Resident says weekly gatherings at 140 Old Tappan Road are overwhelming neighborhood parking and prompting zoning review

Mary Ellen Lafrance of 15 Christian Place told the Borough of Old Tappan Mayor and Council that neighbors have observed regular, growing gatherings at 140 Old Tappan Road that they believe amount to use as a house of worship rather than a private home.

"It is being used as a house of worship on a weekly basis," Lafrance said, saying events frequently fill both sides of Christian Place and sometimes block mailboxes and impede kids riding bikes. She said large tents were erected on the driveway during recent events and that attendees sometimes park in ways that could obstruct emergency vehicles.

Council members thanked Lafrance for bringing the concerns and described past litigation in which property‑use and tax‑exempt questions were contested. A council member noted that the property has been treated as tax‑exempt in prior proceedings, which complicates enforcement.

Responding to the complaint, a borough staff member advised the council to refer the matter to the zoning officer to determine whether the activity meets legal definitions the courts have used for "house of worship." Council members also requested photos, social‑media posts and other evidence of repeated events; Lafrance and other neighbors said photos from September and October exist and some material was shared with borough staff.

The mayor and council did not take enforcement action at the meeting. They directed staff to have the zoning officer review the available evidence and report back; council members said that, if the officer determines the uses are inconsistent with zoning or public‑safety requirements, the borough will pursue whatever remedies are available under local code and state law.

The matter will be revisited after staff has consulted with the zoning officer and assembled documentary evidence for the council.