Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Redevelopment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Developer presents mixed hotel-residence plan for Clinton Inn site; residents raise height, traffic and parking concerns
Summary
Developer Conrad Roncati outlined a concept called 'Awaken' for the Clinton Inn property — proposing 95 apartments with 20% affordable units and about 200 hotel rooms — drawing questions from council members about flooding, parking and density and extensive public comment opposing four-or-more–story buildings and urging rigorous traffic analysis.
Conrad Roncati presented a concept plan called 'Awaken' for the Clinton Inn site to the Tenafly Mayor and Council on Feb. 10, proposing a mixed hotel and residential project that reduces the apartment count from 125 to 95, retains 20% affordable units and would include roughly 200 hotel rooms versus the current 119-room Clinton Inn.
Roncardi said the design mixes hotel and residential floors and proposes new green space on the property. "They reduced the number of apartments down from 125 to 95," Roncati said during the presentation, and added that the proposal would include "maintaining 20% affordable units". He told councilmembers the project team has completed a parking study and intends shared parking between hotel and residential uses.
Councilmembers pressed for specifics. Councilmember Lauren Dayton asked for the market data source; Roncati said the data came from Stacey Esser. Councilmember Dr. Julie O'Connor asked which engineering firms were engaged and raised flood-risk concerns related to two basements; Roncati said the current basement has "little to no ground water flooding." Borough Attorney Wendy Rubinstein reminded the audience that the item was a concept review and that any redevelopment-plan changes would return to the Governing Body for approval.
Public commenters voiced a mix of opposition and support. Lorrie Fregoan cautioned that "Tenafly had an ordinance that limited buildings from being built over 4 stories" and urged the council to consider precedent and traffic impacts. Assemblywoman Shama Haider urged a traffic study timed during peak conditions and asked what would happen "if the hotel fails" in the future. Several residents cited parking and shadow concerns at Dean Drive and E. Clinton Ave., while others said the existing Clinton Inn has been an eyesore and expressed support for redevelopment.
After questions and comments, the Governing Body agreed to continue review of the site concept and seek additional planning information before any formal action.
Why it matters: The Clinton Inn property sits at the center of Tenafly’s downtown; decisions about height, density, parking and affordable-unit commitments will shape traffic, shadows and the town center’s character. The council did not vote on zoning or redevelopment actions at this meeting and will consider more detailed studies and planning steps in future sessions.
