PLEASE SIGN PETITION BY SCANNING CODE BELOW 

We need your help! A local developer is attempting to build a 7-story apartment complex above the Long Swamp in Palisades Park. Some of you might remember the proposed Aquaterra project back in 2017, which got approved then voided by a Supreme Court judge. This is a similar project in the detrimental impact on the habitat and ecosystem of the wetland. If you are not familiar with the area, former Sierra Club Conservation Chair, Laura Tracey-Coll, wrote an article about the Long Swamp in the Jersey Sierran back in 2017; "These 16 acres of steep-sloped, wooded, freshwater wetlands contain an “unnamed” and ignored tributary to Overpack Creek, which then empties into the Hackensack River". She also referred to two endangered bird species and a turtle species that would be affected. Personally, I have witnessed bald eagles, fox, deer, and cranes in the wetland. I have photographs of a snapping turtle emerging from brumation in the exact area where this project is proposed.  I am quite certain the applicant did not perform an environmental assessment. Our goal is to defeat the project and influence the borough to apply for Green Acre funding to create a park, playground or open space since the area is considered an overburdened community by the NJDEP's Environmental Justice Law combined stressor summary. 

I have attached a petition seeking objection signatures and the next Zoning Board meeting is 8/19 at 7pm if you could help us spread the word for people to attend. Also, all the pertinent information about the project and players is listed below. I could also share the applicant's architectural plans and our planner's review and testimony and any other documents that would be useful for you. Please contact me for clarification or more information. Any assistance you could provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time, attention and all that you do!

Sincerely,

Doug Walden

Board President

Windsor Square Condominium Association

Palisades Park Zoning Board of Adjustment

Next Meeting: August 19, 2024

Case No. 24-02 

Hillcrest Builders LLC 450 East Edsall Blvd Block 420, Lot 16

Variances: Multi Family, Front yard, Side yards, Combined side yards, Rear yard, Building height, Number of stories, Building coverage, Parking space 

Applicant: Hillcrest Builders, LLC. (Robert Cafasso)

Lawyer: Mark Sokolich

Planner: David Spatz

Architect: V.C.A. Group

They also have a site engineer and "traffic expert".

Objectors:

Neil Rubenstein 

462 11th Street 

Attorney: Douglas Bern (Bern & Associates)

Windsor Square Condominium Association

501-592 Windsor Drive

Attorney: Richard Hubschman

Planner: Michael Pessolano

We need your help! A local developer is attempting to build a 7-story apartment complex above the Long Swamp in Palisades Park. Some of you might remember the proposed Aquaterra project back in 2017, which got approved then voided by a Supreme Court judge. This is a similar project in the detrimental impact on the habitat and ecosystem of the wetland. If you are not familiar with the area, former Sierra Club Conservation Chair, Laura Tracey-Coll, wrote an article about the Long Swamp in the Jersey Sierran back in 2017; "These 16 acres of steep-sloped, wooded, freshwater wetlands contain an “unnamed” and ignored tributary to Overpack Creek, which then empties into the Hackensack River". She also referred to two endangered bird species and a turtle species that would be affected. Personally, I have witnessed bald eagles, fox, deer, and cranes in the wetland. I have photographs of a snapping turtle emerging from brumation in the exact area where this project is proposed.  I am quite certain the applicant did not perform an environmental assessment. Our goal is to defeat the project and influence the borough to apply for Green Acre funding to create a park, playground or open space since the area is considered an overburdened community by the NJDEP's Environmental Justice Law combined stressor summary. 

I have attached a petition seeking objection signatures and the next Zoning Board meeting is 8/19 at 7pm if you could help us spread the word for people to attend. Also, all the pertinent information about the project and players is listed below. I could also share the applicant's architectural plans and our planner's review and testimony and any other documents that would be useful for you. Please contact me for clarification or more information. Any assistance you could provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time, attention and all that you do!

Sincerely,

Doug Walden

Board President

Windsor Square Condominium Association

Palisades Park Zoning Board of Adjustment

Next Meeting: August 19, 2024

Case No. 24-02 

Hillcrest Builders LLC 450 East Edsall Blvd Block 420, Lot 16

Variances: Multi Family, Front yard, Side yards, Combined side yards, Rear yard, Building height, Number of stories, Building coverage, Parking space 

Applicant: Hillcrest Builders, LLC. (Robert Cafasso)

Lawyer: Mark Sokolich

Planner: David Spatz

Architect: V.C.A. Group

They also have a site engineer and "traffic expert".

Objectors: 

Neil Rubenstein 

462 11th Street 

Attorney: Douglas Bern (Bern & Associates)

Windsor Square Condominium Association

501-592 Windsor Drive

Attorney: Richard Hubschman

Planner: Michael Pessolano