In 10 Years Bergen County will Look Like Queens
file photo of Queens NY
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, From soaring 25-story luxury towers on the Hudson River “Gold Coast” to the long-awaited arrival of TopGolf, Bergen County is undergoing a historic transformation. Whether you are a resident, a commuter, or an investor, 2026 is the year these “paper plans” become concrete reality.
Fueling this boom is a mix of controversial state affordable housing mandates and a surge in mixed-use “live-work-play” destinations. Here is your definitive guide to the major projects reshaping our skyline and neighborhoods this year.
The Skyline Shift: Edgewater & Cliffside Park
The waterfront remains the epicenter of high-density living, though not without legal drama.
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The “North Star” Standoff: In Edgewater, the 440 River Road tower remains in “litigation limbo.” Cliffside Park residents and Mayor Tom Calabrese have sued to stop work on the structure, which allegedly violates height limits and blocks iconic NYC skyline views. A final ruling is expected early this year.
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A $1 Billion Vision: Just down the road at 615 River Road, the Maxal Group is moving ahead with a 25-story tower on the former Hess oil tank site. This massive project will eventually include 1,200 homes and a new public ferry terminal with direct service to Manhattan.
The “Mall-to-Main-Street” Trend: Paramus
Paramus is no longer just for shopping; it’s becoming a residential hub.
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Westfield Garden State Plaza: Construction begins in February 2026 on a “town green” concept. Expect two five-story buildings with 575 apartments, outdoor markets, and upscale dining.
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The Costco Move: The highly anticipated Costco Wholesale at the old Route 17 Stop & Shop site is moving forward following Planning Board approval.
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Apartment Surge: New complexes are also rising next to Paramus Park (Vermella Paramus) and Bergen Town Center, adding over 600 units to the borough.
Transit-Oriented Luxury: Fair Lawn & Hackensack
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Plaza Greene (Fair Lawn): Breaking ground early this year next to the Radburn station, this project features 145 age-restricted units and a brand-new Sprouts Farmers Market.
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Hackensack’s Affordable Growth: The city is focusing on 100% affordable housing developments at 251 Railroad Ave, utilizing state trust funds to provide 24 low-rise townhomes.
Infrastructure & Environment: Beyond the Buildings
It’s not all luxury apartments; critical infrastructure is finally getting the green light.
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The Route 4 Bridge Overhaul: Two massive projects in Teaneck will begin this year. The Hackensack River bridge replacement (near FDU) and the Palisades Avenue bridge project will impact regional traffic for the next several years.
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Clean Water Initiatives: Ridgewood Water is leading a $100M+ effort to build treatment plants that remove PFAS “forever chemicals” from the drinking supply for 61,000 residents.
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Zabriskie-Schedler House Cleanup: In a major victory for environmentalists, 27,000 tons of contaminated soil are being hauled away from this historic site starting this month.
The “Affordable Housing” Pressure Cooker
Towns like Franklin Lakes and Saddle River are facing immense pressure from the state to meet housing quotas. If they don’t comply, they risk losing “immunity,” allowing developers to sue to build high-density projects in areas previously zoned for single-family homes. Keep an eye on the AvalonBay project in Saddle River and the former Cigna property in Franklin Lakes as bellwethers for this trend.
At A Glance: 2026 Milestone Projects
| Town | Project Name | Feature |
| Paramus | Garden State Plaza | 575 Units + Town Green |
| Edgewater | 615 River Road | Ferry Terminal + Luxury Tower |
| Fair Lawn | Plaza Greene | Sprouts Farmers Market |
| Mahwah | Sheraton Site | Warehouse Expansion Potential |
| Teaneck | Route 4 Bridges | $200M+ Infrastructure Spend |
I’ve been saying that BC will look like Queens for 40 years…