Hillsdale, New Jersey Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
Hillsdale Council Meeting 7.14.26
Published: Jul 14, 2026
Resident Raises Concerns Over New Permit Parking Ordinance; Traffic Flow on Patterson Street Discussed
James Mallet, 34 Lake Street, Hillsdale, raised concerns about the new permit parking ordinance for Patterson Street during public comment. The ordinance designates permit-only parking on Patterson Street to add approximately 25 parking spots for the community center, which has limited parking. Permits will be required during specific activity hours and potentially at other times. Mallet expressed concern about the street becoming a cut-through with restricted parking. The Mayor and DPW Superintendent explained the necessity for parking, confirmed measurements meet standards, and discussed potential traffic calming measures like additional signs or speed bumps if needed. They agreed to meet on-site to discuss traffic flow concerns, particularly regarding buses and visibility at an 'S' turn entrance. Separately, a discussion about a leaning tree on Riverdale Street revealed DPW's prompt removal within two hours of being reported.
Health Insurance Plan Changes Under Review, Cell Phone Service Transition Complete, Cell Tower Potential Explored
The Borough Administrator provided an update on the proposed high-deductible health insurance plan, stating that an analysis comparing current employee/borough costs to the proposed plan (same benefits, higher deductible) is underway and expected within weeks. Employee acceptance is being negotiated with unionized employees. Concerns were raised about a potential double-digit, possibly 71%, increase in health insurance premiums for 2017. The transition of all borough cell phones from Verizon to AT&T FirstNet has been completed, resulting in positive feedback and improved cell coverage/reliability in areas where service was previously poor. AT&T is being considered for building 11 cell towers throughout New Jersey, and Hillsdale has submitted a request for them to evaluate building a tower in town. Wi-Fi for dead cell areas in Beachwood Park and Stony Pool is being considered, with estimated costs of $9,000 in hardware and $200/month for each location.
Council Adopts Affordable Housing Resolution After Debate on Specificity vs. Broadness
During the discussion of Ordinance 26188, related to affordable housing legislation, Councilman Camp questioned the specificity of the resolution, suggesting a broader approach might be better. Mayor Shinfield clarified that Hillsdale has been compliant with affordable housing obligations (Round Four) and that the resolution was drafted to be specific to current legislation but not limiting for future actions. Councilman Ruko expressed support for the specific approach, emphasizing that state legislation directly impacts the town's ability to direct its future and well-being, bypassing local zoning and master plans. He argued that specificity is important for the public to understand the council's stance against legislation that directly impacts the town. The resolution was adopted.
New Ordinance Allows Police Enforcement on Private Property, Recreation Fees and Salaries Adopted, West Street Portion Vacated
Ordinance 2622, amending Chapter 292 of the borough code to include Article 8 (enforcement of Title 39 on private property), was introduced. This ordinance is necessary to allow the local police department to issue tickets on private property, specifically to effectuate the parking plan for Patterson Street. The ordinance was introduced by title and will be advertised with a hearing date of August 11th. A motion to introduce was made and seconded. Discussion confirmed the ordinance's necessity for enforcing parking regulations on private property, particularly for Patterson Street, and that it creates a new ordinance section that can be applied to other private parking lots in the future. Ordinance 2618, establishing recreation department program and summer camp fees, was adopted after a public hearing with no public comment. Ordinance 2619, establishing salaries for the recreation department, was also adopted after a public hearing with no public comment. Ordinance 2620, vacating and extinguishing public rights in a portion of West Street, was adopted. This is related to affordable housing obligations. A minor modification to the exhibits (line adjustment and legal description) was noted and circulated, deemed not significant.
Planning Board Approves Apartment Additions, Fire Department Updates on Calls, New Truck, and Hose Purchase Request
The Planning Board meeting on June 23rd adopted resolution 201615, memorializing the addition of three apartments at 416, 432, and 424 Hillsdale. The board also continued the application for 46 Florence Street, a single-family home. The Fire Department responded to 34 calls in June, a slight increase from the previous year, with significantly more calls in July thus far. The new ladder truck is scheduled for delivery between the last week of July and the first half of August, following a successful inspection trip to Florida. The Chief requested the purchase of approximately 1,000 ft of 5-inch supply hose due to recent incidents highlighting the need for additional hose capacity, possibly due to issues reaching hydrants or damaged couplings. The request is under review within the existing 2026 budget. The fire committee discussed improving the ISO rating, stable recruiting efforts (3 applicants), and pursuing a preventative maintenance contract for the new ladder truck.
Get Weekly Development News of Hillsdale
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Hillsdale News archive
Town Hall Meeting
Planning Board 6/23/26
Planning Board 6.11.2026
Hillsdale Planning Board 6/11/26
Hillsdale Planning Board 6/11/2026
Hillsdale Council Meeting 6.9.26 7:00 pm
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsdale ,New Jersey Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Hillsdale, New Jersey | From $25/year