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North Haledon officials consider amending redevelopment plan to allow Starbucks, storage and 90 apartments at 987 Belmont Avenue
Summary
On Sept. 20 the North Haledon governing body heard a developer presentation proposing a drive‑through Starbucks, an attached retail space, a storage facility and about 90 one- and two‑bedroom apartments at 987 Belmont Avenue. Residents raised stormwater, traffic, parking and property‑value concerns; the Planning Board will review next.
Mayor Randy George and borough officials on Sept. 20 reviewed a developer’s concept for 987 Belmont Avenue and discussed a proposed amendment to the borough’s redevelopment plan that would permit a mixed‑use project including a drive‑through Starbucks, an attached retail space, a storage facility and approximately 90 one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments, including required COAH units.
The presentation was delivered by representatives of Tulfra — including company president Sonny Jumani and engineer Rich Procanik — who described the proposal as a mixed‑use design consistent with the Planning Board’s 2014 preference for mixed use in the area. Mayor George emphasized the governing body was considering an amendment to the redevelopment plan, not granting final approval for the development.
During a public comment period, residents cited several concerns. David Hewitt of 15 Vine Street asked about setbacks and said he has experienced low water pressure since nearby development at 920 Belmont Avenue; Mayor George said he would follow up with the municipal utility authority. Jay Zeccardo, owner of 1003 Belmont Avenue, and others reported past basement flooding and asked what steps would control stormwater runoff; Borough Engineer Joseph Pomante said designs must meet New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection stormwater requirements. Neighbor Nick Nagy voiced opposition to heavy box‑truck traffic near a proposed storage facility and concerns about the loss of trees; the developer said a loading area is planned at the rear of the storage building and that the project must comply with NJDEP and borough stormwater rules and would explore buffering options.
Residents also asked whether blasting would be needed; the borough engineer said there would be no blasting. Other commenters questioned building height and proximity to existing homes; the developer and mayor noted the site is adjacent to a vacant lot and that zoning and plan details remain subject to Planning Board review.
The agenda shows Ordinance #14‑2023 listed as an amendment to the redevelopment plan; the council did not record a final vote on the amendment during the work session. The next procedural step is municipal review by the Planning Board, which the mayor said will be provided with comments from the borough’s fire and police chiefs and the borough engineer. No final approvals or permits were granted at the Sept. 20 meeting.
