PASCACK VALLEY—With a Dec. 31 deadline looming to resolve challenges from the Fair Share Housing Center — and, in Montvale’s case, several intervening developers — both Montvale and Park Ridge are in active settlement talks aimed at revising and resolving their Fourth Round affordable housing plans.
Fair Share moved in early September to strip both boroughs of immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits immediately after they submitted their 2025–2035 Housing Element and Fair Share Plans (HEFSPs). The nonprofit targeted 16 municipalities statewide, including Park Ridge and Montvale, contending that many Fourth Round plans sharply reduced obligations through questionable vacant land adjustments.
Fair Share also said nearly 125 other towns had misapplied vacant land criteria when lowering their affordable housing numbers. Loss of immunity would expose municipalities to builder’s remedy actions, in which developers can override local zoning if a town is found out of compliance.
Fair Share director Adam Gordon — now serving on Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s transition team — told Pascack Press in September that both Pascack Valley towns were “relying on procedural games and bad-faith arguments to avoid creating new (affordable) homes over the next decade.” Fair Share did not respond to a renewed request for comment on ongoing talks.
[Editor’s note: On filing this piece, our reporter erroneously qualified that Gordon is Fair Share’s former director. Not so: Gordon is going strong in the role. Updated Dec. 3, 2025 at 3:17 p.m.]
Attorneys representing both municipalities confirmed that settlement discussions are underway and that officials hope to reach agreements by Dec. 31.
Park Ridge: Only Fair Share objects
Park Ridge’s HEFSP drew objection from Fair Share partly because the borough claimed an adjusted Fourth Round obligation of just three affordable units after applying a Vacant Land Adjustment. The state had recommended a “prospective need” of 138 units.
On Dec. 1, the Borough Council held a closed Zoom session to discuss a possible resolution with Fair Share. During the public portion, one resident urged the borough to consider supportive housing for adults with special needs, including autism, as part of any affordable housing settlement. Mayor Keith Misciagna called the suggestion “a great idea” and asked the resident to provide contact information for follow-up.
Upcoming settlement conferences will take place before a retired Superior Court judge, officials said. Attorney Brian Giblin represents Park Ridge.
Borough Clerk Maggie Giandomenico told Pascack Press, “The Borough and the Fair Share Housing Center have participated in the mediation process through the [state’s Dispute Resolution] Program. While the Borough remains confident in the plan it submitted, it is also actively in good faith working to resolve the Fair Housing Center objection.” She noted that only Fair Share objected to Park Ridge’s plan.
Montvale: Intervenors add complexity
Montvale faces additional pressure because several developers have intervened in its case: S. Hekemian Group, Russo Development, Avalon, and Over the Hill Holdings. Officials declined to discuss details of the developers’ intentions while negotiations continue.
Borough Administrator Joseph Voytus said settlement conferences were scheduled for Dec. 8 and Dec. 19 before retired Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez.
Mayor Michael Ghassali declined to comment due to the sensitivity of negotiations and the likelihood of forthcoming settlements. He said he expected to issue an email update soon and would hold a town hall once terms are finalized.
Attorney Michael Edwards, of Surenian Buzak Edwards & Nolan LLC, represents Montvale before the state’s affordable housing dispute resolution program.
(See “Fair Share nonprofit targets Montvale, Park Ridge,” Sept. 15, 2025, Pascack Press.)
Deer imaging surveys planned this winter
In other business, Voytus said Montvale’s approved thermal deer imaging study — costing approximately $1,400 — will be conducted this winter to establish a borough deer population estimate. Hillsdale will conduct a similar survey.
The surveys follow a rise in resident complaints about deer overpopulation and renewed discussion of non-lethal management strategies. During this fall’s election coverage, Pascack Press asked local candidates how they would address deer concerns; most favored education and collaboration with neighboring towns.
This fall, three Pascack Valley municipalities received a non-lethal deer management presentation from NJDEP Senior Biologist Brian Schumm. (See “Officials consider next steps on deer management,” Sept. 17, 2025, thepressgroup.net.)
In a September statement, Ghassali said residents had reported a growing presence of deer throughout Montvale. He said the imaging technology will allow accurate population estimates even in dense vegetation or low light, helping guide decisions on traffic safety, habitat preservation, and ecological balance.
He emphasized that Montvale does not support culling and will pursue “humane and sustainable alternatives.”