TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Mayor Peter Calamari said June 24 that he believed the township budget could support buying both the 6.4-acre Washington Township Swim Club and the 3-acre mostly wooded parcel at 450 Pascack Road long-sought by neighbors who oppose development there.
At the meeting, the Township Council voted, 4-1, to approve a $1 million offer for the swim club property following extensive negotiations by the mayor with club ownership over several months.
A 3-2 council vote on June 21 authorized submission of an offer, but without a majority of 4-1, the council could not bond for the $1 million offer, said Township Attorney Kenneth Poller.
Councilman Michael DeSena changed his vote June 24 to side with the majority. Councilman Steven Cascio voted against the swim club offer both times.
The mayor cited the current low interest rate for bonds (about 2.5%) on $1 million that equals an annual tax increase of $18 for 20 years on an average taxpayer with a home valued at $465,000.
“This [swim club offer] does not interfere with that [450 Pascack Road],” said Calamari. “It’s maybe a little unfortunate that they both come available at the same time but they offer unique opportunities, each one for the town. We have to take advantage of both of them.”
“I think the town budget can support buying both properties,” he added.
Calamari’s confirmation that the township budget can support buying both properties, via taxpayer supported bonds, was the first on-record comment by local officials about where funding may come from to acquire 450 Pascack Road.
The property at 450 Pascack Road includes more than 700 trees, including 200 mature trees, one of the last remaining contiguous tree canopies in town, according to a recent Green Team report.
The property also serves as a buffer between Ridgewood Boulevard East homeowners’ backyards and the township’s Memorial Field and Westwood Regional School District’s George Washington Elementary School.
Council members previously approved a $2,500 appraisal of the property, which they have yet to receive, and hope to negotiate with owners to acquire the parcel after making an offer, possibly this summer.
Poller said June 24 that the council was still waiting for an environmental report on the 450 Pascack Road property, before having a final appraisal in hand. Following receipt of an appraisal, the council is expected to make an offer on 450 Pascack Road.
At least three residents calling the June 24 meeting urged the mayor and council not to forget about acquiring 450 Pascack Road while attempting to purchase the swim club.
Ridgewood Boulevard East homeowner Joseph Scalia reminded members June 24 that while the swim club was a “significant opportunity for the council” and noted its potential uses for swimming and recreation, he said that “also goes for the property at 450 [Pascack Road].”
“Many of you criticize the previous administrations for not acting on 450 and now we’re sitting in the same situation where we may not act on this property.” He urged the council to act on purchasing both the swim club and 450 Pascack Road.
“I hope that the potential acquisition of the pool property does not compete with 450 Pascack because both of these properties need to be acquired by the town in order for us to plan for the future and really plan for expansion as we grow this town properly by not including high-density homes in these areas,” said Scalia.
Resident Michael Lemken said the council should not purchase the swim club “at the detriment of 450 Pascack Road.” He noted the nearby neighbors’ backyards, and public facilities and a school nearby to 450 Pascack Road would likely benefit from the purchase of 450 Pascack.
Antony Udina said he was against high-density development in town and was worried about developers eyeing property at the swim club and 450 Pascack Road.
He said he was worried that if the council did not support acquiring the swim club, what might happen to 450 Pascack Road. He said he hopes the council decides to preserve the swim club and 450 Pascack.
Online estimates of the 450 Pascack Road property, currently listed as off-market, range from the mid-$400,000 through mid-$600,000 range. One of the property’s owners, Robert Morris, has contracted with Lakos Construction Inc. to develop the property, which is listed for $2.1 million on two real estate sites due to its possible development potential.
Both sites listing the property for $2.1 million offer possible development scenarios and plans. However, the site is currently zoned “AA” for single family homes on half-acre lots. No previous development proposal has been approved there.
Last summer, Lakos Construction, owned by developer Nick Tsapatsaris proposed a 48-unit senior apartment and townhome complex for the site. Tsapatsaris withdrew the application later last summer following public pushback from area neighbors.
The property, including three mostly wooded acres and a dilapidated home, barn and shed are assessed at $320,000. The land is assessed at $254,600 and land improvements at $65,500. Annual property taxes are estimated at $8,000.
The property assessment has remained unchanged since 2013, when its assessed value dropped from $541,900 to $320,000. Efforts to reach the tax assessor for comment were not returned by press time.
Immediate past mayor Janet Sobkowicz said she tried to negotiate with owner Robert Morris during her administration, and said they made an offer of $700,000 for the property.
She told the council at a public comment session that after they’d agreed on terms, it was her recollection that Morris asked for another $100,000 and the deal fell through.