New Housing Development Proposed on S. Broad

A developer has eyes on transforming a parking lot on South Broad Street to a "vibrant" 120-unit housing complex but will have to go through the same process that Valley is undertaking right now – changing the Ridgewood Master Plan.

K&K Developers (Garden Homes), based out of Short Hills, NJ, will be requesting the village grant it a zoning change from business to residential in order to accommodate the 58-foot-tall, 42,570 square foot facility that could hold 120 units and 180 parking spaces. The project, called "The Dayton" after Samuel Dayton, will begin hearings in front of the planning board on Tuesday.

According to drafts sent by the applicants to Patch, the building is the site of the current Brogan Cadillac lot (150 South Broad Street) and does not have residential neighbors. Across the street is the , and the proposed property is wedged between the two-story Brogan Cadillac Garage to the south and the to the south. The railroad is the western border.

The South Broad Street area has been ground zero for the . According to Tom Wells, the applicant attorney, the applicants are willing to allow for 12 of the 120 units for affordable housing. In a letter sent to Patch, Wells wrote, "However, we do not believe the Garden Homes project substantially relies on the Village's Affordable Housing obligation to justify the proposed rezoning. Instead, we believe that the key planning justification is that the project provides for critical upscale housing in the downtown area."

In his letter, Wells contends the housing is not only desirable, but "absolutely critical" for the economic viability of the core downtown area, and ultimately, the village itself.

Those opposed to new housing projects often contend it will be a detriment the municipality as more residents will burden the school system. Wells says evidence will be presented that tax rateables "will substantially exceed the cost to the community for municipal services, and in particular, for education."

The applicants also contend that there will not be much of an uptick in traffic generated.

Because the applicants are not requesting variances, the process will require that the planning board approve the request to change the Master Plan, with an ordinance sent up to the council. Should the council grant pass the ordinance, a site plan addressing everything from height and setbacks to floor area ratio, parking, lighting, traffic and more will need to be developed.

The planning board hearing begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Sydney Stoldt Court Room on the fourth floor of Village Hall.