Mayor says Allendale settlement reduces affordable-housing obligation to 200 units; council to map potential sites by June

At the April 24 meeting the mayor updated the council on the borough's affordable-housing negotiations, saying the borough's obligation was reduced to 200 units from a previously discussed 260. She said the next administrative deadline is in June, when the borough must assess realistic development potential, identify sites and address remaining unmet need.

The mayor and council expressed concerns about infrastructure capacity—particularly sewer connection issues along Allendale's border with Saddle River, a municipality that uses septic systems. "We are...very diligently working with them to make sure that our infrastructure is protected because they expect to come through our sewer line," the mayor said, adding that elected officials, attorneys and engineers are engaged in the process.

Council members said the matter will require continued attention, and the borough will coordinate with state officials and the Department of Community Affairs as needed. The mayor emphasized the importance of shaping any affordable-housing plan so it does not overwhelm local infrastructure or change the character of the borough.

Next steps: the borough will evaluate developable land, potential sites and infrastructure upgrades before the June deadline and continue discussions with outside agencies and neighboring municipalities.