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Ramsey council introduces R‑5C zoning to allow age‑restricted multifamily development on Island Road
Summary
The Borough of Ramsey introduced Ordinance O‑4‑20‑25 to rezone Block 4201, Lots 5 and 6 on Island Road to a new R‑5C multifamily district that would permit age‑restricted, inclusionary housing. The council passed first reading and scheduled final consideration for a March 2025 meeting.
The Borough of Ramsey’s mayor and council on Feb. 26 introduced Ordinance O‑4‑20‑25 to amend Chapter 34 (Zoning) and create a new R‑5C Island Road multifamily residential zone for Block 4201, Lots 5 and 6.
The ordinance, introduced by Councilwoman Woods and seconded by Councilwoman Cusick, was approved on first reading by roll call. The ordinance text states the measure will be considered for final passage at a regular March 2025 meeting at 7 p.m. (or as soon after as the matter can be reached) and directs the borough clerk to publish notice as required by law.
The ordinance would rezone two lots on Island Road to allow an age‑restricted inclusionary multifamily development intended to help Ramsey meet its affordable‑housing obligations. The zoning text in the ordinance limits affordable‑housing income‑restricted units to at least one resident age 62 or older and requires market‑rate units to have at least one resident age 55 or older. The minimum affordable component is 20 percent of for‑sale units and 15 percent of rental units.
Borough planner Joseph Burgess, of Burgess Associates, told the council that the applicant anticipates “approximately 60 units on the site. So we should be able to get minimally 13 affordable units out of that plus possible, additional bonus credits.” Burgess said the R‑5C district’s density is set at 8.2 units per acre; he contrasted that with an R‑5B zone elsewhere on Island Road that allows about 20 units per acre. He said the design and age‑restricted approach reduce concerns about school‑age children and are intended to match market demand in northwest Bergen County.
Council members asked about credits for the site’s proximity to transit. Burgess said a multiplier tied to transit proximity will apply, and the borough will take the highest applicable multiplier (age‑restricted or transit multiplier) where rules allow.
The ordinance text limits the rezoning to Block 4201, Lots 5 and 6 and describes area and bulk standards intended to align the district with other multifamily zones. The council completed the introductory (first‑reading) vote by roll call with all voting members present voting yes.
If the council approves final passage at the March public meeting, the borough clerk will publish the ordinance title and adoption notice in the official newspaper as required by law.
