Hackensack Zoning Board Denies Controversial Assisted Living Proposal Amid Community Pushback
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, in a powerful show of community unity, the Hackensack Zoning Board unanimously voted to reject a high-density assisted living development last week—prompting cheers and applause from residents who packed the council chambers.
The proposed project would have exceeded the allowable residential density by nearly three times, igniting concerns over overdevelopment, traffic, emergency access, and quality of life in one of Hackensack’s most historic neighborhoods.
Residents Rally Against Overdevelopment
“It was such an emotionally charged night,” said Diane Some, a lifelong resident who lives nearby. “We were just thrilled that that’s the way it went. It was a win for community.”
The proposal would have placed a large-scale assisted living facility on Prospect Avenue, where taller apartment buildings already exist. However, the adjacent Summit Avenue is made up of low-density, two-story homes—highlighting the contrast and incompatibility of the plan.
Zoning Protections in Place
Deputy Mayor Kathy Canestrino reminded attendees that zoning changes made a decade ago had lowered the density limit to 50 units per acre, in an effort to preserve residential character and prevent future overdevelopment.
While the developer argued that other high-density buildings already line Prospect Avenue, the city council stood firm in defending the integrity of the zoning ordinance.
Safety, Traffic, and Infrastructure Concerns
Many residents raised safety concerns, particularly about the fire department’s limited resources. Local realtor Andee Post warned about the risk of emergencies in an underground garage beneath a facility housing vulnerable residents.
“Our fire department is already stretched thin,” she said. “Imagine the danger if there were a car fire in a high-rise with seniors and people with limited mobility.”
History of Development Proposals
The 1.51-acre property has long been eyed for major development. In 2012, the zoning board also rejected a 19-story acute care hospital on the site. That application was similarly opposed due to traffic, congestion, and parking concerns—and a judge upheld the board’s decision after an appeal.
The current proposal may still return in an amended form or through appeal, but for now, residents say they are grateful for the board’s decision.
Local Leaders and Candidates Speak Out
Mayor John Labrosse, who is seeking reelection, broke his silence on zoning matters just before the vote, stating the proposal “presented a serious threat to quality of life.” After the decision, he and his campaign team celebrated the outcome, reinforcing their commitment to smart, balanced development.
Meanwhile, opposition candidate Roberto Diaz, of the Hackensack Unites slate, praised residents for their persistence.
“No matter how hard City Hall tries to squash resident voices,” Diaz said, “together we can make sure we are heard.”
What This Means for Hackensack
For many Hackensack residents, this decision signals a community that’s reclaiming control over its future. The rejection of the assisted living project wasn’t just about one building—it was about maintaining the character, safety, and sustainability of the city’s neighborhoods.
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My parents live in an assisted living facility in another state, and my mom reports there is a constant stream of EMS coming to the facility. It’s just the nature of things with a large number of people who are older and facing more health problems. So whether one is in favor of such developments of not, it is 100% the case that a facility like that generates the need for more EMS and public services.