Concerned Citizens of Demarest, argue that the project uses state-mandated affordable housing laws as a “pretext” to build high-end luxury units
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Demarest NJ, in the quiet, tree-lined borough of Demarest, New Jersey, a high-stakes legal battle is reaching its breaking point. At the center of the storm is 232 County Road—the historic 19th-century homestead of Ralph S. Demarest, the man who brought the railroad to town and for whom the borough is named.
What was once a cornerstone of local identity could soon be replaced by a modern multi-unit complex. As 2025 draws to a close, a state Superior Court judge is set to decide whether this “iconic property” will be demolished to make way for a developer’s vision of “inclusionary” housing.
🏛️ Ralph S. Demarest: An Endangered Legacy
The stately, two-story house at the corner of County Road and Hardenburgh Avenue isn’t just an old building; it is a piece of New Jersey history. Ralph S. Demarest, a mid-1800s legislator and descendant of the area’s original European settlers, lived here while shaping the future of Bergen County.
Why Residents Are Fighting Back:
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Historic Preservation: More than 1,300 residents have signed a petition to save the home, citing “irreversible harm” to the town’s character if it is lost.
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National Register Nomination: Resident Kyusoon Lee has submitted a nomination to place the building on the National Register of Historic Places, noting its original five-bay facade and its status as a “key contributing resource” in historic surveys.
🏗️ The Developer’s Strategy: Using Affordable Housing as a “Pretext”?
The development proposal comes from Demarest resident Michael Feinstein, who previously served a brief, controversial stint on the town’s zoning board. Feinstein’s lawsuit aims to force the town to rezone the historic site to allow for a single building featuring:
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8 Market-Rate Luxury Townhomes
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2 Affordable Housing Units
Critics, including the group Concerned Citizens of Demarest, argue that the project uses state-mandated affordable housing laws as a “pretext” to build high-end luxury units in a sensitive area. Feinstein’s suit claims the site is “compatible at higher densities” due to its proximity to the downtown and county roads.
⚖️ A Conflict of Interest? The Zoning Board Controversy
The legal fight follows a year of political turmoil in Demarest. Earlier in 2025, Feinstein raised eyebrows by circulating letters offering to buy homes around town while serving on the zoning board.
Political Red Flags:
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The Merger: In a move that led to the resignation of long-term planning board members, the borough voted to combine its planning and zoning boards.
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The “Water Problem”: Former board member Jim Tabacchi warned that overdevelopment is creating an impervious surface crisis, leading to increased flooding near the nearby Duck Pond and Tenakill Brook.
🚦 Safety and Environmental Concerns
Beyond history, residents are terrified of the logistical impact. The site is located:
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One block from Demarest Middle School.
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Directly across from the town’s Duck Pond.
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500 feet from Tenakill Brook, raising red flags about drainage and traffic safety for students.
📅 What’s Next: The Dec. 31 Deadline
State Superior Court Judge Gregg Padovano is expected to issue a ruling by the end of the year.
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The Best Case for the Town: The judge rejects the developer’s objection, allowing Demarest to maintain its current housing plan without rezoning the historic site.
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The Worst Case: The judge recommends rezoning, opening the door for the demolition of the founder’s home.
Mayor Brian Bernstein has stated that the Council is “acutely aware” of resident concerns and is prepared to “vigorously oppose” the project if mediation fails.
Demarest Development Clash: Quick Facts
| Metric | Detail |
| Location | 232 County Road, Demarest, NJ |
| Project Type | 10-Unit Townhouse Complex (8 Luxury, 2 Affordable) |
| Historic Figure | Ralph S. Demarest (Borough Founder) |
| Current Status | Awaiting Court Ruling (Due Dec 31, 2025) |
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Here’s hoping commonsense prevails and this proposal is knocked back. The ‘inclusive housing’ ploy is simply that, a ploy. The people of Demarest have the right to expect that the character of their town is respected. This ‘improvement’ does not do so in the slightest.
The same judge that lives in a historic home himself in maywood. Hmmm, this will be interesting. He is also the same judge residing over RW billboard lawsuit.
The developer moves into town and now wants to destroy the looks of the town to fill is own pockets , Throw him out!!!!!
The developer moves into town and now wants to destroy the looks of the town to fill is own pockets , Throw him out!!!!!
When is “enough is enough?” There should be no question here this site should be protected. In an already overcrowded county and state as a whole, there has to be a point where we say we can no longer sustain the pressure of more people, and what is does to our local communities. When low income housing cannot support itself, who’s going to foot the bill, local residents? Fair Lawn said no to adding more housing on the Nabisco site stating they could not accommodate any more residential infrastructure in their town or schools, it’s time for other communities to take the same stand. Paramus’ redevelopments, especially the Garden State Plaza Project, are not only going to crush an already monstrous traffic problem at the intersection of Rte’s. 4 and 17, but also bring and undeterminable number of residents to an already overpopulated area. Can their schools contain the potential overcrowding of students? Or will they be farmed out to surrounding communities? Consider what it’s like trying to get a parking spot in Rochelle Parks Shop Rite now, then triple it. As a longtime resident of Rochelle Park who has seen multiple changes in our community, I’m not afraid to say it “Enough is enough!”