Paramus Route 17 Properties Face Redevelopment Review: What To Know

PARAMUS, NJ — A roughly 19-acre property along Route 17 North that was previously proposed for more than 1,000 apartments is now the subject of a new redevelopment review.

The Paramus Planning Board is scheduled to review a preliminary investigation plan for Block 413, Lots 4, 5 and 6 at its Thursday, Nov. 5 meeting, according to the borough's Planning Board agenda.

The review will consider whether the properties qualify as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment under New Jersey's Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.

Under New Jersey's Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, a non-condemnation redevelopment designation allows a municipality to pursue redevelopment without granting it the power to seize private property through eminent domain for the redevelopment.

The property was previously at the center of a disagreement over the borough's affordable housing plans.

According to Paramus' amended affordable housing plan, adopted in March, Paramus HRP, LLC, a contract purchaser of the property, proposed developing 1,050 apartments, including some affordable units.

The borough's plan described the property as occupied by an appliance store and auto-body shop, along with outdoor parking and storage for trucks and tractor-trailers.

The site shares access through Mildred Avenue with a neighboring Coach bus depot.

The plan also identified significant development challenges, including approximately 10.54 acres affected by wetlands and required buffer areas.

Borough officials argued that the proposed apartment density was incompatible with surrounding land uses and roadway capacity. The plan also cited a proposed NJDOT Route 17 road-widening project that could affect the property's developable area.

Paramus HRP challenged the borough's affordable housing plan in August 2025 but later withdrew its challenge.

The borough subsequently excluded the proposed 1,050-unit development from its amended affordable housing plan.

The Nov. 5 agenda does not indicate that the apartment proposal has been revived or identify a new development project.

Instead, the board will consider whether the properties meet the criteria for a non-condemnation redevelopment designation.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Borough Hall, 1 Jockish Square.

Residents can review the meeting agenda and contact the Planning Board secretary at mparente@paramusborough.org for additional information.

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