MONTVALE — A community town hall meeting planned for Monday, Dec. 22, on Montvale’s mediated Fourth Round affordable housing settlement has been postponed “as we do not yet have any information appropriate on the affordable housing settlement to share,” the borough said in a notice. Officials said a new date will be announced once updates are available.
Mayor Michael Ghassali had said Dec. 11 that the borough would hold the Dec. 22 meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Borough Hall, 12 DePiero Drive, to discuss the mediated settlement between Montvale, Fair Share Housing Center, and local intervenors.
The Fourth Round affordable housing period runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2035. Under New Jersey’s amended affordable housing law, municipalities are required to reach final settlements on their Fourth Round housing plans — known as Housing Element and Fair Share Plans (HEFSPs) — by Dec. 31, 2025.
In a Dec. 17 email update to residents, Ghassali said the Dec. 22 town hall was still planned at that time, but warned it could be postponed “if the judge does not issue a ruling or restricts what we are permitted to share.”
Ghassali said a final mediation session was likely Friday, Dec. 19, after several sessions had already been held. He has previously said Montvale’s special affordable housing counsel were advocating for lower-density housing and single-family homes — possibly ranch-style, single-level homes — for residents who prefer to age in place.
All mediation sessions are closed to the public and press.
Focus on e-bikes
In other town news from the most recent council meeting, administrator Joe Voytus said he hoped to present council with a draft ordinance on electric bikes in January or February, adding he is drafting an ordinance in consultation with the police department.
A serious e-bike accident on Chestnut Ridge Road that circulated widely on social media has raised fresh concerns locally about high-speed e-bikes that may reach 40 to 50 mph.
Ghassali asked Voytus to circulate a draft when available. Councilman Douglas Arendacs said he had heard a state law was being considered in Trenton that would require e-bikes to be registered and insured.
Octagon House grant
Ghassali said the borough received another $75,000 from the Bergen County Historic Preservation Division for efforts to designate and preserve the Octagon House, a historic home featured on the borough’s official seal. He noted that signage recognizing the home’s historic status has recently been refurbished and returned.
Green Acres funds in 2026?
Engineer Nick Chelius described draft plans for a possible baseball field opposite the firehouse on Memorial Drive that could potentially be funded up to 25% through state Green Acres Project funds in 2026.
Chelius estimated a “Rolls Royce” baseball field plan at $2 million to $2.5 million, though he said the project could be scaled back. A successful Green Acres grant, he said, could provide about $500,000 to $700,000.
Some council members expressed concern that accepting state Green Acres funding could require broader public access, potentially complicating local scheduling and use by residents and sports organizations. Voytus said the borough could still control scheduling and field use even with Green Acres funds. Chelius said there were no guarantees Green Acres funding would be available in 2027, as allocations vary year to year.
After about 15 minutes of discussion, the council reached a consensus not to pursue Green Acres funding in 2026, citing the tight grant timeline and concerns about recreation field costs. Councilman Timothy Lane said the borough should consider bonding for any needed field so it could be used only by residents.
The Montvale Mayor and Council are scheduled for a workshop session on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 7:30 p.m.