes off Carlough Road.

Anyone who wants to attend the 9 a.m. Friday hearing remotely should call 888-912-8925 and use code 3350600.

Marsha Stoltz is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Take a look inside NJ collector's breathtaking home, bamboo forest. He needs someone to save it

UPPER SADDLE RIVER — Retired interior garden designer Roger Wohrle has spent 56 years perfecting the house, greenhouse and bamboo forest on his 5-acre Hillside Avenue property.At 81, his quest is for the buildings — and, if possible, their sprawling collection of housewares, oddities and architectural memorabilia — to survive him."Anything to preserve the house and greenhouse after I am gone," Wohrle said. "It's a tropical garden environment with plants that are 30, 40, even 50 years old. It wou...

UPPER SADDLE RIVER — Retired interior garden designer Roger Wohrle has spent 56 years perfecting the house, greenhouse and bamboo forest on his 5-acre Hillside Avenue property.

At 81, his quest is for the buildings — and, if possible, their sprawling collection of housewares, oddities and architectural memorabilia — to survive him.

"Anything to preserve the house and greenhouse after I am gone," Wohrle said. "It's a tropical garden environment with plants that are 30, 40, even 50 years old. It would be a shame to just turn off the heat and let all that die."

The house is not for sale, Wohrle said.

"I can't leave and start over," he said. "I want to stay here."

The lifelong bachelor has no immediate relatives to inherit the property, and he says his extended family has already indicated they do not share his interest in preservation. Further complicating his search, the state border runs through his property, so part of it is in New Jersey and part in New York.

Story continues below gallery

His attempts to interest an area school or nonprofit on his terms have so far been unsuccessful. But he still hopes to find an organization to which to donate the estate after his death, to preserve it for public use.

"A horticulture center, a place to study architecture," Wohrle said. "It's a strange request. Sometimes I have a problem with it myself."

The greenhouse is a riot of tropical plants, including ficus, orchids, allamanda, ferns, night-blooming jasmine and two colors of bougainvillea — raspberry and orange. Cissus vine drapes from the ceiling, its tendrils growing 4 inches a day.

And then there are the collectibles.

Candlestick holders. Oil lamps. Glassware. Dishes. Shells. Steuben glass and Tiffany lamps. Antique cars. Vinyl records. Wine. Furniture. The front gates from the Straus family mansion. An exercise bicycle from the Andrea Doria. A saddlemaker's stool. Even a fiberglass hippopotamus head.

"I never got any satisfaction out of holding a stock certificate in my hand," Wohrle said. "Much better to hold something beautiful. I had a lot of dinner parties. I always wanted to have the best dishes for every occasion."

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Wohrle was born in New York City but grew up in nearby Spring Valley, and studied horticulture at Farmingdale State College on Long Island. He and a partner eventually formed the Wohrle & Waite interior garden design service, planning and caring for plants in office towers such as the Seagram Building in Manhattan for 48 years.

"Once you got a good building, the next one followed," Wohrle said. "We started at $95 a month and ended up at $60,000 a year. There's no way that would be possible now."

His Upper Saddle River home was built in 1950 and had just four rooms when Wohrle bought it in 1964. The first thing he added was a 93-by-35-foot greenhouse from a Port Chester, New York, estate. He added a swimming pool and a koi pond, as well as a collection of doves, parakeets and finches.

"The greenhouse cost $90,000 to build in 1927, and $120,000 to reerect it," Wohrle said. "I added living areas at the front and back; two bars, including part of the bar from the St. Regis Hotel" in New York.

The original Nantucket-style cottage was expanded with a contemporary addition by Saddle River architect Eleanore Pettersen and built into the side of a hill with a two-story open well in its center.

Another addition was designed by New York architect Frank Hall. A third bar and adjacent billiard room are behind a door off the front hall, retrieved from an Indian temple. A stairway landing features a wooden telephone booth installed for making private calls.

"It was perfect for entertaining groups of about 20," Wohrle said. "The last group we had here was the Yogi Berra family about five years ago."

Among Wohrle's clients were the Richard Nixons, when the former president and his wife lived in nearby Saddle River. Wohrle recalled their visiting his greenhouse to select plants for their home.

"Pat Nixon asked what was the oldest bottle of champagne I had, and I said 1920-something, and she said they had been given a bottle of Chateau Lafite 1913 because it was the year her husband was born," Wohrle said.

He now oversees his domain with little assistance except from his dog Teaser, who keeps the chipmunks at bay in the greenhouse.

"I had a cleaning lady, but she gave up," Wohrle said. "She said after three months, you can't tell the difference."

Marsha Stoltz is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

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