Boonton Councilman Cy Wekilsky Dies at 89; Industrial Deals Continue
Longtime Bonton leader Cy Wekilsky passed away after a narrow re-election win in 2024, while local real estate firms report new industrial activity on Division Street.
Cy Wekilsky, a veteran of Boonton politics who served as both mayor and town councilman for decades, died last night at the age of 89. He had been suffering from an illness before his passing. His death marks the end of a public service career that began in 1980 when he first joined the school board.
Wekilsky won his most recent election in November 2024 by a single vote, defeating Democrat Melissa DiSalvo with a final tally of 645 to 644. The race was initially tied before a recount determined the winner. He had not sought another term following this victory.
A Long History of Local Service
His tenure in local office spanned more than four decades, including time on the school board from 1980 to 1988 and various roles on the governing body since then. The town's legislative structure changed over his career, switching from a Board of Aldermen to a Town Council format in 2021.
He served as mayor from 2006 until 2015, when he lost re-election to Matthew DiLauri by twenty percentage points. Wekilsky returned to the board as an alderman in 2016 and continued serving through his final election cycle this year.
Councilman Benjamin Weisman described Wekilsky's history of public service as remarkable with a long-lasting impact on the town. He noted that regardless of political agreement, colleagues always appreciated Wekilsky's positive energy and perspective.
The Path Forward for His Seat
With his seat now vacant, Republican Mark Wrobel is set to face DiSalvo in an upcoming general election. However, the local Republican county committee must first submit three names to fill the remaining five months of Wekilsky's term.
The current Town Council holds a 5-2 majority for Democrats, though Mayor James Lynch identifies as a Republican. It remains unclear whether the council will appoint Wrobel immediately or choose another candidate from the submitted list.
Wekilsky was predeceased by his wife Gunvor in 2020 and is survived by one son, one daughter, and several grandchildren. His family has lost a patriarch who remained active in community affairs until very recently.
Industrial Activity on Division Street
While the town mourns its leader, commercial activity continues with Resource Realty of Northern New Jersey reporting three industrial transactions totaling about 37,000 square feet in Morris County. These deals include a sale and two leases involving properties in Boonton and nearby Rockaway.
In one transaction, principals Scott Peck and Greg Sabato represented ownership for the sale of a 12,000-square-foot facility at 219 Division Street in Boonton. The single-story property sits on 0.7 acres less than three blocks from the Interstate 287 North/South ramp.
The location offers multiple drive-in doors and is within walking distance of an NJ Transit rail station and the downtown business district. Major retailers such as ACME Markets and Walmart are also located nearby in the area.
Connectivity Drives Regional Investment
Scott Peck stated that properties with immediate proximity to major highways like I-287 and I-80 continue to command a premium price. He noted that infill municipalities like Boonton offer exceptional connectivity to New York City, upstate New York, and South Jersey.
This accessibility continues to attract investment to the region and ensures enduring occupancy among small-to-mid-sized users according to market trends observed by RRNNJ for many years. The firm sees a distinct regional pivot toward premium infill small-bay industrial spaces.
In another deal near Wekilsky's former district, principals Brian Wilson and Tom Consiglio arranged a 15,000-square-foot lease at 325 Division Street on behalf of Side Out Sports. This property is located less than one block from the sold facility and features three loading gates with 22-foot-clear ceilings.
The leased space includes 1,500 square feet of office area and sits just 1.3 miles from Interstate 287 to provide access to Route 46 and the Garden State Parkway. A third transaction involved a ten-year renewal for nearly 9,339 square feet at an industrial park in Rockaway.
That Rockaway property is located two blocks from Interstate 80 on a campus originally built in 1955 that spans seventeen acres across six buildings. The site provides access to Routes 46, 10, and 15 for tenants requiring mixed office and industrial space.
Questions residents are asking
Who will fill Cy Wekilsky's seat on the Town Council?
The local Republican county committee must submit three names to serve out the remaining five months of his term. It is currently unclear if Democrats, who hold a majority on the council, would appoint Mark Wrobel or another candidate.
How close was Cy Wekilsky's last election?
He won by exactly one vote after defeating Democrat Melissa DiSalvo with a final count of 645 to 644. The race had been tied before the recount took place.
What kind of industrial properties are being sold in Boonton?
Recent transactions involve single-story facilities on Division Street that feature multiple drive-in doors and office space. These locations are valued for their proximity to Interstate 287, NJ Transit stations, and major retailers.
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