Chapter 231. The notice requirements have been satisfied. The meeting dates for the year are confirmed at the annual meeting are posted on the public Bolton board in the lobby of the municipal center and published in the record within the first 10 days of the new year. Salute to the flag, please.
Omar, can we have a roll call, please? >> Council member Corsair >> here. >> Council member Dayton >> here. >> Council member Jackson >> here. >> Council member Michaels. Council member Dr. Okconor >> here. >> Council member Roleri. Mayor Zenna
>> here. Okay. First item on the agenda is the Clinton in properties re-imagined. We're going to get a presentation. Um, who is >> Come up to the microphone. Give us your name but not your address, please.
>> I'm Conrad. I'm Conrad Roni. Thank everybody again. Yes. Okay. So, thanks again for taking the time to talk to us about this. So just going to kind of quickly give a little bit of an overview of the project and then like talk about just how we
made a couple of changes since the last time we were on the board. So our plan is to redevelop the property with the hotel and then the three vacant parcels to the south. >> I think it should be it should be coming up next
but I can just hold on a second. Yeah. Yeah, actually. So, if you could move the easel a little bit. So, it's Yeah, >> because the council the council their broch their book. >> Yeah. Just go to the next.
Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Can you Omar, can you make that the only thing on the screen? >> Keep scrolling. Slides down. >> Just keep going. >> Okay. Just the right elevation.
One second. >> You guys buried the lead on the online. >> Okay. >> Yeah, >> there we go. >> Okay, >> keep scrolling. >> Page 14. >> 14 right here. >> No, you go 14. >> 14.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Great. So, uh, when we came before you previously, our plan was to make an attempt to rehabilitate the existing hotel. Why don't >> you step up to the microphone? Our original plan was to rehabilitate
the existing Flint Hotel in the way that it's constructed currently with some rooftop additions and some other upgrades to the facility office space and then build a separate store uh six-story apartment building to the south that was still connected but uh
two independent structures. So in the last couple of weeks, the due diligence that we've done with the engineering team, the architects, the designers, and the planners, as well as the traffic consultant, uh we determined that it makes much more sense to demolish the existing Clinton building and then
rebuild a new hotel in this place. So our core focus of this redevelopment plan is to still build worldclass hotel on the north end of this piece of property. So the hotel is still the lead of this development. It's in this photo. It is the building on the north end
which is the closer side here on the right. Uh the ground floor is still going to be the uh high-end grosser retail market uh with the hotel event space. Uh ballroom ground floor restaurant and then hotel rooms going a little bit more towards the south with
the apartments still being to the the south end of the property which would be the rear of the boat. So a couple of changes since the last time as well. We've actually reduced the number of apartments down from 125 to 95. Uh after doing a market study and looking at the
property, we think it makes more sense to do a a smaller number of highly avenitized highquality units for the the target market, which is predominantly people moving into Tenniply who want to be near family. People in Tennifly
looking to downsize from their larger homes on the hill and still be able to stay close with family. And then to people looking to move into Tenniflot at a access point that's a little bit more affordable than a house. Although the prices and the rents are still going to
be commensel for the market rate unit. We're also going to maintain 20% affordable units in this apartment building just like we were planning. So the the general parameters are still the same. We're looking to do 200 hotel
rooms instead of the uh 119 that's in the Clinton in right now. Uh but everything else in the program is relatively similar. Couple of adjustments like I mentioned about the apartments. Yeah. >> Quick question. 125 to 95 unit change occupancy changes
total headcount. How does that >> Oh, I mean so we're we're still playing with the unit mix. It's still something that's being worked out. It's going to get a little bit further developed in the construction drawing phase, but we're looking at a mix of studios, ones, twos, and threes. Uh we feel like there's a pretty strong demand in the
area for studio apartments. There's a lot of demand from Anglewood Health in particular. uh people coming in with residencies, nurses who are looking to create an opportunity for people who want to move into this neighborhood who are trying to get a foothold in or have career opportunities, executives,
Samsung or LG who move into the town for you couple year basis who are looking to make a decision about whether they're going to live here longterm with their family. We're looking to open up to that as well as um people more on the three-bedroom side who are a little bit more inclined to stay in town because
their kids go to college and they're still looking to stay here, they still work in the area and still have family and friends. So even though we're going to be looking to robust market entirely, uh people who be using all three bedrooms for living could be
kids staying here from college, having a home office. So we're looking for a diverse unit mix. Um, but we we think there's a lot of markets that are going to be underserved in timely over the next couple of years. It's just a couple. >> Hi, this is this Lauren. Wait, I'm
sorry. Can I ask a question? >> Yes. Go ahead, Lauren. >> So, you said earlier that you had analyzed market data. What where are you getting this data? I'd really like to understand who's telling you that this is what our community needs.
>> Sure. So, uh, we've hired a a local real estate broker, Stacy Esser, who's done a full market study based on what's existing in the market now, what's coming online in the next two to three years in town with the existing developments. She did a market study that focuses on Tennifly, radiated out a
little bit larger to the Creskill, Anglewood, Angular Place, Demrest Coast area, and then another market study that encapsulated the Gold Coast down in Edgewater and we hawken and how people are transplanting off from that area. how people are staying and apply and
looking to, you know, downsize or reorganize their living. So, we've done a pretty robust market study about the local market today and then what the local market's going to be at in two and a half to three years. We expect this project to come up. >> So, I I just follow I'm not
>> follow >> I'm not really hearing any townous >> and truthfully what our community has found time and time again is that there is a need for town houses. Um, you know, when you get a study from a realtor, obviously they want as many units as
possible. >> I'd like to hear a townhouse option. >> So, so let me just interject something to frame this for everyone in the room here and whoever's online. You know, the purpose of this presentation tonight is
for everyone to hear what their concept is. Uh, this concept is the one they want to talk about. Um and and the goal ultimately tonight is to see if the council comes to a consensus about moving this forward to do two things. To
prepare a development plan with all the details of what would be uh happening here. The exact number of bedrooms, the exact number of rooms, the exact number of cars, all that sort of thing. And the second part is um to get the consensus
to move forward uh to make an amendment to the existing redevelopment plan. Right? So we're not voting tonight on yes or no. >> That's exactly what we're doing. We want to see if we want to move this project forward. We're not voting to approve
anything tonight other than a consensus to do more planning. That's what's happening here. And then with that planning will come. >> Yes. >> Sorry, I can't see you and I apologize for speaking over you. My apologies.
>> Um, I need to understand where this plan generated from before I have any consensus to move it forward. I need to understand why this plan is being presented in this way. You know, if it's a realtor saying this is what our community needs, that's one thing. a broad scale data that shows what our
community needs and HPC and the various different you know seniors to children in our community that's another thing and I really think before we move a plan forward we should understand its genesis >> well uh get through the present so let's get through the presentation first and
then we can start with all the questions because we need to hear what they have to say first before we have an understanding of what to ask them >> so go ahead Conrad >> Sure So I think I've done a a pretty thorough job to this point describing the particular massing with
this building. So as part of this project because the development team is incredibly interested in the growth of Tenly, the progression of Tennifly and ultimately the connectivity of Tennifly. We feel like it's this is a perfect anchor on the south part of town to help
increase connectivity from this part of town into the traditional downtown area and then even further up uh towards where we are today in municipal. So part of what we're looking to do is to create more green spaces that are public green spaces not only for the residents and
the guests of this hotel and this development but in the town more broadly. So, uh, you could go like maybe three slides down. Sorry. So, right there. This is perfect. So, there anybody that think I can see the screen or looking only at my
presentation boards? So, what we're interested in doing is uh creating additional bar space and contributing to the town's existing bar space to help create a more connected green environment for the town. So, I'm sure most people are aware and if you're not that the town is actively pursuing a
rails to trails program uh to convert the uh existing the decommission trans into a greenway that connects most people. So, that that project happens to run parallel and connect to our project.
So if you can see the orange there, that's actually our property line and then the green line to the left of it is the uh existing train tracks that's going to be converted to grass train. So what we're looking to do is build existing green spaces on our property uh where the hotel is located now. And we'd
like to spend um the the developers time and money to develop a park on the corner on a municipal parking lot that's very underutilized. So you can see here a rendering that I put together uh in this the paper version it is somewhere in the presentation
you know a little bit further down here uh where we want to build another green space in the town that's going to be an anchor uh at the corner of Franklin and uh West Clinton I guess it's still west Clinton there uh right to the end of West Railroad that'll help bring
interconnectivity into the town and then we'd also like to make a contribution to uh the redevelopment a fraud. >> He's going to take the same test. Everyone will get the same. >> Whoever is whoever is speaking needs to put their phone on mute, please.
>> Everybody needs >> Hold on a second, Julie. Just one second. I had to cut out of here. >> Okay, you got it, Omar. Okay, go ahead. Sure. Um, yeah. Just a question about that that park that that's up there now. You're saying corner of Franklin and
Clinton. Is that parking lot? Other an underutilized >> That's the burrow's parking lot. >> It's a burrow parking lot. >> Is that the one? Not Oh, sorry. The the Christmas tree parking lot with the Yes, that's the one you want to turn it into a park.
>> Oh, that's a that's a used That's a used parking lot. That's a used park. Okay. That's a used parking lot. the park. >> It's an offer. >> It's an offer. >> Okay. Find an alternate offer. >> I'm just making >> Yeah. Okay. That's a parking lot. People
like that park. >> Our goal is to create boardroom spaces in town to create more internet connectivity. The the goal of our development is to create a a southern anchor to the community where people can shop, they can eat, they can stay, they can live, they can recreate, they can
enjoy beautiful park spaces. So, we were just looking at places in between our property and the downtown where we could help the town cultivate a little bit more of these communal green spaces. If it's not that parking lot, we'd love to work with the town and you know find
another place to do it. We'd love to spend uh you know the the time also discussing whether we can help make a contribution to Froggy Park to improve that as well or if there's other parking um parks or properties in the town that kind of fit into this idea that we we
want to build a community here. We want to keep giving back and part of it in our way is to help foster green spaces. >> So go ahead. Uh do you want to talk about the changes? >> Yeah, let's let's get through the
presentation. >> Yeah. >> No, I mean in terms I look we're the differences. >> Sure. So we we we were here a couple weeks ago. We talked through this. We you know we we did a broadly similar idea but we did change a little bit about the u parameters of the of the
project. So I don't know maybe it makes sense to go back to the the beginning to the outside rendering of the building because this 14th >> 14th >> yeah this is just illustrative the style of the building. So that's another thing our our intention is to build a building
that is grounded in this area is really grounded in the space. We want to use a lot of natural materials. We want to use a lot of greenery brick wood paneling. We want to use the elements of the historical design of the community and translate into this building. We want this space to look like even though it's
a new building that it really belongs here that's really of the of the area. So a big part of our design is the greenery on the building. We want to do green roofs. We're discussing options about storm water collection on the roof to help irrigation and try to recycle
water. We understand that in this area of the town there's a lot of surface water from runoff from the hill. A big part of our plan is to create storm water retention and mitigation to not only help improve the storm water retention and mitigation of our property but the surrounding area because this
area has been a vacant or underdeveloped piece of property for a long time and it's a parking lot and that's just about as bad as you can get in terms of storm water retention. So we know as there are a lot of ways in this development even though we're going to expand the portment that we're we're going to do a better job and we're actually going to
do a net positive in this area. So I don't know if you want to go into questions specifically about what's different about this version versus the last. I think I went into some things about unit counts and uh hotel rooms but broadstrokes all the key elements of the
previous uh version were here. apartments, the hotel, the ground floor, uh grocery and retail, an event space for the, you know, for people to use from the community that's going to be able to host a large larger event, which is something that's underserved here. um
a ground floor bar and restaurant that's going to be interconnected with the hotel but a publicly accessible restaurant as well as the ground basement level spot which is also going to be something that's a hotel amenity but is going to be available to the community on a day pass and membership
basis >> questions from the council Julie go ahead >> yeah so um first I'm going to start with some general questions and then get like drill down to the specifics in the plan. Some of these might be things that you
can address and some might be more for the burough attorney. So, because of process um so now I see that it's one building. Yes. >> Um can I just back up a second? You said that you worked with engineers and and traffic setting. Would were those the
burough engineers already? You started that process or these were your own >> independent engineers. >> Engineers site engineers traffic consultants. Um and then my understanding is the next phase is that we're going to be working with planner
the bur engineers who uh we've you know signed a funding agreement or our team to fund the burough engineers to work with us to talk through all of these >> proposals. Our our engineers have had preliminary conversations with like the county traffic engineer that that the
town worked with to work through the uh the stop. We've had some preliminary discussions that were more informal in nature, but it needs to kind of bring everybody up to speed about what we're doing. >> Gotcha. Okay. So, now it's one building
as opposed to two buildings. And um I don't know if if uh we want to show this, it correct me if I'm wrong, like it's a little bit earlier in the plan, but now you have two basements, right? So we have the one basement has the
you talked about a spa and then you have something called basement two, right? That's parking. Did I read that correctly? >> So So that change concerns me >> because to prevent the flooding of those
cars, this is an area that that historically had flooded. um the water is going to have to be diverted or pumped and it's most likely going to impact others and I guess the question is how does that get reviewed
if we have that water diverted how does that get reviewed? >> Sure. So um it's a great point. So a lot of the a lot of the the flooding around here so flooding that comes down from the east hill that forwards the water system that comes to the property. So,
because this building has had a 30,000 foot basement for 70 years or whatever, we know historically we did a a phase one environmental study of the property that there isn't a significant amount of groundwater flood. So, we know that there's very little to no water coming
up even in the most intense flooding from below. So, then the question turns to how do we mitigate surface water? Now, no matter how big the building is, we would have to mitigate surface water coming in from being dry from down the hill. So, we have been working diligently with our engineers and we
would be working with David Halls who's the burrow engineer think about this too about how to create the best available storm water retention system on the property so we don't overburden the town's storm water. So modern uh water
storm water mitigation is heavily dependent on the property retaining the storm water on the property and doesn't go back into the storm water system. So we would be building a very robust storm water retention system. And I alluded to it a little bit before. We're also looking into ways that we can collect
rain water from the roof that might historically go down into the property and create surface water that needs to be dealt with and recycle it into the building for green space irrigation for pools or anything that we might be able to get away with collecting rain water
filtering. So all going to be an exercise storm water in the future >> retention. So now my question has to do with the fundamentals of this redevelopment plan. Now there one building. >> Sure. >> Wendy I remember had explained to me
that to redevelop this site that the hotel had to be redeveloped first. >> Yes. >> Before any apartments were built. >> So now that this is going to be one building, right? >> Uh how does it My first question is how
does that get impacted? You're not going to build half a building. >> No. So, so it it really comes down to the C. So, you know, the occupancy of the space. Our intention fully is to develop the hotel and the apartments exactly at the same time. And we would be more than willing to pull through the hotel in a CO capacity prior to the
apartments just the way we would have done before. Now, obviously, most of these amenities are coming, the parking is shared. So, we would be developing the entire property and constructing the building at the same time. But our strong plan is to leave with the hotel. The hotel is the anchor of this
development and that we would be more than happy to have a CO issue for the hotel prior to the issuance of the CO from the department. So we can maintain uh the intention with the previous approval which was to make sure that this hotel gets seen through and open
and becomes an asset for the community. >> Okay. And then a followup to that, but this has always been my concern. Quite frankly, it was a concern when a different developer brought this on to talk about it being assisted living. One
of my concerns has always been that if the hotel ends up not um succeeding in the future, >> sure. This redevelopment plan was um
contingent upon a rehab hotel. In the future, if the hotel becomes um not economically viable and closes like businesses do close, we can't predict the future.
What What prevents that hotel from becoming another apartment building? Now, isn't that even a little bit more exacerbated considering it's now all part of one building? What What happens in that case? >> Redevelopment plan. It's an ordinance just like any other zoning ordinance.
So, it would be the same thing as taking a commercial building. Let's talk Benjamin Brothers, right? They couldn't just convert that into residential. They had to come in um and ask for additional changes to not have commercial on the first floor as was required. So it would
require coming back to either the zoning board. Well actually no, we would have to come back to the council to redevelop. >> I could also speak to the practicality of it. It's incredibly difficult to convert a hotel to apartments. I mean you can see what happened in the
pandemic in the city. There was broad discussions about converting hotel to apartments and giving people space to live and it's incredibly difficult. Apartments are much smaller. They're not designed with independent rooms. They they have wide floors. They're, you
know, they're intended to be short-term staying. So, when they actually I'm glad you you said that because that was one of my questions. There's the this hotel is not allowing any long-term residents. The the hotel side that's not
>> so any like the the hotel is a hotel and the apartments are one year plus hotel u you know rental income. They're all out of >> They're all rentals. The 95 units are typical year plus these rentals and then
the hotel. >> And then I had a question about the process and I think I'm going to I have more questions but I don't want to dominate but I just had a quick question about the process and then I'll hand it off to other questions. But um so
tonight the the vote is do we want to allow the redevelopment plan to proceed? Is it if you could explain that? >> So why don't you do that one? >> Yeah. So I just want to clarify there's no vote, right? The any action would be taken at a future meeting um a
redevelopment plans adopted by ordinance. That's two meetings with a public hearing at the second one just like any other zoning. Uh this is a consensus because it makes absolutely zero sense for the developers to be
paying to meet with the burough professionals to come up with a concept plan if the consensus isn't that this is something that you all may want to see. So that's the purpose for tonight is to really not waste time and money.
>> Okay. You said the redevelopment plan will get a public hearing if it did proceed from tonight if there was consensus. And I did want to know if that means that will there be the 200
foot the people within 200 ft of the property would they be notified? If not, what can I request that? It is not required, but you can request it. >> Yeah, I'd like to request it. And in addition, while I'm requesting, cuz I remember this came up last meeting, um
was rather than just refer to this as a lot number, perhaps we could refer to this as Clinton in sight >> because in a notice to people >> in the notice they understand. I just think that's transparency. Um,
okay. So, I I have some questions that are specific to this, but I'll stop talking now and let my colleagues talk for a little bit. >> Just to your point, it is important for us to the developer to get a full understanding of what the mayor council
is also looking for out of this development. We see this as a contribution to the community. We see it as a huge asset to the town in general. We want to make sure that we have these conversations where we can hear your concerns or what you suggest might be a benefit or benefit to the community. The
reason we brought up the follow park is because that's definitely what we're going to do, but it's to illustrate that we're looking to have a discussion with the town about how we can help contribute positively to the downtown. And >> John, go ahead, please. >> So, just highlighting a couple things,
right? Number one, >> we have had a hotel that's been in disrepair for over a decade. And so, you know, as a burrow, we've lost money in terms of what potential tax revenue would be on occupancy tax. So, this creates a bit of a flywheel just in terms of how this all the momentum
builds on it. And that that's an important point I think for people to understand. Um and number two is just to clarify by right if we don't act this way there is a by right provision that says that the owner of this property can correct me or I'm wrong develop this for
commercial use without any you know contemplation or discussion or anything else this could be a strip mall tomorrow is that is that correct >> so on the based on the underlying zoning first floor has to be commercial >> but then it could be residential and I believe our analysis show that it as
right with the underlying zoning could have up to 75 apartments without having to come to the council. >> So it's just calibrating the >> calibrating the risk of a war >> and but it would act as the way without any 40t. Yes. four stories. That's what
they could do. The outcome that you're making in order, >> right? That's as of right. They would go in front of the planning board for variances, whatever the normal stuff, >> right? And then and then just furthering on where we are this evening to your point, we are not voting this project.
We are voting on the furtherance of this plan. We're not voting. of having a consensus around the furtherance of this project to have a discussion with the people that have been appointed on the planning board to ensure that these things are in line with code and in line with kind of you know expectations. So I think that that's just to clarify and understand that's the point of what
we're doing. >> That's correct. Okay. >> If no one else has questions I >> I do go ahead Lauren >> I've been trying very hard not to talk over anybody so sorry. Um yes
absolutely. So again I really >> is someone else talking? >> Is someone else talking? >> No you are >> just checking. I think I hear feedback. Sorry. >> So I'm really trying to understand the genesis of the genesis of this project.
>> When you first came to us you had independent apartment >> and now you have a connected building. And I really just I want to understand when we gave you feedback and said maybe we don't want this dense vast amount of appearance because we've already
>> we've already sorry I hear my own self talking >> there's 300 other apartments coming to >> 10. >> So again I'm trying to understand why you went from >> and something to just >> to make a point.
that this this uh that approximate 300 number include includes the Clinton in uh >> hotel includes the Clinton in apartments. >> Your delta on by right is 20 units is correct. Right. 75 by light.
>> I think places like across that's what I'm responding to. The number >> that's not three. It's 300 with >> this >> with this >> apartments. >> Correct. performance >> and again even if we're at 200
>> I'm trying to understand the genesis of who will give you advice that we need more >> advice that we need more >> instead of something like >> instead of something like >> another property that Miss Esser's doing
which is >> so I really I'm trying to understand what need is here >> wait mayor please I'm trying to understand what the community need here that has been conveyed to this builder >> and so that we understand what
information you're working >> you're working that's a question for you Conrad Rankotti I don't know what you're working off of >> so well I think to the first point we we heard the council's concern about wanting to make sure that this building
uh felt of place and it felt like it had you know it fit in the into the surrounding area. So, we went back in the the second version of design. And I don't recall if anybody remembered what it looks like before, but we really focused on pushing and pulling the massing so that the entirety of the
building isn't along the the Dean Drive front. We set back some of it. We gave it a little bit of depth. We dropped behind the in the northern most part where it's closest to the town. We used a lot of tall glass in the front building to help bring light in and and give it a little bit of air and levity.
Uh, and we actually since the last conversation we had, we dropped 20 units because when we spoke with the local brokers and we sold market data and we talked to the people in the community that the overwhelming sentiment was that there were multiple types of apartments
that were in demand and that we looked at what was being developed in West Railroad and and the Benjamin Brother site and some of these other properties and we okay there there seems to be a lack of a couple of things I brought up which larger threebedrooms that could be used for a bold studio uses studios that
could cater to higherend professionals coming from the executive buildings on IW Angler and England cliffs Anglewood hospital people relocating to Tannifly some who relocate from overseas and are looking to establish a beach here for a
year or two before they move their family. So anecdotally from our market research at our broker, we found that this was a a suite of apartment types that were highly in demand. There are a lot of people looking for low maintenance, easy I mean the the
Anglewood Hospital staff is a is a perfect example of this. They work very long hours. They're very committed to their to their professions. They're not looking for um a yard and a deck and and a full house and for fires maintenance. They're looking for high quality,
high-end modern apartment units that fit their needs. >> And just to note, nothing that's being built has a man for this, >> right? So, this is a highly manetized building, which is why ultimately we felt the connectivity of the two under one roof made sense because our intention is that this is a lifestyle
development. This is a lifestyle development rooted in wellness and community and health. So, our big focus at our amenity board is in the spa facilities, most of which are self-guided. Um, they're like geothermal, hot water, sauna, steam
rooms, places that you >> Can I stop you for a sec? >> So, I'm sorry. I just want to go back again. >> So, I just want to reiterate. So, a realtor who has a financial interest in how many apartments they could sell is
telling you to keep it at 90 apartments. have any other community resources had any input on what our community would need in this space other than realtors? >> Well, our realtor actually suggested that we dramatically reduce the number
of units, build different unit types and service a different part of the community. And if you recall, we came in here a couple of weeks ago and we were looking for 125 apartments and they were mostly ones to two bedrooms. We had conversations with people in the community, real estate brokers, real
estate analysts, and they said, "Look, this market is going to be very well served by the types of units we were discussing previously. You're much better off splitting off this building and trying to reach a community that doesn't have a direct product that's being built for it yet."
>> Lauren, let me ask a question. Who is it that you would suggest as a potential source for incremental data? Is What's on your mind? >> I mean, I think first of all, our council would want >> and I think we need to relay that our
council does not. >> Well, you know, for example, I speak with my senior community all the time and the seniors do want to downsize and they want to downsize in something that's affordable and this is extra luxury. >> I'm not sure that that meets
I think that but Lauren in fairness I do think that this process is for that right so so right now we have uh you know the council's going to give feedback we're going to have the community is going to give feedback and so you know your point's well taken
Lauren you know who they've consulted with but I think this is also part of their consultation am I right >> yeah part of the reason we're here is they hear what the what the community has to say and their feedback fact that we we're about to spend um you know considerable amount of money building a
beautiful building into this town and you know the the we're on the south end of the of the town and we're outside on the downtown core and you know it's a it's something where we feel the density that we propose makes a lot of sense.
So, can I ask some specific question? >> All right. So, um Lauren, I'm just gonna ask a couple of questions now and if I don't cover something, jump on in. Okay. Um so, my first category that I do have concerns about with the density because
you're talking about it being kind of like a cornerstone to the community, but I I'm going to first my first category is traffic. Okay. So now I did the math and we've got 24 threebedrooms. Tell me
if I'm wrong on it. Uh 45 twobedrooms, um 11 onebedrooms and 15 studio apartments. >> Yeah, that's that's your you know. >> So if you put one resident in each bedroom,
okay, that's 188. >> There is a presentation. There is a parking spot with a car. >> So that's right. So you kind of So I was like, do we have did you create So the parking for we have 188
cards and and uh staff for the hotel. So So that that's all in there. So there's a there's a pro parking study by use. There's a parking study for the residences. the park study for the hotel guests or retail space on the ground level which is why we maintain the the
parking lot on the north end. So there's a direct place for people from the community to drive down park or use the market, get back in their car. They don't have to park like in the hotel parking lot. There's a specific lot of people around here who are using the
market or whatever they use. And then event space and hotel is all included in there as well. And we engaged a traffic study professional who's redeveloping the flow of traffic on the property to
alleviate the pressure at the the Dean Drive and West corner here and then even further down the property. >> Okay. What I would say is when you if the consensus here is not to reduce the
density although I just want to speak for myself that I I do want you know I I think I told you before I view too too tall but we'll talk about that a second >> because we brought that up last time we decided to undertake a shade study for the property. We went through a
preliminary exercise to make sure that based on the close height that we weren't going to adversely impact any of the residents in the area and there's no significant difference now because of the distance away that anybody is a residence nearby but we're going to do a
full shade study during work. >> Well, actually I and and I appreciate that. Thank you. Um I I did just want to say to put a pin in the in the traffic piece that I've been part of um
discussions for different developments even in different towns where I would just say when you're working with our professionals or the county professionals for the traffic study I know that's a county road is over there >> that you would do the study particularly
at times of day that um would be the problem times of So when a school start, >> when work left out, you know, those are times that, you know, because I' I've seen people do traffic studies. It's in the dead of summer and it's at 2 in the
afternoon and it was no problem. I >> So I just want to make sure that, you know, um so let's talk about the height because you brought that up. >> So I looked up the town center in Englewood. That's that apartment uh
complex that's in the middle of Cal State Avenue. >> Sure. >> In the shopping area. So that is 188 residential units. That's four stories. And so I know that you can get the density you want without the height if
you change obviously the design of how how you want the apartments to be from bedroom two bedrooms. I'm going to interrupt here just for a second, Julie, because just remember that there's other things going in this building besides the apartments. >> And there's also, you know, what length,
width, height is is all relative size of the land >> in a in a, you know, on in the middle of the hill in the middle of downtown, which is the city, and they could build a square building and they could get a lot more units fitting. We're on a long
narrow piece of property. We also in an effort to not over build the property and go wider and make it feel when you drive it that it takes up a lot more of the space. We wanted to keep the building to the contours of the property and narrow it as we got further along.
We've also pushed and pulled the building. We had made the building like a ball rectangle. We probably could have got more units, but doing that would have made it a visual wall all the way down D drive where you would have just been looking at a building for four or 500 feet. Instead, this way we kind of
like all the outside of the building. So, we've actually reduced the overall footprint for what might have been if we had built a rectangular, you know, non jog building, but we've created a lot more light and air. We've created a lot more visual stimulation for people
driving by. And I think we've created a project that's more visually appealing to the community even though we're going up higher than four stories than if we had built, you know, the entire lot and kept it at four stories.
>> Well, I I still do have very big concerns about an invasion of privacy and that shadow that would impact possibly even people being able to grow things on their property. Um, I I think it's going to impact George Street in
addition to Franklin Street, possibly certain times day across Dean Street. I know you're going to be doing you're you're entering into a study, but I I just also just want to put out there I think it is is going to impact the the
ones that live around there. >> We don't want to create something that's going to be a negative impact on the on the immediate environment. So, like I said, more than willing to do it. We're going to do it in conjunction with town. That'll be part of the discussion in the
planning board process. We're happy to that. >> I appreciate your answer on the flooding. So, um you said that this is more about you did not find groundwater flooding, but in fact retaining storm water. So, we're talking about basically
anything from the sky. It's kind >> run off from >> that. So it's not even just water that lands on on the on shores of our property, but anything that comes downhill this area in heavy rains can build up
groundwater sometimes to the town's soil water system has pinch points where it blows up. Even water that would outflow from other properties onto ours we would be taking into account >> for your sort of catchment.
>> Okay. We think it's going to be that positive for the storm water retention for the ever property we get there. >> Okay. Now, John mentioned something about the taxes we get from the hotel. I do know that that's a pretty high rate,
right? What does that >> I mean that like I think that like a community does well with taxes >> occupancy tax. You mean >> occupancy tax, right? And that goes to the bureau. >> Correct. >> Okay. So I do have just my last question
how to do with taxes and I don't know to what extent because you said you've done some you talk to consultants and I just want to hear you out and then hear out my fellow council members. So um
how do you calculate in this configuration uh if I wasn't able to convince you on reducing the height at all with my fantastic uh persuasive skills? Um how
do you uh see if there how the breakdown goes of how many children would be in this apartment? How many families with children does this look like? You talked about people working at the hospital,
you know, assuming most two bedrooms and three bedrooms are going to be children. >> I know I I couldn't tell you how many children building, but I mean that there are some of these apartments that we think would be an asset for young families living in
town. We think they would be an asset for older families who are looking to live partially in town and have children come in and out college age or high school age and go to private school uh in the area. So some of these departments obviously like studios and small bedrooms are not going to have
children in them and we we've significantly reduced the amount of units from the previous time we came in here about how many different children. >> Well, okay. So there are studies that are done um that that
>> can give those types of numbers. Um I think there's two different ones that come out of Ruters every so often, but generally speaking from what I've seen and from the presentations that I've had to sit through in different capacities, um you can guarantee that the two and threebedroom affordables will have
students, but as to the others, it's a lot less than you would think. that aortables are. >> Wendy, I don't think you could say that. I'm not sure where that's coming from. >> I'm sorry. There's a possibility that studies that are done.
>> Well, we are attracting families to Tennifly. Families come here to live and work. And I can't imagine that you can't take it into consideration that there's a possibility here every one of the 90s something apartments that they are proposing will have families, you know,
with children. Respectfully, Lauren, it's I I can tell you you will not have school children in a um studio if it's affordable because the way it's marketed is a certain occupancy number of people. So, it won't be all 95 units. But I'm
telling you from what I have seen coming out of studies in Ruters and other um planning studies that are done that developers generally rely on which developers are always going to tell us that those studies show a higher number than what's actually there but even
those numbers are not a one for one. So the three bedrooms are more likely but depends on >> it depends on a lot of circumstances. You can't give a definite that it's going to be or that it's not. So, how many three-bedroom units are you proposing? >> I believe 24. >> That's something that we would be
working through with the town plan. >> In Tennly, statistically in Tennifly, there are uh 3.1 people per household. So, if you'd imagine 3.1 people, if the math holds true, across how many
apartments? >> Total. >> No, no, the three bedrooms. How many? 20. >> 24. So 24* 3.1 brings you to about 86 or so >> 2, >> right? If you imagine there's at least one parent in there, maybe two parents, you do the subtraction and the math to
determine how many kids there potentially could be and that would statistically line up with what's existing now. >> And because I'm just wondering and then I want to because this is where because I really want to drill down into how this might impact us financially as
taxpayers. Um, I'm I'm wondering if there's a more of a benefit of going more with the onebedrooms and the studios as opposed to the twos and the threes because um what I looked up is that
tenantly's price per pupil is $27,000 and we pay >> price per pupil and what price per school age child and we pay about 75% of from our local taxes.
So think about 20 grand a kid of just our tax. So I I I know that that would be the cost the more children that we have there. And I I want to get into a
few of my other questions about some of us is impacting with our tax dollars. But um that's I guess what I wanted to drill down is just how many kids this would attract, how many families and whatever we're paying. I don't think it's going to get offset by what we're
going to make with the hotel. So that was just my concern. I did have another question then about a calculation. What would the calculation be for an extra extra DPW workers or extra police?
because I know that we have um if this brings in almost 200 new residents, you know, we have one officer for every 500 residents. I was looking up. So, between this and other developments, do we need to hire an additional police
officer? What are those like statutoily determined? What happens with that? >> No, not at all. But I mean, a lot of this detail is the whole point of the redevelopment agreement and all the work that's got to go into this, right? So, I'm not sure we're prepared for anyone to answer those questions tonight. It'd
be like asking a question about uh details about the water retention system. Right. For all we know, the D is going to come along and say, "You can't have a second basement. Forget about how much money's involved. We don't have those answers um regarding this." the
redevelopment plan that that we be letting them proceed with include answers to those questions of hey this now means the town is going to have to have extra police or extra does it include that
>> well certainly that analysis can be done right I mean it's a it's a mathematical analysis so all that could be done >> absolutely keep in mind you're not voting to approve this tonight we're talking about how do we get more detail and data to see if we really like this.
>> Um, and then, uh, you know, I just worry that this might negatively impact our taxes, uh, if it is as dense and, uh, you know, I I just would like it to comply with the height
restrictions that are throughout our bureau. So, it could be less less uh in less people in that location. for all the reasons I mentioned. But that's that's kind of my questions and I hope you'll take into account some of those questions.
>> Absolutely. >> Any other council members that other questions? Yeah, go ahead, Lauren. Go ahead, >> Julie. First of all, I want to say thank you for your comments >> and your questions. It's obviously you're there and can do the questions
better than me driving in the car. Um, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness of them. I would like to ask how the concept of a joint home and hotel came about and if you are considering senior housing,
if you're considering family housing, do you think that it's beneficial to have it separate rather than attached to the hotel? And I'd like to hear a little bit about that decision. >> Sure. So we we strongly believe that the town is most underserved in its
amenitized residential offer. So we're going to be building what is going about to be a very impressive amenity package for the hotel. Uh spas, pools, a fitness center, um you know, anything that any
resident would want to enjoy just who stays in the hotel. And we thought why would we limit the use of all of these wonderful features just the hotel mess. So we developed it into our concept that this was going to be a highly amenitized
apartment building that had access into the amenity space of the hotel and in order to create a better experience for residences especially in the winter and you know the last couple weeks are a perfect example of this. If you live in the one of the apartments in the
building, you don't want to have to leave your residence to use the spa facilities, use the gym, use the meeting space in for the, you know, whatever other amenities are going to get developed into this hotel that are going to be an asset for both residences and hotel guest. So, we thought, okay, we're
developing a hotel that's going to be an asset for the community and have all these wonderful features. Why not make it something that can be shared by the residents that are going to be full-time in the town? >> So, are you offering this to >> Are you offering this?
>> It will be part of the resident's res. >> That's what I'm saying. Is this an additional cost for the resourc why why is that relevant in terms of what the commercial terms are? What we're trying to ascertain here is is this something we want to move forward to on an exploratory basis with our building department and everybody else
or alternative uses on this or by are by right to do things that are materially you know lesser than and don't benefit the community. That's a prolonged conversation with very high level detail, very very detailed questions unnecessarily when all we're doing is advancing the ball here to have a further discussion which will include
our community and our experts in all these capacities. So I I think you know we're we're going on the better part of an hour here to make a decision to move on with our experts. I got to stop you because I do not advance things that are not the correct
thing for the for the community and right now I think the combination of the hotel and the apartments are the wrong direction. I am fine having the apartments utilize the amenities of the hotel. I would like to see separate space and to me they're asking for a
pilot here. This is a major decision on one of the few pieces of developmental property, you know, in our community. >> They haven't I I haven't heard that. >> They have not asked for a pilot, Lauren. >> So, we're not going to get a pilot. Mayor, are you making that assurance?
>> I did that. I'm not making any asurances. I'm saying they haven't asked for a pilot. That's what I'm saying. >> Pilot means payment in lie of taxes just for everybody out there. Well, we're also not voting on that type of appointment tonight. >> All right. So, why don't we uh I'd like
to I'd like to open the floor to the public for the public if they have any questions or comments on this topic only, please. We'll have additional We'll have additional public comments about anything else. But right now, we're just going to talk about the Clinton concept. Just give us your name, not your address.
>> Hi, I'm Eve Balkan. I'm at 14 Windsor Road. >> Not your address. >> Not your address. I thought you said and your address. Sorry. My hearing is great. Um, very interesting. Um, just a couple quick comments. I assume you'll take into account if it's connected that
there'll be security between the hotel and the apartment so that >> Okay. >> Okay. I I don't want to micromanage. I just wanted to ask um I do think that we should assume that there will be children in every two and threebedroom.
I think the statistics that you were quoting for Ruckers or uh is taking into account homes. I think that there isn't a single apartment whether it's a townhouse or apartment that you can build in Tennifly that will not be sold immediately. People will be thrilled and people coming into a rental will be
coming in with children in our schools. So, I think that when we do the statistics here, every two and threebedroom, we should assume we'll have a child. Um, I also want to just really ask you to talk a little bit more about how many additional cars. I know
you talk about the traffic study, but if I'm understanding its event space, it's hotel, it's apartments, it sounds like you could have, you know, dozens, hundreds more cars exiting in that area.
Thanks. >> Big part of the spa is so to the concept of the event space as well is that a lot of them are going to be shared services. So a lot of people that stay at the hotel are going to be uh attendance of the events,
weddings, bar mitzvah, anniversaries, school functions. We see the event space as something that's going to be a big driver of the hotel and we see the event space as something that the community is going to be able to utilize a lot. So we're going to be providing for a
significant amount of parking and cars. We're also going to be utilizing valet for most of the services that deal with the hotel and its ancillary services like the restaurant. >> Thank you. Okay. Who else would like uh to make a comment or has a question?
Howie, come on up. Tell us your name, Howie, but don't give us your address. >> Exciting. Uh, well, I'm happy to see that uh everything I went through. I see Julie learned the
all the height stuff. >> That was cool. Um, thank you for that. consent and angle. >> Um, you know, I look I look at the idea and the idea sounds nice, but it does have some questions to it. Um,
hospitality tax that all comes to the town. How much uh is the difference if between residential taxes and >> I'm not really sure. That would be a partial tax.
>> So you're asking about what taxes are. >> Yeah. I mean, if the property was a hotel, >> right? >> You know, instead of a 200 room hotel, 400 room hotel. What about thinking of it as a hotel, maybe a convention center, too? Um,
>> you're asking about the taxes or alternative use? >> Alternative use. >> So, Susan, so correct me if I'm wrong. For every million dollars in assessed value, people pay about $25,000 a year in real estate taxes. So 22,000 for every 800. So it's about
25,000 for every million. So what's the assessed value? What do you think this place is going to be worth if it gets built? >> No, just the value of the building. If I if after you build it, I want to buy it because I've got nothing else to do. So multiply 200 times 25,000. That's a
lot of tax revenue. >> Okay. Um the other the other thing I was thinking about so for the apartment side, what about a 55 and over community? So it it kind of makes it so that the
you know it's not an assisted living where you're going to require a lot of medical use but 55 and over where it's where it keeps the people in town like you had mentioned and it kind of keeps the drive going you know towards the schools the population of the schools
blossoming. I mean, if you're having all these other apartment buildings in town and the schools are already bursting at the seams, it would make sense to keep an older population and I'm sure a 55 and over community uh would fill up in this area. So, that's
just my thoughts on it. >> Okay. Thank you, Harie. Appreciate it. Who would like to speak next? How you doing, Lorraine? Now waiver has been granted that will allow the proposed new structure
have five stories on top of a garage which will of course make it even higher. This new structure will inevitably have the effect of adding more traffic
and more congestion to the center of 10. We don't need more traffic. We don't need more congestion. Keep in mind that once it is done, it won't be undone. It will be an
irrevocable change to the center area of tenno. Further, it will set a precedent. If this false structure goes up, others may well follow. On what basis would one
refuse other proposals for such developments? People may look back in future years and see where we are now as a turning point and regret it. I
respectfully suggest and hope that this structure will not be approved. Thank you. >> Thank you, Lorraine. >> Hi, Cynthia. How you doing? Good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh, I'm
Cynthia Tech. I won't share my address. Um, I, um, you know, I'm a big believer in the abundance agenda in general, and I think for Tennifly, it's important to have, uh, smart growth. Um, and it can
be incredibly beneficial for all of us who live here. And I want to start by thanking you and, um, everyone behind you for bringing this um, really innovative proposal to town. Um, it looks beautiful and I'm intrigued. Um, and I think it has the potential for
being a very modern anchor for our town. Also, I have a personal attachment to that site because that's where I got married. It's where my daughter was baptized, you know, our celebration, etc. So, it's been difficult to watch it languish all these years. So, I'm always
excited to hear about new proposals. Um, I have been talking about this with my neighbors. Um, everyone's really excited and intrigued to hear what happens here. Um, but there are concerns that come up every time we talk about this and I want to make sure that the council in moving
this forward takes these into account. Um, the first one is many people have addressed it. It's the cumulative traffic, right? And not just looking at this in isolation. It's looking at all the development happening in town. How does that impact daily life for us? you
know, whether it's going to work, going to school, etc. Um, we just don't want that intersection of Dean and East Clinton to become a major gridlock. Um, the council woman touched on this fiscal responsibility
when you're looking at this particular development, but also everything else happening in town. How does this impact municipal cost from a holistic perspective? So whether it's do we have the equipment? Does our fire department have the equipment to service a
six-story building? Do they need a new ladder truck? And what cost does that bring to town? Um do we need additional police? Um how does this impact our ambulance core, etc. I'm not saying we shouldn't consider a development of this
scope, but we have to think about it in a larger scale. Um, parking. We talked about, you talked about parking a little bit. You know, I um want to make sure that we are taking into account the sixstory residential
density I thought was going to be less plus the hotel gas plus the restaurant spa users. When I go to Our Lady of Carmel on Sunday, I don't want to have to fight for parking with everyone trying to use this development also, you know. So, um,
as this goes forward, I hope the council takes into account, yes, we want growth, but we also want growth that fits the scale of our community. Um, so when you're thinking about density, please take that into consideration. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Who else would like to make a comment or a question? >> Maximos, no address. Um first of all is it the same developer that uh was presenting to us two three years ago the it's a different
developer. >> All right I would like to address a few things and then I'll tell you some of the things that my concerns are. Um first of all this is a six-story building.
The legal height and the number of stories in Tennifly is four. Tennifly had never had a single building over four stories.
When you started this development plan, did you ever look to try to apply the actual laws of Tennoffly in your development? >> Yes. So, we did a a considerable amount
of design and development in this process to go through what we thought was the highest the best use of the property. And I I >> not the best use. I'm asking the question is did you ever try to stay within the de the laws of the town?
>> Yes. So we I addressed this I believe that when we looked at this at first we had discussed building the property to the fullest extent that was allowable and taking up a larger footprint and staying in the lower stories. But it created what we believe to be a much
more adversely impactful property which feels larger on the ground level even though it's a shorter building. >> It are we talking about the hotel too? >> The entire >> Well, I'm saying the hotel. Let's start one at a time. The hotel.
Did you look at the hotel of staying within the fourstory building? >> Yes, we looked at the entire >> and why was it not acceptable? The so the hotel and the apartment building are mixed in the same structure. So they're not like >> now they are but they were not in the in
the in the past >> right and the existing hotel building is not structurally designwise or anything capable of maintaining its footprint and staying in the existing structure. So what you're saying is it's not viable.
You mean like profit-wise, moneywise that what we have to go and give a special exception for the profit to make sure that that's uh hotel is profitable. >> No, we feel that we were designing this hotel in a way that was going to be
overbuilt on the lot to fit the existing parameters rather than build it. And a much more elegant solution to the problem would be to make the building's footprint smaller static value of the property and go up taller to fit the same amount of program in a building
with a smaller footprint and a smaller average floor plate, but to go higher to bring visual. that would basically not conform to the zoning ordinances and will create a unique and separate
building in town that there is no other town another I'm sorry no other building like that. >> That is correct. This this property is in an area that is being discussed for redevelopment and is had an existing approval that granted it at our uh
approval which we're actually staying under the height of what was previously approved when the other developer came in three years ago. So we're looking to maintain or lower the threshold that they were at previously but do it in a way that we feel has more interconnectivity. So, it's lower than
the previous developer, >> correct? >> But it's higher than the existing zoning ordinance, >> correct? >> I I just want to clarify there is the previous developer that had a redevelopment plan which is the equivalent of an existing ordinance for that site.
>> So, there was the ability to go higher. There is the ability currently to go higher. The issue is that it is related to an assisted living facility only. >> Exactly. So I don't think that that applies to the existing neither the
hotel nor the apartment buildings. So it's completely different and has no bearing on what they are right now proposing. >> Well, that's why we're here. >> No, but I'm saying the previous ordinance has no bearing on this one.
This will have to require a new ordinance. >> Again, that's why we're here at this. I I but the whole idea are you trying to say oh there is an ordinance which basically creates a a precedent. >> No I am not saying that. >> Okay. So there is no ordinance that allows them to build it.
>> Not what is being proposed today. There is a zoning in place for a certain height for an assisted living building. >> Yeah. So but we going through that. >> Okay. So Max continue with more questions or let's go to the next person. >> For sure the point is very clearly made.
I am the chairman of the senior citizen services and whatever your broker told you that is needed in town, it's completely wrong. What we need in town is affordable build uh affordable uh
housing and specifically affordable housing that would allow the seniors or so to stay in town in a way that they can afford it. Uh starting next year, there will be more seniors in town than
the family with children in Tennifly. And uh what the B your broker is trying to tell you, let's scheme the top of the market to basically get it more. It's completely different and and not related to the truth. in 10 flight. I presented
to uh the mayor a plan for senior housing and I think that a very welcome type of approach will be to try to understand what is really needed in towns rather than what would make
more sense from the profit point of view. If you want to basically uh have a a wellreceived uh building that people in town will see
that is beneficial and with this one. Thank you. >> Thank you Max. Yes. Come on up to the microphone please. Hi, my name is Aal Rosenthal and I won't give my address. Uh though I did grow up
in Tennifly and I remember uh the Clinton in in the early 90s when family visiting family were willing to stay there and in the 2000s when absolutely none of them were willing to stay there. Uh and the also the implications just from family from having people staying
in New York or wherever it may be. uh there is I think I hope full consensus that there needs to be development in this area simply from uh the hotel needs that I I believe very strongly exists uh
with apartments I could tell you at least in terms of the mix uh my parents still live in a four-bedroom house in Tennifly and are very senior citizens uh the only way that we would probably be able to get them out of there would be in probably in a three-bedroom
apartment. So, I it would definitely be a mix. I certain that there's also seniors that would love that. Um, I recently joined the Tennifly uh uh chamber of com to be one of the members of the uh Tennifly Chamber of Commerce uh as the vice president from having
spoken to roughly at least a dozen people within the business community. uh there is significant excitement for uh uh for such a project and I think that the business community would stand behind it wholeheartedly. Uh personally
uh I would love to see something like this move forward. How it ends up being at the very end I think you know that the council and the zoning and there would be many many more steps down the line. Uh but this is definitely uh I think a great plan for Tennifly. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Who else would like to speak? Anyone
else comments? Assembly woman come on up. >> Shamaha. Uh I know mayor you said to speak just to this project but I can't. I'm going to take some uh >> of course from you all to congratulate
mayor and council and the DPW for the absolutely fabulous job they did with the snow. >> I have to tell you that the day after the storm I had to drive to Englewood and back. You can make a border where it was Tennerly and where it was. I mean,
Tennerly was in Bergen County probably the best clean street. Yes, it was. >> So, bravo to all of you. I'm really really I and I bragged about it to everybody. I have to tell you that as well. >> Thank you. >> That being said, I my concerns are what already has been raised by everybody and
thank you Julie for your very thoughtful questions and Lauren for your concerns. My biggest concern is the height of the to just understand it. I drove around. I said, "Where can I find a six-story building?" And the Bristol uh building
on the corner of Van Brunt and Route 4 is a six-story building. And it is huge. It really is immense. And that is what is my biggest concern of putting it in downtown Tennifly where most of the
buildings are usually three stories. I don't even know if we have a >> We do have several fourtory buildings. Yes. they kind of they don't look out of place at all. And of course, the traffic is another real concern. The traffic that's one of the worst corners in our
town, that corner of uh West East Clinton and uh Dean, I mean, surely something will be done about that light. >> That's why the traffic line's coming. Believe me uh councilman when I was on
the council many many moves ago >> even then >> that one's amazing >> but traffic is going to be a huge concern and that I am not sure that having that many apartments and a functional hotel would uh would ease the traffic in our town. I mean a lower
density of apartments or a smaller hotel, I don't know. But really, it's going to be awful for everybody come trying to come to downtown if they need to go somewhere or whatever. It's really going to and the like you like
councilwoman Okconor said, it really should be done at the height of the traffic because it's the the study that you conduct because otherwise we'll never know about it. And of course, they're going to be children in the two bedrooms. My grandchildren live in a
two-bedroom apartment in New York City, so I know they're going to be children in a two-bedroom uh apartment. So, don't discount that in your calculations. And I never even thought about it, but Councilwoman Okconor raised a very important point. What if the hotel
doesn't do well? First of all, that occupancy tax is not coming in then. And uh what happens? I mean hotels I've seen some very shoddy hotels around Bergen County. They are failing and they this the structure is there but the you know
the activity is not there. What happens? There has to be some thought put into that. But uh really the height is what concerns me the most. Thank you. >> Thank you. Who else would like to speak?
How you doing, Serge? Everything good? >> Good. Spurgis curious. I've been a resident of Tennifly for since 1970. And uh I too remember Clinton in when it was a barn with a big restaurant in the back of it and a big huge house which was the
hotel back then. Uh, one of the main draws of Tennifly is in big open spaces which we've had for years. Through the decades, I've seen that dwindle.
The wooded lots all have become mansions and houses and there are very little left. Now, um, the height of the building is my main concern. I'm treasurer of the Tennifly Elks and we are on the other
side of the tracks from that building. That building is currently only three stories. Correct. If you're going to double it, we're going to have no sun till 12:00 in the afternoon. Now, that might not seem such a big deal for all the tax money we're going to
get, but it probably will affect the wildlife and fauna in that area. I'm also a certified arborist, so I know about that a little bit. Uh the water when there was two houses on the other side of the Clinton in garage, whenever
we had a big rainstorm, there would be sometimes 2 and 1/2 ft of water behind those two houses. And I know because a friend of mine lived in the first house behind that garage and he had a canoe and me and him used to float around the
backyard in the canoe. There's going to be tons of water. Now, I don't know what's happened to that water since they tore those two houses down, but I know that that all that water's going somewhere, and there ain't no retention system that's going to hold it all.
>> Um the traffic, they changed the traffic pattern downtown. It's already clogging up um County Road coming this way to in front of Mount Carmel Church. If we add another hundred or so cars to the mix, I
don't know what's going to happen. But um being a representative of the Tennifly Elks and talking to my fellow members of which we have 186, I haven't found one person that is for this project. They are we the Tennifly Elks
are against it for those reasons. Thank you. >> Any other comments? Who would like to speak? Um, oops. >> Hello, my name is Annne Nelson. Um, I've been in town for about 35 years. Uh, so
I I'm going to go back a little bit Nostalgia Road in terms of uh Clinton Inn. I have many memories of Clinton Inn and uh the price of the hotels, the the rooms were pretty reasonable. Uh I uh the many restaurants, I had many teacher
meetings there. Um there's just a lot of uh warm feelings I had. So obviously we can't recreate old uh Clinton in but I think what I'm hearing and I'm new to this project so I
haven't heard earlier presentations but I'm hearing um a beautiful sounds like a beautiful building by all means I I'm sure but um I hear a lot of luxury you know a spa uh uh uh uh pools and all
this is wonderful But I I really question if there's any way to make something more maybe community- based or something maybe more um I don't I just feel this is a building like we see now popping
around uh this area you know like you go in Tene there's these new buildings everything is popping up like all these these these new constructions that look really nice and I just wonder if there's a way to make something more personable
smaller and maybe more base to I don't know just maybe I I just like the size also is is my concern So, I have um yeah, it's just going back memory lane, but a little
concerned about what I see here, but um admiring it, too. So, a little mixed feelings, I guess. So, I don't know if this makes any sense, but just uh Okay, thank you. >> Which is exactly what we're just doing. >> Anyone else in the chambers like to speak before we go to people online? Of
course. Come on up. Take your time. I'm Susan Oswalt Barnes. I've been a resident of Tennifly and I own a home here since 97. I did raise two kids here, but I'm now in a rather large house for me by myself with a cat. And
uh I do know a number of seniors like myself whose kids are long gone. they live in the US anymore. Uh who would very much like to be able to
stay in Tennifly or alternatively move. But those of us who want to move want to stay in the area and there's nowhere to go. There's almost nowhere to go. their rental apartments, the brownstone across from
that very high uh assisted living place on Van Brunt. So, while I came here thinking I was going to say something about the height, I don't have to because everybody else has. But I'm more concerned about the big unknowns.
I think there are a number of seniors like myself who would like to downsize but don't plan to immediately because we don't know where to go. Uh but who would and who would not be bringing children into the school system and would
definitely want nothing smaller than a two-bedroom. I mean if you have a four or five bedroomedroom house with three or four bathrooms you cannot move into a onebedroom. It's impossible. Uh, personally, I would want to move into a three-bedroom. However, as I hear all
these luxury amenities, as a lifetime former New Yorker, I'm wondering what kind of grants are you anticipating for these three and twobedroom units? Is that something I can ask here? >> Well, I I mean, I can definitely give
you some color about that. So, we're looking to price these on par with some of the nicer buildings that are being built in the area now. They're going to be similarly placed priced to other apartments that are amenized in the area. They're going to be similar similarly priced to other apartments in
Tennifly. There's the brownstone is a nice cop. There's some on anchor cliffs on NW anchor cliffs that are being built. They're they're going to be not super luxury. They're not going to be some unapproachable price point. They're going to be priced accordingly with other rental properties that are coming
online in the kind of Fly Crest Hill Anglewood Anglewood close area the next two or three years. Well, I have a good friend who lives in the Brownstone and she's in a very large twobedroom, twob for that complex, and the rent is about
3,900 a month, which I think is reasonable, but I don't think 5,000 a month for that kind of apartment would be reasonable. And if I'm thinking about a threebedroom, I don't want to spend $7,000 a month or even 6,500 or 6,000.
So these are the kinds of things that I think people in my age bracket would be quite interested in knowing about if you were to proceed. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments here?
Hi Andrew. >> No, we know Andrew's name. >> Andrew McKesh. Uh couple of thoughts. uh were first I want to stay out of the hype business. I think there are a lot of very strong positions on either
side and it have been said uh the business model or their business plans and all that and the level of entity or not. I mean, it's a business. It's capitalism. Um, you know, I hate to say it. Uh, I love to know, but, uh, if they
don't do the right things, then they won't do well. But the areas that I wanted to talk about, two things. Number one, parking. uh parking to me and there may I there was a reference that there was some studies done but if I looking
at uh number of apartments, hotel, event space, store, health club, restaurant, bar just that been mentioned and I'm sure with all the images there'll be more. Each one of those are
dozens if not if there's an event with 200 cars on top of everything else. I don't know where those valet is going to take the cars. So I have no idea if you're planning on a 100 spaces or 500 spaces in the garage. There may be an
extra 100 around the property, but if you have 200 event plus a health club plus restaurant plus restaurant, you could have three 400 cars. Is that being accommodated? >> Yes.
>> And this is something we're working on with the traffic consultant is we're going to be between five and 600 parking spaces because but you mentioned that there'll be valet service. So that's great, but the car still needs to be someplace.
Valet is more so that if somebody comes and is a hotel guest, >> the valet can drive them to the parking deck instead of them having to walk themselves. >> There are parking lots on the other side of the to be northern green but you would need a bridge but different discussion, >> right? But we to accommodate all of the
parking okay. >> The other topic and this is kind of also to the council. It's personal opinion. To me, traffic studies are important to show the impact. But a 100 car, 150 every hour, two hours in the morning
compared to all the other traffic out there, I'm just not sure if it's going to be a material impact given the fact that the town needs to plan for a potential light rail terminus just down that street where everybody north of us
will be going to. and the fact that currently there is a somewhat unusual set of curved narrow lanes going with Tyler Park and a curves and a lights around that curve. You cannot fit
more cars in there into a space where a bus and a truck cannot exist at the same time. So I don't care how much studies you do. If the traffic doesn't flow today, you're not going to make a difference either way. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you, Andrew. All right, Omar, is let's move to online. Is there anyone online who would like to make a comment? >> I see a Luring Lilling with her hand raised. >> Who does? >> Luring Lily. >> Lauren, you have your hand raised. >> Yes. Thank you.
>> Hi. Um, I'm a mom in town with, you know, young kids and have spoken to a lot of parents of young families and we're really excited about the opportunity to have like a beautiful new business that actually helps the
downtown thrive. You know, we always want good restaurants and places to be downtown and a little more attraction will just help that. Um, and considering for the decade that I lived here, it's been an eyes sore on the corner,
honestly, anything at this point would be an improvement. That's my opinion. Um, while I recognize everyone has different concerns, that would be a huge upside. And just as an aside, in response to what someone said about the schools earlier, they aren't I don't
think they're all bursting at the seams. Uh, my kids are at Smith and it's completely under capacity. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Lauren. Okay. Anyone else online that would like to speak? >> John, you want to speak?
>> All right, Omar. >> Not yet. >> I see no hands here. >> No one else. Okay, we'll close that. Um, John, did you have a comment? >> Yeah, I just I I think it's important. I mean, I I listen to a lot of people that have lived here for a long time. I have lived here for 54 years. I remember
Charlie Browns and Dairy Queen and Tennifly Department Store and the Clinton Inn and Brunch and everything else that we had associated with the town and I missed the vibrancy of of Tennifly. I think it was a great town that had a lot to offer and it's very sad to me to see vacancies. It's very
sad to see an underutilized downtown. Uh, and I think it's a communitybuilding uh, you know, necessity that we look at the Clinton end. And I appreciate the work that's gone into this and I appreciate the thoughtfulness that's gone into this. And I want to be very, very clear about what we're doing tonight. Right? We're not voting to say
let's go build a building, right? We're voting to say we think that this has enough merit for to have further discussion, which takes into account the elks. that takes into account the traffic studies, the height, the shade, the water, and all of the other things that I am completely unqualified to render an opinion on because I'm not an
expert. But we have a system to do this. We have a system to evaluate this. I think the mayor has offered that we'll have, you know, the opportunity for the public to speak and to be heard. Uh and all we're doing tonight so this doesn't become something that's a litmus you know test is we're agreeing that as a
community we think that it's important to entertain and engage in discussion around a restoration of the vibrancy of what I knew as a kid here and what I loved about this town. I mean, Dairy Queen in the middle of town right now seems like a terrible idea from a
traffic standpoint, but it worked. And I don't know if this will work in 500 faces, is that the right number or the a lot of the other things, but this is just a discussion to say, let's allow our experts to get engaged. Thank you for doing it at your expense. Thank you for taking the time to to invest in our
town, and we're just moving forward with a further discussion. So I I want people to understand that uh there will be a financial analysis and questions about taxation and questions about everything else that will be and discussed and this is simply a you know does this have the
merit to say hey good idea let's discuss it further and I think that's the point of what we're doing tonight and I appreciate everybody's comments and time uh particularly you guys you know taking the time to invest in doing this and I think it's worth exploring to see you know should we go to the next stage and and try and get back what I remember as
a kid. Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. With that, then let's go. I'm going to go around the table to see if we can uh get a consensus to get it to move forward. Uh Lauren, >> thank you.
>> I'm here. Can you hear me? >> Yep. So, are you a yes or a no? We're moving forward. >> So, I I just want to make a comment because I you couldn't see my hand raised just a second ago. Um, I love the concept of re renovating and
revitalizing the hotel. And you know, like the person from the Chamber of Commerce said, what a boost to business and local business that would become. But I have to weigh the balance of what I'm trading off when I go and I say, "Please renovate this hotel on the
behalf of the community." And is the balance going to be an appropriate balance for our community? and you know increased traffic, increased water damage to those streets around possibly. We don't know. We'll find out. You know, increased density, increased, you know,
things that we really as a community need to take into account before we say, of course, we want a new hotel because of course everyone wants the new hotel. And that really isn't the question. The question is, what is the balance that should go along with the new hotel? I'm not sure this project as presented today
meets that. Um, I will agree to continue conversations. So, I'll be a yes to continue these conversations, but at the end of the day, I would not vote for this project. So, I think we have a lot of work to do to find that correct balance. That's my response. >> Okay. So, you're saying yes for now for
tonight. Okay. Um, Councilwoman Dr. Okconor. So, um, you know, I gave you a lot of my thoughts on where the direction of the project should go.
Clearly, right now, it is an area that is not um to the standards of our downtown. So, I will be um really watching this space and seeing what you
are revising. I mean, I don't if maybe you could just clarify if you're going you're taking our the comments of the people and you're going to be working with our professionals and so it's not this exact thing is not the thing that
Okay. No, our our plan is to take all the feedback that we heard tonight and go back to our internal group and then start the process with the town's professionals, the planners and the engineers, the attorney, and work towards creating something that everybody is going to >> and just so everybody knows that the
redevelopment plan will get a public hearing as as our attorney said. Um, so yes, I'm okay with proceeding and I do appreciate your time. >> Thank you, >> Councilwoman Corsair. >> I'm a yes. Counciloman Rolieri Gratitude. Yes.
>> Councilwoman Jackson, >> I think this is an incredible opportunity for our town and thank you for also willing to take all of our feedback, everyone in town's feedback and the council and working with us to create a project that will bring us into
the future. So, absolutely. Yes, >> David. Okay. So, >> all right. Thank you. Um and um I guess you'll be in contact with our Ber attorney >> to work out the details of the next meeting and what the schedule's going to be. >> Sounds great.
>> All right. Thank you for your time. Thank you for the public >> for all your comments this evening. >> You're all welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting. It's very exciting. >> You could ask me anything you want. Max >> discussed two issues. One of them was a
a grant for walking trail >> and >> can we have an update? >> David, do you have that? >> I can't hear the comments. >> The grant for the walk. >> The grant for the >> Yes, we have it working under it's it's
in in process. >> Okay. It's going to be in about 10 minutes. It will be if you if you would like to stay, you're welcome to. and you'll be able to ask anything you want. >> Okay. Uh, next to be considered local
recreation improvement grant. David. >> Yeah. So, the uh local recreation improvement grant um is offered by the state department of community uh affairs. Uh the recreation director and the parks foreman are recommending Sunnyside Field. New duck out dugouts
and some drainage work. uh will apply for the maximum amount of the grant as well as some uh matching in the area to improve the uh awarding of the grant. Chances of the awarding of the grant. >> So, does the council need to do anything? >> There's a resolution tonight to authorize
>> Oh, it is. Okay. Perfect. All right. 2026 road paving program. >> Um basically, I I spoke with our engineer uh the other day um together with with the roads that we're going to switch with PSENG. it may be
advantageous for us to do our own bid this year. So, we're looking into doing an independent bid outside of the Riverside Cooperative, which would allow us to potentially pave in April and May versus waiting until the end of July. Um, so we're going to look at it a
couple ways. So, uh, that additional information will become uh will be forthcoming. Um, we are going to participate uh in the Riverside Cooperative. It would just depend on whether we go up or down depending on whether or not it's more advantageous to
do our own bid. Uh with the quantities that we're looking to have paved in 2026, we probably are going to be at the level that it would be make some sense pricewise for us to do our own bid. >> Okay. >> What would your reasons be for doing it
differently this year? Is it just because more >> time? Yeah. the the Riverside Cooperative is really not in in in a is not prepared to do any paving until after Fourth of July. >> And we've got some of our roads like Ridge Road, which is a nightmare that needs to get paved.
>> Yeah. >> All right. Next item, 2026 budget hearing schedule. >> Yeah. So, in my report, I had proposed that we meet at uh 6:00 uh for the next three council meetings um for budget hearings as well as proposed uh um
Saturday, March 7th at 9:00 a.m. if that becomes necessary. Uh so, if the council is inclined to do that, Omar needs to be able to advertise those dates. >> How is everyone with the schedule? >> Okay, we're good. Um, David and Mayor, no, David and Mayor, I I'm not good on
the 24th. I was wondering I I could hopefully make the 7:30, but I would not be able to make a budget at the 6 at 6 PM. Is there any way to at that week just have an alternative meeting? Am I the only one? There's a conflict. >> I will not be here the entirety of that week.
>> Oh, >> all right. Yeah. I I would say is we can get the process started at least. So, in other words, get it started, then >> I don't want to not be there for a budget meeting. So that I mean that's way too >> So I think we'll get the process started and then reschedule that meeting, right?
So we'll do that offline taking into consideration your schedule also for that one meeting. >> So I'm sorry I I don't have it in front of me, but does do you want to start on that Tuesday that the schools are off? Is that what you're proposing? >> February 24th.
>> No, the one before that, Julie, I'm sorry. Yeah, we're talking about having the first meeting on the 24th. >> Right. >> Right. >> Okay. And I'm requesting that it not start on that day and that be >> she's not available on the 24th. >> Right. But it's
>> not started the process, not the end of >> I don't think we should. >> No, but those are two important meetings, David. And >> so drop that. Drop that date. We'll pick another one. >> Okay. >> Um >> pick an alternative. I I'm fine any other day. But >> well, I don't know how we're going to do this then because we can't schedule on
the fly here. We have to do it offline. So, schedule the other meeting. Let's schedule the other meetings. >> Wait, wait, wait a second. >> Trying to get the schedule. I don't have >> 7th at 9 a.m.
>> Oh, I'm I'm >> okay. Uh, >> so here's what we're going to do because we've got conflicts amongst all the council members except for Julie who can go to everything. >> So, let's let's uh uh Omar, if we
officially schedule these meetings, we can change the date, right? Correct. Or add another date. >> Can um add you can add another date. >> Okay. So, let's schedule it based on what David put together and then we'll add another date. >> Okay. Which will determine offline. We can't do it on the fly here.
Okay. Okay. >> All right. So, he'll step back down here. >> Yeah. We'll email go around. All right. Tree ordinance update. >> Thank you, mayor. So, what um I did was what we had discussed at council meeting. I took the DP model ordinance
and then instead of changing our existing I fed our existing information into that model. Um it it's on the agenda packet for the council to review. Can then can we I'll be honest with you. We didn't really get
this until late last week. And so would it be okay if this >> first reading an actual to begin is let's not put it on for introduction at the next meeting. >> That's right. We can have a discussion.
>> Um and Wendy just just help me out. Did you put in that part that you were flirting with which was the uh idea of uh that change? >> It is in there from the model.
>> Okay. And that specifically was >> I will tell you uh that an exemption from mitigation for a certain number of tree over a fiveyear period. >> Right. Okay. That's I'm going to want to take a peek at that. Um
>> yes I I did put it so that you can see it >> with the red line. Thanks. >> No it won't be red line >> because it's from the red line is right. >> Okay. >> Exemption of mitigation for certain number of trees over a fiveyear period.
>> Okay. So I just want to look at that. >> Yeah. Um, one of the things that David and I talked about if we're talking about having um, look people review the mitigations maybe.
Um, Julie, just so you know, um, on the draft it's the top of page 10 and it's residents who remove less than four trees per acre. So, it's an overall. It's not per lot. It, you know, obviously it would be scaled to lot size.
>> Okay. And um >> it's in section 1.4. >> Thank you. And I I'll just uh so I'm going to come back with some some notes and I know I spoke to David about a few things like with having people lose their um local
license if they >> if we if they get one person constantly oh yeah you mitigated you mitigated mitigated and then that's like the person to call then then there has to be some sort of uh >> risk. Yeah.
>> Yeah. Risk. So that was section 1. What Wendy? >> 1.4. four are the exemptions. Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Move on to dumpster screening requirements. >> So, this is a proposed ordinance um
under your property code maintenance to require dumpsters to be placed um within 5T of the building so that you won't have a situation where it's all the way on the corner and you know there's parking at the building etc. There's screening
requirements. Uh the one thing I do want to note and I think I highlighted some things for you to look at in there is I there whether you want a size for the dumpsters or not. The other thing is whether there's a need to include
recycling container dumpsters. I don't know if any of the businesses have dumpster size recycling or >> I think we have >> Sorry. Five feet is that or less like that. >> There's only in one location would which
would be by the diner. It's away from the diner. >> So those dumpsters are on the opposite side of the parking lot. >> Right. >> The CVS parking lots for no >> right >> you want back in. >> So those will be moved to within 5t of the building. Right.
>> So it needs to you know to get a variance otherwise. >> Okay. >> I don't know if that's I think we have >> I have a question. I don't know if that's realistic. I mean, people have to move product in and out of restaurants. I I'm just I just don't I think we should be I think that one
before we say that we make a decision on the screening looks great. The distant from that it might be questionable. >> IP seems not a lot of space. >> Dumpster of your restaurant where you have to bring in product and out and >> I think it it's a valid point and we're
looking at the unsightly nature of what we have. So screening is the priority. I agree with you. >> Part of the the issue though, like if it is just a standalone and it's being screened, is it really complicated if it's, you know, 20 feet away in the
parking lot versus being closer to a building and being screened? I >> mean, the ideal is closer to the building and screen. But I think we do need to investigate whether that's >> practically realistic, >> right? The key is to screen. >> Yeah, the key is to screen town and look at dumpsters. It's it's it's become a problem and that's Yeah. And so this the
ordinance also proposes it to be the rear of the property unless the rear is not um attainable in which case it would be on the side >> or unless the but the rear in some instances could be equally unsightly given what it ab butts the rear of stop and shop abuts l cleaners and river edge
road and that's one of the sites that's in need of >> and it's also next to the sidewalk instead of next to building >> correct that's a fair point right so that that's something that should be looked at you know kind of uniquely so the ordinance should be as protective as possible recognizing that
we may need to have variances to the ordinance to suit individual needs which may be the five foot in certain instances. >> So if you all want to just take a look at it we can put it back on for to be considered again for the next meeting. >> Let's see >> and to the extent that you have any comments you want
>> and then he'll just condense them and get them to me. >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you. So, I have a question if there's any possibility for the ordinance to not only screen but be required to clean up like the two feet
around the dumpster, which is where I find most of the garbage >> in your Okay. >> Well, all right. We need enforcement there. Okay. Thank you for redoing the >> All right. Next on the agenda, food
establishment health licenses. you taking that one? >> Oh, so in looking at um the option of requiring certain types of businesses that are grabband go type food businesses that have trash receptacles on the outside that are maintained as
well. >> Um we actually >> don't have a code adopted ordinance for licensing the restaurants. So your health officer is just following the state code at the moment. >> Uh so
And David, I apologize if I'm not supposed to be if this isn't on for this purpose, but one of the suggestions I was going to make is whether you want to take it to the health the board of health to see if they want an actual codified licensing procedure for restaurants.
>> I am the liaison. I'd be happy to to do it if that's >> Yeah, I I think that >> right now she's following the state following the state. We don't have a burrow code, right? >> Purpose of us adding another layer of
bureaucracy. What would we accomplish? >> Because we were discussing the licensing to be also the trash receptacles that they be required. It's part of the health, safety, and wellness to make sure that >> So, it's all the trash, >> right? Something to say, put
>> I couldn't add it to an ordinance because the ordinance isn't there. >> Then if it's part if it's all about the trash. Yes. Because to John's point, we want trash cleaned up. So then why rather than take it to the health code and for if this is the mechanism for us
to allow to ask for receptacle why don't we proceed then unless I'm missing something that's >> well >> because I don't think it would fundamentally or elementally change what Ruby is doing right she's just you know it's going to mirror the state one allow
us add the receptacle piece no >> well I don't have um the actual ual application that we're utilizing. So I I guess what I would ask is if I could have access to Ruby as well as to Omar so that I can find out what is being
required now so that we can modify. So we'll get to Amy my office does those licenses. So we'll get you >> okay >> the application what's required >> and Omar is our secretary of board of health as well. So I got to ask.
>> Okay. We're going to move to public comment. Audience members wishing to speak will have a threeminut time limit to address the governing body on items on or off the agenda. Large groups are requested to have a spokesperson represent them.
Please come up to the microphone. >> Again, um I'm here tonight to address the council on a matter that we've had zero movement done on the past six years. And Mayor Zenna knows I live on Burlington Road and there is a
abandoned derelict >> disastrous property at 52 Burlington Road or about six years ago it was abandoned by the owner and the house the structure there was only partial and it was disintegrating and it was a truly
and I say this as an adolescent psychologist it was a truly grave danger because those kinds of sites attract kids and then they fall through the broken flooring and you know then the town is responsible eventually. I think about two and a half
years ago it was purchased by a fellow who lives in Alpine. I've met him. I've spoken with him. They started building. They knocked that structure down and they started digging and building and then they came to an abrupt standill two
years ago. And since then, this property has been like a garbage dump on our block. And for two and a half years, it's just been I have pictures I can show you. It is a
disaster. And it's a health problem because there are rats there running in and out of that property all the time. And I walk uh not right now, but in the weather that permits it, every single
day I walk at least two miles. I cannot walk past that property because for the past five seasons, there have been coyotes nesting there. Wow. >> And I'm, you know, >> yeah, >> eating their
encourage them to approach me, but it's scary. The situation I feel would not be tolerated anywhere else in town. I'm on a street that's kind of isolated from a lot of through traffic. There is no food traffic. It ends at Palmer from
Nicaragua to Palmer um which runs parallel to Tenfly Road. I feel horribly for the people who live on either side of this site. I live across the street and two houses uh east. But it is it's
gotten to the point where all my neighbors have thrown up their hands in despair. We just don't know what to do. I know, Mayor Zenna, that you uh wrote to uh Evelyn Laurer on the third because she forwarded me her email to you uh that you were handing this
over to the burough prosecutor and the court, the municipal prosecutor and the municipal court to take action on this immediately. That was over two months ago, >> right? So >> what can be done? >> So let me give you a little and
interrupt me if I say anything in >> Oh, go ahead. >> The fellow owns the property who's given up. He said no, he can't move forward with it. He's trying to get a buyer, but nobody's really interested. Uh last summer the town after we complained a
lot came by and did an inspection and maybe they were fined 50 bucks or whatever it is that they get fined once and somebody came by and cleaned up some of the garbage that was scattered around
once and of course it was all back in in a couple of weeks. So, it's been an this has been an interesting process because what it's done is um kind of uh enlightened us on some of the weaknesses and our code enforcement and actually on
our ordinances of what we're allowed to do there. So, we're in the process of strengthening our ordinances so that we can ultimately get the place cleaned up. You have coyotes there. We've got to end all that and we're in the middle of all that now with the ordinances. The one
problem we have though is ultimately we can't force someone to build a house there. In other words, we can't make someone do that, right? But we can force them ultimately to clean up the property to make sure it's sta safe and which we're altering our code enforcement
fines and how what's the right way to say that? Well, so we to do to strengthen from the code enforcement side so that it's not a throwaway and people just pay a violation. Um, and coming out more frequently every time
that they're >> that this fellow doesn't care if he gets fined two or 300 a month. This is Trump change pennies to him. It something has to be done. I mean, because I'm paying four times the taxes that I paid when I
moved in 29 years ago, at least four times, if not more than that, uh, by myself as a retired person. And I love Tennifly, but I don't love what the town h has not been able to do on this
matter. This has gone on for over six years. Well, just just to clarify, it the town hasn't done nothing. When the old structure was there, part of why it sold and got knocked down is because we were taking them to court to knock it down ourselves.
>> So, there has been different ways that um the mayor has direct and the council has directed my office to move forward and do what we can. Right now, our best option is to continue with routine code enforcement until we can find something
that forces a change on the property. >> Bump up the code enforcement if you would, please, because it's it's disastrous and not a single one of you would want to live on this block with this situation for more than two months.
>> Forget about six or seven years. It's just Thank you. >> Thank you. I have a question on this. This is Lauren. >> Can I have a question to Wendy on this? I have two questions. One, if it's zoned residential, why can't why doesn't it
require a residential structure? And two, can we invite in this property owner before the council and request that he come speak with us legally? >> You can invite whoever you would like. You don't you can't force them to come
in. But as far as the zoning is concerned, the zoning tells you what you can build there. It doesn't tell you that you have to build. >> So it could be a vacant lot. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> It's not what's there now.
>> There's a foundation. >> David, we should um have Bob take a look at it because we may >> Well, we had talked about this a few months ago. No, I understand that we're talking about >> we were going to write an ordinance that was >> construction that was going to say if they don't have it enclosed in a certain period of time, they have to tear it
down. >> I just >> I don't know where that the fence and sure we may be able to do it regardless. >> Well, the fence put up is ridiculous. It's something that, you know, a 5-year-old can step on. >> I think it's much more than code >> enforcement. You know, if it were in
fact a vacant lot, which just occurred to me, if that if that subbase structure was leveled and it was a vap filled in with earth, grass could be planted there and it would be fine. There wouldn't be
it would be pretty, you know, it would be okay. It wouldn't be a garbage dump. >> Just saying. >> All right. Thank you. Do you have a commentary? Yeah, because when I first moved into my house, I was next to an abandoned house with a pool and the pool was an empty pool, but it was not it was
the gates were the fences were broken and everything. The town made them fill in the pool because it was a danger >> to the community. So, >> just like we filled in our own pool, >> right? >> Yeah. Okay, Lorraine, >> can I talk about traffic on Mark Lane?
Mark Lane runs into a Bergenfield and apparently a lot of people use it as a street and they don't obey the traffic. I the traffic laws. I know that I've seen them go so fast and I you know like
it's supposed to be 25 miles an hour. I I think it's more like 40 in some cases. I've never managed to get a plate number because cars go so fast. And there was recently an incident across the street from me. Uh, our neighbor had to make a
police report because his car had to be parked outside, I guess, because of the snow. So, it was parked on the street, but legally, and somebody smashed into it and did a lot of damage, and of course, ran away. It was a hit and run.
Uh, he got a picture of some of the car that was left behind. As far as I know, uh, the police haven't solved it, but the problem is this is ongoing. I mean, this is the worst thing that's happened. But that was only a car that was
damaged. We have a lot of children on our n on our block. seven children moved in in the last year and then we have grandchildren and uh and and then there you know there must be about 12 children in the immediate vicinity and they're at
risk from those cars going so fast now ideally I think it would be good to have a speed bump but uh the way they do in Bergenfield I know Tennifly is not on speed bumps but if they had one Right.
When you turn off of Nickbach, if there was a speed bump, that would help. And if there was a speed bump sort of at the other end where Mark Cop lane kind of turns because that's where all the speeding takes place, right there. Now,
if that's impossible, maybe they could just have a sign, another, you know, sign reminding people what the speed limit is. Um maybe Sometimes I've seen people write just slow.
>> We could do two things there. We could do two things. We can put up one of the signs that say the, you know, the electric ones like that are on uh on Tennifly Road by Stillman that say 25, you're going 50. And then also one, it's Marcott Lane. Why don't we let the
police chief know and maybe uh we give out some speeding tickets over there? That'll change people's behavior real quick. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Okay, correct. Correct. Thank you for letting us know.
Any other public comment here? Come on up, Howie. How we cited. Well, I want to thank John for mentioning the dairy feed. Hopefully, the guy took notes and they're going to incorporate a dairy feed. Bring it back. The slide window, the whole thing.
>> I missed that spot there. Um I I have to say that I was away during the blizzard. I was down in Florida. I came back on that Monday. It was one of the first flights to land at Newark and watching them clear the taxiways was
incredible. Uh but when I got to up back up here, Tennifly, it was even better. There was nothing on the roads. Like Shama said, you guys did a fabulous job. >> Thank you. >> And just to give you an idea, Cliffside Park has road closure scheduled still
tomorrow to clear snow. >> Well, the DP DPW had 22 trucks out in the streets plus uh a couple of a front load of downtown. >> Whatever we paid, it was worth it. >> Yes, it was. They did a great job. every town even Anglewood now when you come up
broad what it continues I forgot what it's called there but as you get to Palisad a narrows down to one lane >> yeah I don't see that in Santalight everything is perfect and even in years past a snow of just like four or five inches there's still snow on my street
after this storm there was nothing I don't know if it was because they repaved the road this year and the maybe it's a little warmer the surface temperature but Well, DPW, >> we uh the DP David and the DPW and Pat
Mason, they treat the snowstorms like an emergency event before the snow starts falling. So, there's a lot of planning that goes into it. And previous council had built the new DPW building and there's bunk beds for the uh employees to sleep on in and showers so they're able to kind of take naps and don't have
to go home and they work through the night. So, it all work it all comes together and works out well. >> It's actually great to have a new DPW superintendent. Usually on one of their first storms, >> right, >> you have a disaster. So, >> yeah. No, he knows what he's doing. >> So, that glad that all worked out. >> And whatever it's worth, I rode in the
truck for an hour and a half helping the plow snow. >> Excellent. You're like the county executive. >> You did, too. >> Oh, so did this guy right here. >> All right. We won't tell the union guys. >> Some stuff. >> All right. >> Um, I also like to mention that the fire
department probably deserves a lot of credit. I know, thank God, there hasn't been any major fires in Tennoffly this past week or two, but I know that Tennoffly responded to a couple of other towns that had fires. Yeah. >> And these conditions they've been operating in. >> It's cold out there.
>> A lot of credit, a lot of credit to those guys. So, thank you to the Tennifly Fire Department for being there, too. >> Um, and thank you to the mayor council just for the great job you're doing in this new year. So, >> thank you, Howie. >> All right. Thank you. >> Come again. >> All right. Anyone else? Anyone else in
the chambers that would like to speak? Anyone online, a member of the public that would like to make a comment? >> See no hands, mayor. >> No. Okay, we're going to close public comment time. the administrator's report. The um one of the key things in there is the CSX contract uh negotiation
update and we're in the midst of uh really kind of finalizing the contract negotiations with CSX regarding the new uh crossing over the tracks at West Mahan and we'll be uh submitting that to the council for budget approval to potentially get that built this calendar
year. So, more news to come. Does anybody have any questions for the administrator on his report? Well, we'll move forward. Okay. All right. Correspondence. What is this? Uh, hold on a second. This letter Omar, do you have a I don't have the
letter in front of me. >> Right. Anyone have any questions about this or any issues? We're all good with it. Looks good, right? Okay. All right. Next, we're going to do an introduction of an ordinance.
Uh, ordinance 26-05, removal of snow, ice, weeds, and grass. Uh, Councilwoman Dr. Okconor, would you like to make the motion, please? 26-05 and set the hearing for February 24th, 2026 at 7:30 or as soon
thereafter. >> I have a second, please. >> Omar, could you please read the title of the ordinance and conduct a roll call? >> Sure. Ordinance number 2605. It is an ordinance of the burrow of tennifly amending chapter 12 section 3 removal of snow, ice, weeds, and grass of the
revised general ordinances of the burough tennifly. Council member Corsair. Council member Dayton. >> Yes. >> Council member Jackson. >> Yes. >> Council member Dr. Okconor. >> Yes. >> Council member Roary.
>> Yes. >> Thank you. Um, ordinance 2606 B schedule public notices. Uh, Councilwoman Corsair, would you like to make the motion, please? I have a second, please.
Omar, could you please read the title of the ordinance and conduct the roll call? >> Ordinance number 2606, an ordinance of the burough certify establishment be scheduled for public notice. Council >> member Corsair. Yes. Council Dayton.
>> Yes. Council member Jackson, yes. >> Council member Dr. Okconor, >> yes. >> Council member Roleri, >> yes. >> Okay, we're going to move on to public hearings. Ordinance 2604. Omar, can you please read the confirmation of publication of the
ordinance and the title? >> Sure. Ordinance number 2604. It was published in the Friday, January 30th edition of the record. It is an ordinance of the burough of tennifly amending chapter 20 section 4 street openings of the revised general ordinances of the burough tennifly 2004.
Okay. I'm going to open the floor for any public comment on ordinance 2604 only. Uh is there anyone in the ordinance who would like to audience who would like to make a public comment? Anyone online who would like to make a public comment?
>> Okay, let me just let me just finish this. Any other public comments? All right, we're going to close public comment. Councilwoman, you have a question? >> No. >> Yeah. And so really a reorganization of responsibility. Right now the the current street opening gets filed by at
the office of the burough clerk who has really nothing to do with road openings. So it moves it from the office of the burough clerk to DPW. >> Okay. >> Okay. Councilman Rolieri, would you like to make a motion, please? Move to pass and adopt on second and final reading
ordinance 26-04 and that notice of sin shall be published according to law. >> I have a second please. >> Omar, could you please conduct a roll call? >> Council member Corsair, >> yes. >> Council member Dayton, >> yes.
>> Council member Jackson, >> yes. >> Council member Dr. Okconor, >> yes. >> Council member Roli, >> yes. >> Okay. Consent agenda. Could I get a motion to approve resolutions 26-92
through 26-97, please? Could I have a second? >> Omar, please call the role. >> Council member Corsair, >> yes. >> Council member Dayton, >> yes. >> Council member Jackson, >> yes. >> Council member Dr. Okconor,
>> yes. >> Council member Oari, >> yes. Okay, in the interest of time because we have a close session tonight, I'm going to recommend we skip the committee reports. Any objections to that? Okay. And uh
>> and and >> as as a as a reward, we'll skip the mayor's remarks also. Um, can you please read the uh going into close session u language >> R26-98 at a meeting of the mayor and council of the burough of Tennifly County of
Bergen, state of New Jersey held on February 10th, 2026. Be it resolved that in compliance with NJSA 104-12, the mayor and council of the burough of Tennifly are going into close executive session to discuss real property acquisition and personnel police
department. Minutes will be taken at the meeting and released to the public at the time that the matter is resolved. If I get a motion to go into close, I get a second. Uh, all in favor? Any opposed? >> All right.
>> Oh, we are going I need stuff all completed by everybody.