Residents protest proposed sales of small city parcels; council introduces two land‑sale ordinances

The Englewood City Council on June 23 introduced ordinances to sell two city‑owned parcels — one at 37 Armory Street and a narrow lot at 515 Adele Court — generating strong public reaction from nearby residents who said the Adele Court parcel functions as green buffer and trail connection.

City Manager Robert S. Hoffman said the 37 Armory Street lot is currently leased to the Bergen Family Center for $1 per year and that the proposed ordinance (2617) would convey the parcel to that organization at appraised value to permit an expansion. "Currently, the city leases the lot to the Bergen Family Center for $1 a year... we are selling it to the Bergen Family Center for the appraised value," Hoffman said.

The second ordinance (2618) would dispose of a 25‑by‑125‑foot city parcel at 515 Adele Court under NJSA 48:12‑13, a statutory pathway for selling undersized or non‑developable lots to adjoining owners rather than holding a public auction. City attorney Bailey and staff explained the law allows an offer to adjoining property owners when a lot cannot be independently developed and that proceeds were included in this year’s budget as anticipated revenue.

But several residents objected. Adam Brown, who said he lives near the site, said the parcel links Flat Rock Brook and a nearby 10‑acre parkland and called earlier council discussions on the same matter "a very good reason" developers and residents previously agreed the area should remain open. Diane Jansen and other neighbors urged the council to preserve green space, warning that development could worsen flooding on the steep East Palisade corridor.

Councilman Wilson pressed staff to explain why the city leases some lots for $1 a year and then offers them for sale to adjoining owners, noting residents should have adequate notice and an opportunity to prepare a bid; staff said the city often acquires small parcels through foreclosure or earlier transfers and that in some cases parcel maintenance and tax payments justify disposal and return to the tax rolls.

Council action and schedule: both ordinances were introduced at first reading and will have public hearings on July 13. Ordinance 2617 (37 Armory Street sale to Bergen Family Center) drew council support in the introductory vote; ordinance 2618 (515 Adele Court) was introduced after debate and will be the subject of a dedicated public hearing where adjoining owners and interested parties can present testimony and written comments.

Why it matters: residents argued the Adele Court parcel is part of a larger green buffer and that removing mature trees could increase stormwater runoff; city staff said the disposition process follows state law and will include required public notice and hearing. Officials pledged to provide additional engineering detail at the July 13 hearing and to answer residents’ questions about connectivity, environmental impacts and how appraisal or bidding will be handled.