Redevelopment in North Arlington update

Letter to the Publisher:

The issue of responsible and accountable redevelopment of commercial property here in North Arlington is an important issue for every homeowner.
As a state certified building inspector with over four decades of employment in the construction and maintenance of public facilities, the need to develop public/private partnerships that draws incentives for both the seller as well as the developer will determine our success with each and every application that comes before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
As I stated in my interview, several factors need to be considered to eliminate long-term vacancies of any property:
• A realistic price range of property in question.
• Does the property offer a profitable opportunity for the developer upon purchase?
• Is there a cooperative effort by all concerned to foster legitimate redevelopment?
• Is the borough enforcing existing code to maintain the property’s upkeep?
In your article, you focused on properties in which many of the challenges mentioned above clearly exist. The question of interest and opportunity for any developer lies in the ability to make a reasonable profit on investment. If sellers are unrealistic in the value of the property, they will linger hopelessly on the market until a price reduction is realized.
It is the Borough’s responsibility to ensure that every commercial property is up to code.
Whether vacant or occupied, an aggressive plan of inspection of these properties is essential in maintaining the character and value of the property in question. Lapses in maintenance occur when properties become unoccupied. This is no reason or excuse for this municipality not to aggressively fine any owner that lets a property slip into disrepair. I urge this governing body to keep this in mind given the current state of the housing market here in New Jersey and across the country.
The North Arlington Zoning Board encourages those interested in developing certain properties to come before the board with a plan that makes sense for the community. We have been diligent in maintaining the integrity of the master plan while seeking the kind of investment that will enhance the values of all homeowners. An example of that kind of development is the Commerce Bank along Ridge Road which replaced Midas Muffler.
The North Arlington Zoning Board of Adjustment consists of volunteer residents who give of their time and energy to review applications and render decisions based on the strength of that application. That same thought process was used when we approved plans for a storage facility on the site of the old Spring Air Mattress Company along Schuyler Avenue.
Given current market conditions and the state of the economy, these factors weigh heavily in one’s decision to develop and build. The correction in prices we see today could in fact slow the process while giving the board time to review all aspects of any application in a way that protects the community.
I want to thank Observer Editor Celeste Regal for allowing me as well as board attorney Charles Sarlo to explain this process and the specifics surrounding some of the parcels discussed. It’s important that the public realize the function of the zoning board is to grant or reject variances as well as interpretation of the zoning map and ordinances. Those applicants unhappy with the board’s decision can appeal to the governing body.
Keeping to the integrity of the master plan as well as approving those applications that enhance the community is the goal of this body. I welcome any North Arlington residents to come to our meetings and watch for yourself how we conduct ourselves as your representatives in regards to these important issues and the applications before the body.

Nicholas Antonicello Sr.
Chairman, Zoning Board of Adjustment
North Arlington