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Passaic councilors, residents debate R‑1A zoning and a planned high‑rise near the train station
Summary
Residents and council members discussed the R‑1A zoning district, its purpose near transit, and a pending planning-board application for a multi-acre high-rise that some residents said would not fit the single‑family character of nearby blocks.
Multiple residents and council members spent a significant portion of the May 6 meeting discussing the R‑1A zoning district and a high-rise application scheduled for the planning board.
Resident Joshua Goldman, who described himself as a real-estate developer, told the council that the R‑1A district’s zoning is "outdated" for parts of the city and that there is a gap between allowances for single-family homes and for conditional high-rise development. "There's kind of an opportunity for a collaborative effort between the city and the citizens to approach the issue," Goldman said.
Council members and the city’s master planner explained that the R‑1A district was drafted to take advantage of proximity to the train station while preserving neighborhood character. The master planner and council explained that high-rise uses in R‑1A are allowed only as a conditional use, not as-of-right, and require assemblage of parcels and presentation of studies (traffic, infrastructure capacity, sewer capacity and other analyses) before the planning board can approve an application. A council member noted a current application of almost two acres that assembled multiple parcels and is scheduled for the planning board the following night.
Council members repeatedly emphasized the separation of roles: the council does not review or decide planning-board applications; the planning board and zoning/land-use boards evaluate whether the conditional-use conditions are met. Council members said the Zoning/Planning Board must analyze infrastructure impacts and that applicants may proceed without owning parcels if they have agreements with owners for the application process.
Why it matters: The discussion affects neighborhood character, density, transit-oriented development near the train station, and potential traffic and infrastructure impacts. Residents voiced concerns about privacy and height of proposed buildings directly behind single-family homes; planners said such projects are uncommon and require meeting multiple conditions.
What happens next: The application will be considered by the planning board; the council encouraged residents to review planning-board materials and participate in the hearing.
Ending: Council President Schaer and the business administrator urged residents to consult the city’s master plan and planning-board materials for details and to use the planning-board process to submit testimony.
