Historic Paramus Property on Ridgewood Border Designated as Redevelopment Area

file photo of the  garden center

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, a long-vacant property in Paramus, featuring a former garden center and a historic two-century-old home near the Ridgewood border, has been officially designated as an area in need of redevelopment. This decision, made unanimously by the Paramus Planning Board last week, could pave the way for revitalization at the prominent site on Paramus Road and Ridgewood Avenue.

What Does Redevelopment Designation Mean?

The designation does not immediately alter zoning regulations or permit new uses but opens the door to future redevelopment opportunities. Once a redevelopment plan is established, new zoning guidelines can be created, and developers may submit site plan applications for approval.

This decision follows a preliminary investigation of the property, which includes the former Northern Border Tree Farms & Nursery, two residences, the historic Lutkins-Hopper-Nearing House, and the Grist Mill (also known as the Mill House). All buildings have been vacant for over two years.

Historic Lutkins-Hopper-Nearing House and Its Condition

The Lutkins-Hopper-Nearing House, a Jersey Dutch-style dwelling with Federal detailing from the late 18th or early 19th century, holds significant historical value. However, the home is in poor condition, with rotting steps, leaning brick columns, and significant overgrowth. While the interior remains in “fair condition,” the exterior requires urgent attention.

The Mill House, converted into a single-family residence around 1949, is also in disrepair, with a deteriorating roof, warped shingles, and rotting wood on the porch.

Past Development Proposals

In 2020, an application was submitted to develop the site with a CVS and a bank. The plan was later revised in 2022 to replace the bank with a restaurant while proposing to relocate the Lutkins-Hopper-Nearing House to another part of the property. However, the garden center and Mill House would have been demolished. Despite these proposals, the project did not advance.

What’s Next for the Property?

With the redevelopment designation in place, the future of this historic site is now in the hands of planners, developers, and community stakeholders. The property’s unique history and its prime location near the Ridgewood border present an opportunity for innovative redevelopment that balances preservation with progress.

Stay tuned for updates as Paramus officials and developers outline plans for the property’s future.

 

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