WOODCLIFF LAKE — After a nearly three-hour public hearing Sept. 15, the Borough Council unanimously approved an ordinance to adopt a redevelopment plan for 300 Chestnut Ridge Road — the former BMW property. The plan calls for a 21-acre mixed-use development with 370 housing units, restaurants, townhomes, affordable housing, and supportive housing.
Nearly two dozen residents criticized the plan, raising concerns that it will change the borough’s single-family character and worsen traffic.
The 6–0 council vote clears the way for Russo Development and Woodmont Properties to present a full site plan application to the Land Use Board (LUB) this fall. At that stage, residents will be able to question experts and offer public comment.
Part of State Housing Mandates
Borough professionals, including redevelopment planner Frances Reiner and affordable housing/economic development counsel Wendy Querog, provided background and answered questions.
Mayor Carlos Rendo described the long history of New Jersey’s affordable housing law, which pressures municipalities to add units or risk losing zoning control through “builder’s remedy” lawsuits.
The development would provide 74 affordable units, including 40 special-needs beds and 34 affordable units. The supportive housing beds are for individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
Developer Pitch
Russo Development CEO Edward Russo said the concept plan had been refined multiple times. He emphasized a mix of market-rate, affordable, and supportive housing, plus retail and open space.
Russo estimated the project would generate $54 million more in tax revenues than current office use, and potentially $78 million more over 30 years under a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement. That deal would pay the town 95 cents of every tax dollar, with five cents going to Bergen County.
He added that 50% of the lot would remain open space, with a public path encircling the site. He also noted school enrollment declines of 15–20% in recent decades, suggesting the development won’t add “a meaningful amount” of children.
The full redevelopment plan is available on the borough’s website under Residents → Redevelopment.
Residents Voice Concerns
At a packed hearing at the Tice Senior Center, residents peppered officials with questions on:
- Impacts on police, fire, and EMS
- Traffic congestion
- School-age children
- Water and sewer demand
- Long-term costs to taxpayers
Some argued the project would permanently alter Woodcliff Lake’s character. Others worried about the supportive housing’s effect on EMS response. Former mayor Josephine Higgins, a 51-year EMS volunteer, urged careful review of road access.
Bert Taylor accused the council of doing a “poor communication job” in alerting residents, and several attendees said they only recently learned of the proposal. Councilor Nicole Marsh later told Pascack Press the council was “actively trying to find out how to communicate better” with residents.
What’s Next
Officials said Russo and Woodmont must first be formally designated as redevelopers of the site. After that, a detailed site plan will head to the Land Use Board.
The BMW site is not the only major project in play. The borough’s housing plan also identifies the former Hilton Hotel property at 200 Tice Boulevard, recently purchased by Garden Homes, as a redevelopment site. That project may add 30 affordable units plus market-rate housing with a 20% affordable set-aside.
Both the BMW and Hilton sites were included in redevelopment plans filed in July.
📄 Related coverage:
- Board: BMW site concept squares with goals (Aug. 8, 2025)
- Hilton, BMW redevelopment plans advance (June 20, 2025)