RIVER VALE—The Joint Planning Board will convene for its regular meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 406 Rivervale Road. The meeting, open to the public, will address several major applications and resolutions, providing residents an opportunity to stay informed and voice their opinions on critical development projects in the township.
Key Applications on the Agenda:
- Andrade Property – 792 Rivervale Road: The board will hear a bulk “C” variance request for a fence and patio installation in conjunction with an in-ground pool at Block 303, Lot 1. This application involves variances for placing a fence in the front yard.
- Lake Tappan Village, LLC – 650 Rivervale Road: One of the major items of the evening, this application concerns a preliminary and major site plan with use and bulk variances, as well as major soil movement at Block 701, Lot 5. The proposal could have significant impacts on the area, and residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
Resolutions for Review:
- Florentine Inc. – 97 Rivervale Road: An amendment to an approved site plan, including bulk variances, will be reviewed for approval.
- Guerriero – 376 Rivervale Road: The board will consider an extension of a resolution for an addition to a preexisting non-conforming primary structure, including setbacks for an accessory structure at Block 1401, Lot 8.
- Incandescent Development, LLC – 691-693 Rivervale Road: The board will formalize the denial of a preliminary and final major site plan that included bulk and use variances, as well as major soil movement, at Block 813, Lots 17 and 18.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- The board will review and approve minutes from meetings held on Sept. 18 and 25.
- A segment of the meeting will be opened to the public for any non-agenda items, giving residents an opportunity to raise additional concerns or suggestions.
The next regular meeting of the River Vale Joint Planning Board is scheduled for Nov. 13. The subdivision application for a cell tower at 860 Westwood Ave., Block 1901, Lot 10, was not heard at the Joint Planning Board meeting on Sept. 18 as originally scheduled. The matter has been carried to the Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. session. All are welcome to attend.
To stay informed, visit the township’s website for updates or further details.
In more depth…
Rationale for planners’ ‘Incandescent’ denial eyed Oct. 16
RIVER VALE–Members of the township’s Joint Planning Board will vote on a resolution Oct. 16 that details the reasons for a unanimous 7-0 vote last month to deny the Incandescent Development application to build a 52-unit, nine townhome development on 5.4 acres at 691 and 693 Rivervale Road.
The denied application included eight affordable units. During the final hearing, the applicant attorney and planner pointed out the township’s unfulfilled third round and upcoming fourth round affordable housing obligations.
Applicant planner Brigette Bogart, who testified Sept. 25,, also wrote a 3-page memo in March detailing the town’s prior affordable housing history, noting the two lots at 691 and 693 Rivervale Road were not considered for redevelopment in the third affordable housing round as required. A copy of Bogart’s March letter is posted on the Joint Planning Board website under, “Applicant Planner Memorandum 032724.”
(See “Planners reject 52-unit townhouse proposal, 7–0; appeal possible,” Michael Olohan, Sept. 30, 2024, Pascack Press.)
No board members commented following the application denial at the Sept. 25 meeting. The controversial, high-density application faced public pushback at its three hearings, with about 100 residents attending the third hearing held Sept. 25 at the Senior Community Center.
Maria Haag, the board’s land use administrator, told Pascack Press that the resolution of memorialization spelling out the detailed rationale for the board’s denial will be voted on at the Wed., Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. at River Vale Township Council chambers, 406 Rivervale Road.
Douglas M. Bern, the applicant’s attorney, told Pascack Press following the denial that his client, Incandescent Development LLC, would consider a possible appeal once the board approves its memorializing resolution. He said his client has 45 days after the denial resolution is approved to file a legal appeal.
— Michael Olohan