the staff of the Ridgewood blog
CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ — A high-profile legal battle is unfolding along the Hudson River as Cliffside Park sues Edgewater over the construction of a massive development tied to disgraced developer Fred Daibes.
The dispute centers on a 171-unit condo-hotel project at 440 River Road, which Cliffside Park argues illegally exceeds zoning height limits and threatens to block residents’ prized views of the New York City skyline.
Stop-Work Order Halts Construction
A temporary stop-work order has been issued, halting progress on the building pending a September court ruling. The lawsuit, filed in July, names multiple defendants including Edgewater’s construction officials, the borough itself, and North Star Partners Associates, the developer previously owned by Daibes.
Cliffside Park’s mayor even joined the lawsuit personally, citing that his own home view would be directly impacted.
The Daibes Factor: A History of Corruption
Once celebrated as the architect of the Hudson River “Gold Coast,” Daibes is now serving a seven-year federal prison sentence for his role in a bribery and corruption scandal with former Sen. Bob Menendez.
The lawsuit alleges that Edgewater officials looked the other way and approved height variances well beyond the 150-foot zoning cap. At its tallest point, the building reaches 165.8 feet — nearly level with the cliff above, threatening air, light, and views for Cliffside Park residents.
Allegations of Corruption and Favoritism
Cliffside Park argues that the project’s approval reflects a pattern of favoritism toward Daibes-linked projects, accusing former construction official John Candelmo of knowingly greenlighting permits in violation of zoning laws.
The lawsuit claims this decision could cause long-term damage to property values in Cliffside Park, triggering tax appeals and financial losses across the borough.
A Fight Over Views, Light, and Property Value
“This is not about aesthetics,” said Cliffside Park spokesperson Bill Maer. “This is about following zoning laws. The borough believes the rule of law is on its side.”
Residents argue that losing skyline views and light will not only impact quality of life but also drive down home values, creating ripple effects for the local tax base.
What’s Next?
A judge is set to rule on Sept. 4, which will determine whether construction can resume or if Cliffside Park’s lawsuit forces a redesign or height reduction.
This isn’t the first time Cliffside Park has gone to court to challenge Edgewater’s towering developments — and given the stakes, it likely won’t be the last.
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