Residents press Riverside Committee on perceived overcrowding and alleged boarding houses; officials cite court and enforcement activity

Riverside, N.J. — At the Oct. 21 Riverside Township Committee meeting, residents used the public comment period to press officials about housing density and alleged boarding‑house activity at several addresses, prompting township staff to describe current enforcement actions and upcoming court dates.

Resident Jared Ainsworth asked whether the township is "overpopulated," citing residents’ concerns about density and expressing confusion because Census totals did not match perceptions. Mayor Corey Kimble acknowledged that parts of town can "feel" crowded but said there are limits to what local law can immediately change.

Rob Smith, a resident of Dauphin Street, raised specific addresses — including 93 Dauphin, 313 Dauphin and 728 Filmore Street — and said he believes some properties are operating as boarding houses. Administrator Meghan Jack responded that the township had active enforcement steps: one property recently paid fines and is in compliance, another owner’s case had to be transferred and is scheduled for court, and 728 Filmore is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 28, 2024.

Jack also answered a question about the reason for a recent closed session, stating it was "for Contract Negotiations." When asked whether the public has a direct say in redevelopment site content, Jack explained that under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law the governing body serves as the redevelopment authority and negotiates redevelopment agreements.

Why it matters: residents’ concerns about housing conversions, density and boarding‑house activity are enforcement and land-use issues that can affect neighborhood character and municipal code enforcement workloads; the meeting recorded specific court dates and compliance steps but no new ordinance or regulatory change.

What residents asked and what was said

- Overcrowding and density: Resident concern that perceived population density may exceed residents’ expectations; officials noted perception versus census counts and the limits of current local controls. - Boarding‑house allegations: Resident Rob Smith identified specific properties; Administrator Jack reported enforcement status and court scheduling, including an Oct. 28 hearing for 728 Filmore and recent compliance activity at 313 (fines paid). - Closed session explanation: Administrator Jack said the prior closed session was "for Contract Negotiations," which can include redevelopment agreements and other municipal contracts.

What’s next

Township officials said identified properties are being monitored and that code enforcement actions and court processes are underway. No new policy or ordinance was introduced at the meeting; residents seeking changes to zoning or rental rules would face a process requiring committee or planning board action.

(Reporting based on public comment and Administrator/Clerk responses in the meeting transcript.)