River Edge Kills Duplex Ordinance without a Vote

Park Avenue residents in River Edge are breathing easier now that the borough governing body has once again abandoned a proposed duplex ordinance.

The Mayor and Council had scheduled a public hearing on the conditional use zoning change for Monday night, but opted to forego the public hearing and kill the ordinance in the process. A public hearing was required prior to a vote and by not holding the hearing, the borough was effectively voting against moving forward.

"I want to thank the governing body for finally listening to us," Park Avenue resident Jim Miller said. "I just hope this ordinance does not get reintroduced as it seems we have to come out every two years to fight this battle. I'm tired of that, please leave us alone."

The ordinance would have allowed for a conditional use zoning change and developer Joseph Caleca the ability to utilize a 22-lot span along the eastern side of Park Avenue to construct a pair of duplexes on his property in the area of 830-831 Park Avenue. Park Avenue is located near the River Edge train station and a few blocks away from the New Milford border.

"By not voting to yes to open the hearing to the public is the same as voting no," Council President Thomas Papaleo said. "This is the quickest and easiest way to kill the ordinance."

Councilman Alphonse Bartelloni explained the process in the simplest terms by stating that the "ordinance is dead."

According to the ordinance the buildings would have a maximum height of 30 feet from the ground to the roofline, be limited to two and a half stories and the garage would count as a single story. The duplexes could only be located on a property of approximately 7,500 square feet with a lot width of 70 feet and lot depth of 100 feet. 

Additional, any construction would include a 16-foot driveway for each half of a duplex, a 30-foot front yard, 20-foot rear yard and a 10-foot side yard on each side.

The ordinance had been deemed consistent with the borough's Master Plan even though neighboring residents cited concerns over changes to their neighborhood and the potential for increased traffic on the side streets and more children in the school district. Some were also worried that if the duplexes could not sell in the current market, they would then be converted in to rental housing.

"I want to say thank you becasue one of our big concerns is that through the process we were not being heard," Park Avenue resident Mike Cray said. "Whatever method you arrived at is appreciated. We thank you for your effort, attention and willingnes to hear what we had to say."

According to Mayor Sandy Moscaritolo, if the council opted to resurrect the ordinance at a later date the borough would have to begin the entire process over from the start with a new introduction and review by the Planning Board.

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