TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—A 3.2-acre strip of land at 450 Pascack Road that residents and local officials have recently discussed preserving as either open space or land for future school expansion is now listed as “available” in a sign posted on site by a commercial real estate broker.
The residents have been appealing to the governing body for urgent action before the land is out of reach and developed, they say to their and the township’s detriment.
Earlier this summer, Lakos Construction Inc., owned by Nick Tsapatsaris, proposed a 48-unit senior complex on the property, which is situated between Ridgewood Boulevard East and a public elementary school and well-used recreational field on its northern border.
In an Oct. 27 email to Pascack Press, the property’s developer said the “available” sign advertising the property was part of its effort to explore “development options” for the property.
“Most compelling, however, since Covid-19, is the desire of families to move from New York City to large properties such as this one, so we have listed the property for sale as we explore all of our development options and next steps,” Tsapatsaris told Pascack Press.
Tsapatsaris is principal of Lakos Construction Inc., the entity that signed an agreement for control of development at 450 Pascack Road.
On Oct. 19, the Township Council heard from five residents urging action to preserve the property as open space or for future school expansion or use.
Area homeowners have opposed the Lakos Construction Inc. proposal for a 48-unit independent living senior complex there, which originally included a 44-unit apartment complex and four separate townhomes in two buildings.
The developer withdrew the application in September after submitting it to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for review in late July.
Several Ridgewood Boulevard East homeowners have retained an attorney and the attorney sent an email to township officials suggesting options—including rezoning the property or acquisition via eminent domain—to preserve it and prevent its development as a senior complex or as single-family homes on half-acre lots, which is the area’s AA zoning.
Edward K. Bonner, a team member for Cody & Company Inc., the listed property broker for 450 Pascack Road, told Pascack Press that he had yet to hear from anyone from the Township of Washington. He also said “everything is confidential” about the property’s marketing status.
Tsapatsaris told Pascack Press that the developer had tried to work with neighbors on options but was rebuffed.
“From the beginning, we have been reaching out to the neighbors in hope of constructive dialogue regarding our plans for the property which could have included municipal parking and substantial open space,” he said.
He added, “Despite repeated requests, the neighbors refused to meet and instead moved to retain counsel. Given the potential for litigation that they have created, we prefer not to comment on our plans for development of the property except to reiterate that single family homes on half-acre lots are permitted on this 3-acre parcel.”
Tsapatsaris noted that his construction company “remains in control of the property as it pertains to development” and that multifamily senior independent living has been permitted in “AA” zones on three other local properties “in the spirit of the Master Plan.”
Mayor Peter Calamari told Pascack Press on Oct. 27 that he and Council President Stacey Feeney and Councilman Michael DeSena met with a few Ridgewood Boulevard East homeowners recently to discuss possible preservation options, including rezoning the property.
Calamari said that eminent domain, a tactic suggested by the residents’ attorney, was not discussed in the informal discussion. He said Feeney and DeSena likely would look into possible rezoning of the property.
The governing body on Oct. 19 did approve an ordinance allowing the township to take property by eminent domain for fair market value in connection with the Pascack Road/Washington Avenue intersection reconstruction project. Negotiations are ongoing.
Calamari said the “Available” sign was posted Oct. 24 and it was interpreted as a sign that the developer had given up on developing a senior complex there.
The next Township Council meeting is Nov. 9, where residents may offer public comment.
