River Vale
Likely the priciest infrastructure upgrade in decades, the Public Safety Complex nears completion sometime in 2025. At least several vocal residents have publicly protested the up to $20 million cost, criticizing its escalating price and the two separate bond appropriations for $14 million and $6 million that council approved for funding.
The second bond appropriation occurred after the first project bids came in much higher than anticipated. The $14,778,500 contract award to Dobco Inc., the lowest of five bids, occurred in November 2023 via a 3-0 vote. In December, council approved the project’s 10th change order, totaling slightly over $100,000 in increases, which are covered by a $750,000 contingency fund.
When Pascack Press visited the site recently, interior work could be seen occurring and exterior features were well underway. The new police facility adjoins the township’s Senior Community Center.
Meanwhile, the Joint Planning Board’s late September denial of a 52-unit townhome multifamily development at 691 to 693 Rivervale Road was unanimous. At press time, it appeared no appeal had been filed. The applicant, Incandescent Development, had proposed building nine multifamily units on 5.4 acres at the former Forcellati Brothers nursery, which recently announced a closing sale.
The proposed development included eight affordable townhome units, two units in each of four townhomes, plus 44 market-rate townhomes. During a final special meeting, the applicant’s planner noted the nursery property should have been included as vacant land for third round affordable housing, which officials disputed.
Most of the township’s third round affordable obligation was covered by 24 affordable units that were built at the Fairways at Edgewood 249-unit townhome development and were mostly occupied by late 2021.
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