Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Agenda - November 10th (Pdf)
The Fort Lee Zoning Board of Adjustment agenda for Nov. 10, 2026 listed multiple zoning applications, memorializations of prior approvals, acceptance/completeness reviews, and three public hearings at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
The Fort Lee Planning Board is scheduled to consider completeness of an application seeking an amendment and new signage for a proposed cannabis retail establishment at 469 West Street and a minor site-plan signage application for a multi-parcel redevelopment on Main Street at its Nov. 9, 2026 meeting in Council Chambers.
Mayor and Council Regular Session Amended Agenda November 5th (Pdf)
The Fort Lee Mayor and Council's Nov. 5, 2026 regular session agenda included introduction of a $2.5 million bond ordinance for parks, a consent agenda with multiple hiring and contract items (including a $246,964 North Avenue contract), and two resolution items on an $84,088 emergency appropriation and a capital budget amendment.
Discussion Points
•Contract award for North Avenue improvements with a not-to-exceed amount.
•Grant application endorsements for CDBG and Safe Routes to Schools.
•Introduction of Ordinance 22-2026, appropriation of $2,500,000 and authorization to issue $2,375,000 in bonds.
•Multiple personnel hires with listed wages and effective dates.
•R-1: emergency appropriation of $84,088 for a down payment on improvements; R-2: capital budget amendment.
Mayor and Council Regular Session Agenda November 5th (Pdf)
The Borough of Fort Lee Mayor and Council is scheduled to meet on November 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting agenda is a short, largely procedural docket that includes a consent agenda with payment of claims and an item to approve a firefighter auxiliary application for Jeremy R. Kramer of Fire Company #1.
Mayor and Council Work Session Agenda November 5th (Pdf)
The Borough of Fort Lee Mayor and Council is scheduled to hold a work session on November 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The docket includes a closed-session resolution with personnel and legal matters and multiple nonprocedural items: a vendor proposal for unclaimed-asset recovery, a contract for North Avenue improvements, grant applications (CDBG and NJDOT Safe Routes to Schools), membership in the Metropolitan Health Insurance Fund, property surplus sale, a disabled-veteran tax exemption request, tax refunds, and 2026 budget transfers.
Discussion Points
•Award of contract for Improvements to North Avenue.
•CDBG application for improvements to Marguerite Street and NJDOT 2027 Safe Routes to Schools grant application.
•Closed-session personnel and legal matters listed including multiple departments and several litigation and tax matters.
•Proposal from Message Maximization, LLC for unclaimed-asset recovery services.
•Renewal of interlocal agreement with Board of Education for assignment of special police officers.
•Sale of surplus property on USGovBid; disabled-veteran tax exemption request; tax refunds; 2026 budget transfers.
October 27, 2026, Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Agenda October 27th (Pdf). Minutes
The Fort Lee Board of Adjustment considered several residential and commercial land-use applications on Oct. 27, 2026. It approved applications for a self-storage facility amendment, four residential projects and a basement bathroom, among other procedural actions.
Discussion Points
•Applicant representatives said rock discovered during construction led to a request to raise the house.
•Attorney Khorozian reported that the 820 Fairview Lane plans had been substantially reduced.
•The applicant described design changes and generator noise and screening.
•The applicant’s attorney said the application was before the board for a vote only.
•The applicant’s attorney said this was a vote-only item continued from the Oct. 13 hearing.
•The architect said access would not change.
•The basement design prompted a question about whether the home could function as two-family; applicant counsel said the basement would not be rented, and the engineer said a range would be removed.
•The board discussed the easement and required pool fencing.
•The board engineer said the proposed stone was acceptable and noted generator screening.
•The owner sought a shower for the basement gym area rather than going to the third floor.
Decisions
•Approved amended preliminary and final major site-plan approval by a 7-0 vote.
•Approved a two-family dwelling by a 6-0 vote; Liapes was recused.
•Approved a two-unit dwelling by a 6-0 vote; Liapes was recused.
•Approved reconsideration of docket 15-26.
•Approved the 2027 regular public meeting calendar, Oct. 13 minutes and memorialization for docket 19-26.
•Approved the amendment by a 7-0 vote.
•Approved the single-family dwelling application by a 6-1 vote.
•Deemed dockets 6-26, 27-26 and 28-26 complete.
Directions
•Board members stated that the pool must be fenced.
•Chairman Sugarman said the landscaping comment would be included in the resolution.
•D. Juzmeski said plans should show anything removed from the easement.
•Hearing dates for complete applications and the reconsidered docket were to be arranged through the Board Secretary.
Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Agenda October 27th (Pdf)
The Fort Lee Zoning Board of Adjustment is scheduled to meet on October 27, 2026, to consider a mix of applications including a proposed five-story self-storage facility at 514 Main Street and several residential variance and completeness filings. The meeting will be held at Fort Lee Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 309 Main Street, at 7:30 p.m.
Discussion Points
•Application filed as amended preliminary & final major site plan for a five-story self-storage facility at 514 Main Street.
October 26, 2026, Planning Board Meeting Agenda October 26th (Pdf). Minutes
The Fort Lee Planning Board met Oct. 26, 2026, approved corrected Sept. 14 minutes, adopted the 2027 calendar (with two December dates moved), memorialized a site-plan amendment for Palisade Center Mall to allow film memorabilia retail, and adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Discussion Points
•Chairwoman Cooney recited the public‑notice posting and mailing process including prepaid mailing fee.
•Docket #3-26 presented as an amendment to site plan for commercial use for film memorabilia.
•No substantive new business recorded.
•Request to move two December meeting dates by A. Pohan.
•R. Ferris requested a wording correction on Page 4.
•Spelling correction requested by A. Pohan for Sept. 14 minutes.
Decisions
•Adjourn meeting at 7:39 p.m.
•Adopt 2027 calendar as amended (move two December dates).
•Approve minutes as amended; record abstention by G. Calabrese.
•Approve resolution as amended (6–0).
Directions
•Recording Secretary to update official minutes file.
The Fort Lee Planning Board agenda for Oct. 26, 2026 includes a memorialization listing an amendment to the Palisade Center Mall site plan to allow a commercial film-memorabilia use at 1627–1633 Palisade Avenue; the agenda lists the item as “APPROVED.”
October 15, 2026, Mayor and Council Regular Session Agenda October 15th (Pdf). Minutes
The Fort Lee Mayor and Council held their regular meeting on Oct. 15, 2026. Council adopted an ordinance revising police department ranks and organization, approved a consent agenda including $21.46 million in claims, accepted the retirement of Police Officer John Bakas, approved several personnel and license actions, and heard a public commenter ask about congestion-pricing grant allocations.
Discussion Points
•Consent agenda containing payment of claims introduced and opened for public hearing; no public discussion recorded.
•Interim hire to cover maternity leave; trustee appointment reviewed by board and approved.
•Ordinance public hearing opened and closed with no public comment; ordinance replaces table of organization and specifies rank counts and total authorized officers.
•Place-to-place transfer introduced and approved as consent item; clerk to endorse license certificate.
•Public commenter requested information on allocation of congestion-pricing grant funds; no response or follow-up captured in minutes.
•Retirement notice submitted and accepted; effective date set.
•Zoning Board conditioned approval upon Developer's Agreement and guarantees; Borough Attorney reviewed documents.
Decisions
•CA-4 and CA-5 approved
•CA-8 approved
•Consent agenda approved including CA-1
•Council authorized execution of Developer's Agreement
October 13, 2026, Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Agenda October 13th (Pdf). Minutes
Fort Lee Board of Adjustment met Oct. 13, 2026 and approved one minor subdivision (5–1) and several completeness determinations; multiple applications (including a 24‑unit project and two single two‑unit applications) were carried for further hearings amid questions about height, driveway/parking and site‑triangle impacts.
Discussion Points
•Applicant will relocate lot line so both lots equal 5,000 sq ft; proposed dwellings have side entries, 10x12 deck and underground detention.
•Engineering and landscape plans presented; neighbors asked for clarity about height and visibility.
•Item continued from Aug. 11, 2026.
•Procedural memorializations and completeness determinations recorded.
•Site‑triangle and parking tradeoffs, slope and tree removal raised by residents.
The Bergen County Planning Board met Oct. 13, 2026; Chairperson Shergoh Alkilani called the meeting to order, the board approved minutes and a set of storm-water ordinances and plans, and approved multiple subdivision and site-plan applications; the meeting adjourned at about 5:15 PM.
Discussion Points
•Applications listed and approved; one abstention noted on SD8030.
•Multiple commercial and residential conversion projects on the agenda; SP8885 recorded an abstention by one board member.
•No substantive discussion recorded; items treated as consent/administrative approvals.
•Routine approval of prior minutes; no substantive debate recorded.
October 01, 2026, Mayor and Council Work Session Agenda October 1st (Pdf). Minutes
The Fort Lee Mayor and Council held a work session on Oct. 1, 2026. Council members reviewed several administrative and development items—senior housing site plan, a developer agreement for 1512 Twelfth Street, multiple routine resolutions to be placed on the Oct. 15 or Nov. 5 agendas—and heard two public comments about Mediterranean Towers and traffic enforcement on Stillwell Avenue.
Discussion Points
•Administrator announced intent to support grant application.
•Attorney confirmed required documents for 1512 Twelfth Street agreement.
September 22, 2026, Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting September 22nd (Pdf). Minutes
The Fort Lee Board of Adjustment met Sept. 22, 2026 to approve minutes, consider completeness for multiple applications, address an ex parte contact concern raised by board counsel, grant minor subdivision approval to W&R Home Builders for two two-unit dwellings on Myrtle Avenue (with dimensional stipulations), and carry several applications to Oct. 13, 2026.
Discussion Points
•Applicant representative stated readiness for a vote and recorded two stipulations reducing unit width and setting max height.
•Board counsel reported hearing that applicants have been contacting Board members outside hearings and labeled that practice improper.
•Board members recorded procedural completeness for multiple filings; no substantive debate recorded.
•Chairman placed statutory meeting notice on the record.
•Chairman recorded continuances and time waivers for three dockets.
•Minutes from Sept. 8 were approved by recorded roll call.
Decisions
•Items carried to Oct. 13 with no further notice required.
•Minor subdivision approval granted with recorded stipulations and one recusal.
•Minutes approved; meeting adjourned.
•Multiple applications deemed complete by 6-0 votes.
Directions
•Attorney requested that applicants direct communications to counsel rather than individual members.
•Board Secretary to be contacted by Mr. Macri to schedule hearings.
September 17, 2026, Mayor and Council Regular Session Agenda September 17th (Pdf). Minutes
Fort Lee Borough Council met Sept. 17, 2026. Council adopted multiple ordinances including a ban on retail pet-store sales of dogs and cats, approved a redevelopment plan for Area 11 ("The Presidential"), authorized emergency tax-map funding and a contract to update tax maps, accepted multiple grants and shared-service agreements on the consent agenda, and heard numerous public comments focused on pedestrian and school-route safety.
Discussion Points
•Consent calendar assembled and publicly opened for hearing.
•Council adopted a special emergency appropriation and immediately approved a contract using state procurement mechanisms.
•Council did not indicate substantive opposition during the hearing.
•Council President Drumgoole and the borough administrator provided procedural answers and agreed to refer traffic requests to the traffic bureau.
•Multiple administrative items require follow-up actions including certification, background checks and state filings.
•Multiple residents and students requested pedestrian-safety measures at Center Ave/Main St and other crossings.
•Public requested clarification about what the ordinance implies; Mayor Sokolich responded.
•Public support heard from two commenters in favor of banning retail sales of dogs and cats.
•Speakers urged pursuit of the Safe Routes to School grant (application due in November).
•The CFO certified funds were available; the item will require statutory filings.
•The council adopted the plan after brief explanation and closed the hearing.
Decisions
•Consent agenda approved by roll call.
•Ordinance adopted
•R-1 and R-2 approved; contract awarded to Civil Solutions.
•Redevelopment plan adopted and incorporated into code.
Directions
•Refer Center Avenue/Main Street safety concerns to the traffic bureau for investigation.
September 14, 2026, Planning Board Meeting Agenda September 14th (Pdf). Minutes
Fort Lee Planning Board met Sept. 14, 2026; members approved a site-plan amendment for Palisade Center Mall to allow sale/display of film memorabilia with conditions (appointment-only, signage application allowed), authorized RFQs for 2027 professional services, voted to have Neglia prepare a redevelopment study for 2200 Fletcher Avenue, and honored longtime municipal employee Herbert Greenberg.
Discussion Points
•Board and counsel agreed to modify certain 2019 conditions, permit signage application, and require appointment-only visitation.
•Board clarified this vote only authorizes a study; any redevelopment designation would require additional hearings and findings.
September 08, 2026, Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Agenda Septermber 8th (Pdf). Minutes
The Fort Lee Board of Adjustment met Sept. 8, 2026. The board denied a variance request to build a two-family dwelling at 820 Fairview, authorized RFQs for 2027 professional services, carried two large applications to Sept. 22, and approved minutes of the Aug. 25 meeting.
Discussion Points
•Application previously continued from Aug. 11; no new testimony at this meeting.
•Architect presented a rooftop deck and exterior materials; offered a 10-inch and one-foot height reduction
•Board adopted the posted schedule of regular public meetings and confirmed public notice procedures.
•Engineer described Cultec chambers and a small rear retaining wall
•Engineer described stormwater Cultec chambers and removal of existing structure
•Neighbors raised demolition-notice and sightline concerns
•Planner argued variances are supportable based on neighborhood context
•Planner noted R3A zone allows two-family homes but variances are needed
Decisions
•Application denied due to lack of required five affirmative votes
•No action taken at Sept. 8 meeting
•No final action taken; hearing continued
•Resolution authorizing RFQs approved 7-0.
Directions
•Applicant agreed to reduce building height and width and to keep front landscaping low to preserve sightlines
•Chairman appointed RFQ Selection Committee members.
September 03, 2026, Mayor and Council Work Session Agenda September 3rd (Pdf). Minutes
The Fort Lee Mayor and Council held a work session Sept. 3, 2026, opening with a closed-session on personnel across multiple departments and resuming open session at 7:25 p.m. The council reviewed a slate of items to be placed on the Sept. 17 agenda, including proposed rent-leveling ordinance changes, tax-map funding and contract awards, grant applications, liquor-license and budget amendments, and public comments calling for a traffic-safety plan for Center Avenue and Main Street.
Discussion Points
•Grant amounts and inclusion into the CY-2026 municipal budget: Bulletproof Vest Partnership ($14,692.91) and Local Public Health Infrastructure Grant ($119,327.00).
•Intent to submit a local match application to the EPA Community Funding Program for Ellery Avenue Sewer Improvements ($184,000).
•Proposal to award contract to Civil Solutions to update and digitize tax maps.
•Public comment urging a safety action plan for Center Avenue and Main Street; distribution of a "Safe System Pyramid."
•Recommendation by a resident to involve a traffic engineer.
•Request by Ascend Dispensary to extend hours of operation.
•Request by Rent Leveling Board counsel to revise Chapter 324.10 and 324.16.
•Resolution to execute a shared-services agreement with the County of Bergen for animal control.
•Scope of personnel topics included administration, building department, community center, DPW, fire prevention, health, municipal court, police, radio communications, recreation, and senior center.
•Special emergency for tax map preparation linked to Ordinance No. 2026-19.
Decisions
•Council moved into closed session by unanimous motion; closed session concluded at 7:25 p.m.
Directions
•Council to send letter of support to Planning Board to amend Resolution PB #2-22.
•Draft revisions to be circulated to mayor, council members and borough attorney for review.
August 25, 2026, Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Agenda August 25th (Pdf). Minutes
The Fort Lee Board of Adjustment met Aug. 25, 2026; it approved three development applications (a 14-unit townhome project, a three two‑unit-dwelling minor subdivision, and a deck addition) and carried three public hearings to Sept. 8, 2026.
Discussion Points
•Applicant Tom Hunter Builders’ 14‑unit townhome proposal was on the Memorializations portion of the agenda and recorded for approval.
•Deck addition application approved; no substantive discussion captured in minutes.
•Minor subdivision for three two‑unit dwellings approved and memorialized in minutes.
•Three public hearings continued to Sept. 8, 2026; no additional notice required and time waived for Board action.
Decisions
•Approval recorded; applicant to pursue permits.
•Hearings carried; no decision on merits at this meeting.
•Minor Subdivision approval recorded by Board.
•Minor Subdivision & Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan approval granted as recorded in minutes.
Directions
•Clerk/board staff to prepare Sept. 8 agenda and ensure applicant materials are filed.
August 13, 2026, Mayor and Council Regular Session Agenda August 13th (Pdf). Minutes
The Borough of Fort Lee Mayor and Council met Aug. 13, 2026; council introduced several ordinances (including a ban on retail pet sales), adopted a bond ordinance funding $1.86 million in capital improvements, approved a property acquisition at 467 Stillwell Ave for $1, advanced multiple redevelopment plans, and approved a consent agenda including $32.9 million in claims and several contracts and event permits.
Discussion Points
•Claims roll totaling $32,923,637.33 presented and approved.
•Down payment of $92,930 identified; $1,765,670 to be financed by bonds or notes.
•Mayor honored veteran Augie Caccavone and described a helmet giveaway program.
•Mayor warned about e-bike registration, licensing and insurance requirements.
•Multiple capital projects were enumerated including ambulance lift, building renovations, IT and public works projects.
•Multiple event permits and contract awards approved on consent.
•Ordinance would prohibit sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores in Fort Lee.
•Property described as Block 2951, Lot 2, owned by Fort Lee Board of Education; Borough determined property needed for public purposes.
•Public comment thanked council for introducing the ordinance.
•Purchase price set at $1.00 and mayor authorized to execute documents.
•Settlement with Fletcher and developer de-designation actions recorded.
Decisions
•Bond ordinance adopted.
•Consent agenda items CA-1 through CA-16 and resolutions R-1 through R-4 carried as recorded.
•Ordinance adopted to acquire property for $1.00.
•Ordinance introduced; public hearing scheduled for Sept. 17, 2026.
Directions
•CFO to determine note maturities and report sales details to council.
•Execute contracts and process payments as authorized.
•Mayor authorized to execute necessary documents.
•Mayor to continue helmet outreach and enforcement messaging.
