WOODCLIFF LAKE—What should be built on two large properties—the former Hilton Hotel site and a 20-acre tract at the BMW headquarters, both acquired over the past year by two different developers?
Or better yet, what could be built if they were redeveloped or designated as “areas in need of redevelopment”? That’s the goal of two redevelopment studies approved by the Borough Council at its November and December meetings.
At these meetings, the council passed resolutions establishing developer-funded accounts to cover the cost of exploring each site’s redevelopment potential.
At the Dec. 16 meeting, the council approved Resolution 24-311, authorizing a preliminary redevelopment investigation study by DMR Architects for Block 602, Lot 1, a 20-acre portion of BMW’s headquarters at its larger 80-plus-acre property at 300 Chestnut Ridge Road.
The resolution notes the study’s $19,160 cost but does not specify who is paying for it. Borough Administrator Tom Padilla told Pascack Press that the study will be funded by the property developer, not the borough. Pascack Press has requested a copy of the DMR proposal.
Resolution 24-311 states, “The Borough Administrator has reviewed the proposal submitted by DMR Architects for the preparation of the Preliminary Redevelopment Investigation Study for Block 602, Lot 1 without condemnation and recommends the approval of same; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available for this expenditure, a copy of said certification being attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.”
Hilton property redevelopment?
At the Nov. 14 council meeting, the council approved Resolution 24-258, which establishes an escrow fund with Woodcliff Lake Developers, LLC, to “fund the costs and expenses in connection with exploring the redevelopment of Block 301, Lot 3 (200 Tice Boulevard),” the former Woodcliff Lake Hilton property.
The resolution does not mention the property’s address or the Hilton name.
The resolution also does not clarify the principals in Woodcliff Lake Developers, LLC. However, an internet search shows Wilf Law Firm LLP, Short Hills as its registered agent. The company, 13 months old, purchased the Hilton property at auction in February 2024. The buyer, Garden Homes—a subsidiary owned by real estate developer Zygmunt “Zygi” Wilf, who also owns the Minnesota Vikings—has developed thousands of homes, rental units, and commercial properties in the region, including in Allendale and River Vale, according to one website.
Both redevelopment studies aim to evaluate whether the properties meet the criteria for “areas in need of redevelopment,” a designation that could facilitate rezoning by the Land Use Board and council.
Officials told Pascack Press that once the studies are completed, they will likely be discussed in public, with future development options considered. Both studies focus on non-condemnation redevelopment.
As of now, it is unclear who has contracted for or acquired the 20-acre portion of BMW headquarters under review. Officials declined to discuss potential development options until the redevelopment studies are completed.
Party City HQ empties
Separately, Mayor Carlos Rendo has pledged to help the owner of 100 Tice Boulevard find a replacement for tenant Party City, which recently moved its headquarters here. The company has announced mass layoffs, affecting all of the company’s stores and ending a 40-year run of operations.
Rendo wrote on Facebook, Dec. 20, “I hope that Party City works with its workforce for a smooth transition. Party City occupies a Class A building in Woodcliff Lake that is now going to be empty. We will lend our support, in any way possible, to the owners of the building to help attract a new business to occupy the property.”
See “Mayor vows to help repurpose Party City HQ as company folds” by John Snyder, Dec. 30, 2024.