the staff of the Ridgewood blog
SADDLE RIVER, NJ — September 2, 2025 — A heated three-hour planning board debate over letters and a surprise lot addition derailed the latest hearing on the Algonquin Trail affordable housing plan, pushing the next session to October 7.
The Algonquin Trail site is one of five properties Saddle River selected in 2021 to meet its third-round affordable housing quota. It is considered one of the borough’s most central — and most contested — development locations.
Background on the Proposal
Originally owned by Saddle River Investors, the land was transferred to Toll Brothers after a prior application to build 60 units, including eight affordable units at 115 E. Allendale Road, was rejected in April 2022. Toll Brothers later revised the plan and shifted its focus back to Algonquin Trail.
The current proposal includes 60 townhomes, with 12 designated affordable units, and a controversial stormwater management system.
Letters Trigger Legal Concerns
The September 2 hearing was first disrupted by two letters sent to board members:
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A seven-page anonymous letter
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A letter from Planning Board Secretary Jerry DeCrosta, who had recused himself due to a conflict of interest — his real estate office is located within 200 feet of the proposed site.
Affordable housing attorney Jonathan Drill called the letters “highly inappropriate” and warned they could force the appointment of an independent hearing officer or require the Board of Adjustment to take over.
“You can’t just write letters to board members,” Drill told attendees. “Anyone wishing to speak must testify in person, under oath, at a public hearing.”
Surprise Lot Raises New Legal Questions
The meeting was further delayed by concerns over a newly added 0.15-acre lot at 166 W. Saddle River Road, intended for stormwater detention facilities.
Neighbor Maria Harper of Algonquin Trail questioned whether this addition required a variance and public notice, given its small size and zoning requirements.
Attorneys debated whether the lot could legally host detention structures since it was below the two-acre minimum and lacked a principal building.
What’s Next for Saddle River’s Affordable Housing Plan
The planning board went into a closed-door session with engineers and attorneys to review drainage, tree removal, and zoning concerns.
Following the session, Drill advised Toll Brothers’ attorney Andrew Del Vecchio that the hearing could proceed “at your own risk” — but ultimately, the board decided to postpone.
The parties will exchange conditions by September 4, and the hearing will continue October 7.
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