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Paramus commission hears why Saddle River grant failed and that a resident has sued over Costco permits
Summary
At its Jan. 12, 2026 meeting the Paramus Environmental Commission learned the Saddle River grant was not funded and was told a Paramus resident has filed suit alleging improper permitting for a proposed Costco project, a development the commission said could be delayed if DOT and zoning approvals are contested.
The Paramus Environmental Commission on Jan. 12 heard that its Saddle River grant application was not funded and discussed a separate legal challenge tied to a proposed Costco development that members said could delay the project.
"We did not get the grant. Still trying to figure out why," Commissioner Tom Donahue said, describing conversations with Ridgewood officials who reported Paramus had not been included in the county application. The commission discussed resubmitting the grant with Ridgewood.
Commissioner Robert Riccoboni told the group he had been contacted by an attorney representing Ridgewood residents and said, "a Paramus resident is suing the town of Paramus because the process for passing the permits was done improperly. Did not notify residents." Riccoboni said he was told similar suits had been filed in neighboring towns.
Councilman Antonio cautioned that DOT and zoning approvals could limit local options but acknowledged litigation could slow or alter project timelines. "Once DOT stamps the project, the town doesn’t have many options," he said during the meeting.
Members discussed that a lawsuit would likely delay construction even if the town followed its permitting process and that the commission’s primary role is advisory on environmental impacts. The commission did not take formal action on the development; members noted the issue is largely under the jurisdiction of planning and mayor-and-council processes and that DOT approval is a key external step.
The staff said they have documentation on the grant submission and that commission members could follow up with county and Ridgewood contacts about resubmission. No definitive timetable for legal proceedings or the project’s next administrative steps was provided at the meeting.
