Tenafly council adopts amendment to Clinton Inn redevelopment plan allowing rebuilt hotel and 95 residences

The Tenafly Mayor and Council voted on second and final reading to amend the Clinton Inn redevelopment plan, allowing the existing hotel site to be demolished and replaced with a new hotel and up to 95 residential units. Council President Michaels moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion passed by majority vote with Councilwoman Dr. Julie O'Connor recorded as opposed.

The amendment changes the existing redevelopment overlay to permit a new hotel structure and an associated residential component while preserving the site’s six‑story above‑ground height as drafted in the redevelopment plan. Council members and borough professionals repeatedly emphasized that the action is an amendment to the plan — not a building permit — and that subsequent planning‑board site plan review, traffic studies, county approvals and negotiated redevelopment‑agreement terms will govern details such as setbacks, stormwater controls and affordable‑housing obligations. As David Burgess, the borough’s redevelopment planner, explained, the ordinance “would allow the hotel to be knocked down and rebuilt rather than just renovated” and adds up to 95 residential units to the site.

Public comment at the hearing was split. Supporters said the property is a long‑standing eyesore and that redevelopment could revitalize downtown economic activity and provide housing variety. Opponents warned the scale — specifically the proposed six stories above ground — could strain schools, increase traffic congestion and change neighborhood character. Anne Nelson, a 30‑year Tenafly teacher, said the project “is a major high impact development” and called for more public engagement; the Board of Education president noted the district will complete a demographic study midsummer to inform enrollment projections.

Council discussion focused on technical mitigations and negotiable terms. The planner confirmed the council can set different setbacks for hotel versus residential components and can seek to secure a higher affordable set‑aside in the redevelopment agreement. Burgess said the settlement target tied to prior affordable‑housing obligations would support approximately 19 affordable units at 20% of 95 units, and council members indicated a preference to negotiate for 20 affordable units even if that required a slightly higher percentage in the redevelopment agreement.

Next steps include planning‑board site‑plan review, a county planning review for cuts on county roads, detailed traffic and stormwater studies, and negotiation of a redevelopment agreement that will codify the affordable‑housing set‑aside and other conditions. The passage of the ordinance authorizes the amendment but does not authorize construction; any change to height, setbacks or final unit counts will be subject to later approvals.