Hillsdale public meetings in 2025

Council

The Hillsdale Borough Council will consider Resolution 25304, which authorizes the execution of a mediation agreement under the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program. The item appears on a consent agenda and will be voted on without debate. The meeting also includes a public comment period and standard procedural motions.

• Resolution 25304 – authorize execution of a mediation agreement before the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program

The Hillsdale Borough Council adopted Resolution 25304, authorizing Mayor Michael Sheinfield to execute the mediation agreement with the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program. The agreement includes increasing the permitted density on the Bank of America site to 25 units per acre and amending the Hillsdale‑Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan to require specific affordable‑housing set‑asides. The motion passed unanimously with all present council members voting aye and no nays recorded.

• Authorized Mayor Sheinfield to execute the mediation agreement (unanimous)
• Approved increase of permitted density on Block 1102, Lots 2‑4 to 25 units per acre
• Approved amendment to require a 20% affordable‑housing set‑aside for projects up to 32 du/a
• Approved amendment to require a 15% affordable‑housing set‑aside for projects 32‑40 du/a with community benefit

Board of Health

The Hillsdale Board of Health approved the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting without opposition. It reviewed health officer and nurse reports covering food inspections, a food complaint, an animal bite, and ongoing immunization audits. The board noted a pending court date for hoarding issues in January 2026 and announced the creation of a nominating committee to work on upcoming bylaws revisions. It also set the 2026 meeting schedule, omitting July and August sessions.

• Approval of November 18, 2025 meeting minutes – motion and seconded, no opposition
• Health Officer report: four retail food inspections, one food‑surveillance complaint, one animal bite incident, and ongoing school/day‑care immunization audits
• Hoarding issues remain in process with a court date scheduled for January 2026
• Formation of a nominating committee to undertake the 2026 bylaws revision
• Adopted 2026 Board of Health meeting dates, excluding July and August

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board will review two resolutions: one for a fence and retaining wall at 50 Colonial Blvd. (Resolution #2025-19) and one for a site plan for Hillsdale Self Storage at 560 Piermont Ave. (Resolution #2025-20). The board will also hold a new hearing on a one‑story garage addition at 39 Sierra Court and discuss litigation concerning 11 Boulevard South in closed session. Appointments for the board’s attorney, engineer, and planner will be made during the open session.

• Resolution #2025-19 (PZ-9-25): Fence/Retaining Wall for Block 713 Lot 1, 50 Colonial Blvd.
• Resolution #2025-20 (PZ-7-25): Site Plan for Hillsdale Self Storage, Block 1208 Lot 1, 560 Piermont Ave.
• New hearing (PZ-11-25): One‑story addition (garage) at Block 203 Lot 12, 39 Sierra Court.
• Closed‑session discussion of litigation concerning 11 Boulevard South, Washington Township.
• Appointment of Planning Board Attorney, Engineer, and Planner.

The Planning Board approved two resolutions for a fence/retaining wall and a self‑storage site plan, each passing unanimously. The board also adopted the 2026 meeting calendar by unanimous roll‑call vote. In a closed‑session motion, the board appointed a new attorney, engineer, and planner for the 2026 term, all approved unanimously.

• Approved Resolution #2025-19 (Fence/Retaining Wall) – unanimous yes (Kates, Alter, Griep, Trochimiuk)
• Approved Resolution #2025-20 (Hillsdale Self Storage site plan) – unanimous yes (Kates, Riordan, Griep, Trochimiuk)
• Adopted 2026 Planning Board meeting dates – unanimous yes (Kates, Riordan, Raymond, Alter, Griep, Trochimiuk, Sheinfield)
• Passed invoices for CSG Law, Burgis Associates, and Harwood Lloyd (total $9,579.35) – motion passed
• Appointed Marc Leibman as Planning Board Attorney for 2026 – unanimous yes
• Appointed Christopher Statile as Planning Board Engineer for 2026 – unanimous yes
• Appointed Tom Behrens as Planning Board Planner for 2026 – unanimous yes
• Entered closed session to discuss 2026 RFP – motion passed

Council

The Hillsdale Borough Council will consider a consent agenda of resolutions 25291 through 25300, covering routine items such as bill payments and budget transfers, as well as several contracts and a lease for a new cellular tower. Specific actions include appointing a municipal housing liaison with a stipend adjustment, authorizing purchases of commercial furniture through state cooperative contracts, and approving professional planning services for the Patterson Street redevelopment. The council will also vote on leasing borough-owned property at 183 Cedar Lane to Verizon Wireless for construction of a 150‑foot telecommunications tower. A discussion item concerns a proposed cell tower at Stonybrook Swim Club by Hoplite Communications.

• Resolution 25292: Authorize appointment of a municipal housing liaison with stipend adjustment for 2026
• Resolutions 25294‑25297: Authorize contracts for commercial furniture purchases via NJ State Cooperative Purchasing Program
• Resolution 25299: Authorize agreement with Colliers Engineering & Design for amendment of the Hillsdale Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan
• Resolution 25300: Authorize lease of 183 Cedar Lane for construction, operation, and maintenance of a +150‑foot cellular tower for Verizon Wireless
• Discussion: Cell tower proposal at Stonybrook Swim Club by Hoplite Communications

Planning Board

The Joint Planning Board will consider Resolution No. 2025‑___ for preliminary and final major site‑plan approval with relief for deviations for the property at 560 Piermont Avenue, 93 Prospect Place and 95 Prospect Place. The applicants, Hillsdale Self Storage LLC and Piermont Avenue Urban Renewal LLC, propose a four‑story, approximately 109,490 sq ft self‑storage building on the Self‑Storage Parcel and relocation of existing vehicle storage to the Vehicle Storage Parcel with 71 vehicle spaces and new fencing and landscaping. The Board will review relief requests for parking‑space deviations from the Redevelopment Plan and a height deviation for wall signs, some of which were eliminated during public hearings. The application has been objected to by The Church of Saint John the Baptist and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, which submitted flood‑related exhibits and traffic‑condition photographs.

• Preliminary and final major site‑plan approval for a 4‑story, ~109,490 sq ft self‑storage facility at 560 Piermont Avenue (Self‑Storage Parcel)
• Relief for deviation from the Redevelopment Plan allowing 30 and 21 continuous parking spaces on the Vehicle Storage Parcel
• Flood Hazard Area Individual Permit No. 0227‑24‑0002.2 LUP250001 issued by NJDEP on July 14 2025
• Relocation of vehicle storage use to the Vehicle Storage Parcel with 71 vehicle spaces, new striping, fencing and landscaping
• Public hearings held Aug 14, Sep 11, Oct 9, Oct 28, Nov 13 2025; objections filed by The Church of Saint John the Baptist and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark

Council

The Hillsdale Borough Council meeting on Dec. 2, 2025 will consider a consent agenda of resolutions numbered 25283 through 25290. Items include returning unused escrow funds, endorsing community development projects, opposing state bill S‑4736, and authorizing contracts for animal control services with Tyco and HVAC services with Whalen and Ives. The council will also address tax overpayment refunds for various accounts, including 234 Paul Court.

• Resolution 25285 – Opposition to S‑4736, a state bill affecting local zoning and affordable‑housing conversions
• Resolution 25286 – Award of a Non‑Fair & Open Professional Services Agreement to Tyco Animal Control for animal control services
• Resolution 25287 – Award of a Non‑Fair & Open Agreement to Whalen and Ives, Inc. for HVAC repair, supplies and services
• Resolution 25283 – Authorization to return unused escrow funds
• Resolution 25290 – Refund of tax overpayment for 234 Paul Court

Meeting

The Hillsdale Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss updates on field improvements at the Memorial and Centennial sites, a finance committee report, and a recreation basketball program. Additional items include the release of the winter brochure, a review of 2025 activities, and an outlook for 2026. The commission will also provide a community‑center update and announce upcoming holiday lighting events.

• Field Improvements Update – Memorial & Centennial
• Finance Committee Meeting Update
• Recreation Basketball Update
• Winter Brochure Released
• Community Center Update

Board of Health

The Hillsdale Board of Health reviewed its 2025 budget and discussed several public health matters. It decided not to conduct a skin cancer screening in 2025, planning to revisit the program in 2026. The board also noted a successful rabies clinic on November 13 and ongoing discussions about hoarding issues.

• Reviewed the 2025 Board of Health budget
• Decided to suspend skin cancer screening in 2025, to revisit in 2026
• Rabies clinic held on 11/13 was reported as a success
• Discussed hoarding issues via a Zoom meeting, still in process
• Planned to invite emergency service personnel to future meetings

Planning Board

The Hillsdale Planning/Zoning Board will consider a continued hearing on the Hillsdale Self Storage site plan (PZ‑7‑25) at 560 Piermont Ave. It will also hold a new hearing on a fence and retaining wall request (PZ‑9‑25) for Block 713 Lot 1, 50 Colonial Blvd. The meeting includes standard procedural items and concludes with an adjournment.

• Continued hearing – PZ‑7‑25 – Site Plan for Hillsdale Self Storage, 560 Piermont Ave.
• New hearing – PZ‑9‑25 – Fence / Retaining Wall request for Block 713 Lot 1, 50 Colonial Blvd.

The Planning/Zoning Board voted to approve the Hillsdale Self Storage LLC site plan, attaching the specified conditions. The motion was carried by a roll‑call vote of six members in favor and one against. The approval will be formalized in a resolution at the December 11, 2025 meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Hillsdale Self Storage site plan with conditions (6‑1 vote)

Council

The Hillsdale Borough Council will hold a public hearing and vote to adopt Ordinance 25-25, which authorizes $500,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund for recreation projects and acquisitions. The council will also consider a consent agenda of resolutions (25256‑25280) covering interlocal agreements for the police pistol range, contract authorizations, appointments, fund returns, and other routine matters. After the consent items, the meeting will move to closed session before adjourning.

• Adoption of Ordinance 25-25 authorizing $500,000 for recreation improvements and acquisitions
• Resolution 25257 authorizing interlocal services agreement with River Vale for use of the Hillsdale police pistol range
• Resolution 25258 authorizing interlocal services agreement with Old Tappan for use of the Hillsdale police pistol range
• Resolution 25260 authorizing a contract with Edmunds & Associates, Inc.
• Resolution 25275 awarding a contract for police department storage lockers through Sourcewell Cooperative Pricing System

Council

The Hillsdale Borough Council will hold a public comment period limited to three minutes per speaker. A resolution will suspend Article 4 Section 9 of the borough by‑laws to allow Ordinance 25‑25 to proceed. Ordinance 25‑25, a capital ordinance, authorizes $500,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund for recreation improvements and receives its first reading. A separate resolution will award a non‑fair & open contract to Applied Landscape Technologies for Memorial Park improvements.

• Ordinance 25‑25 – capital ordinance authorizing $500,000 for recreation improvements (first reading)
• Resolution 25254 – suspending Article 4 Section 9 of the by‑laws for Ordinance 25‑25
• Resolution 25255 – authorizing award of a non‑fair & open contract to Applied Landscape Technologies for Memorial Park improvements
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per speaker on agenda items
• Motion to adjourn the meeting

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board will hold a continued public hearing on application PZ‑7‑25 for a self‑storage facility at 560 Piermont Avenue (Block 1208 Lot 1). The board will discuss the Master Plan consistency review of the Memorial Field improvements. Routine invoice approvals are also on the agenda.

• Continued hearing of PZ‑7‑25: self‑storage site plan at 560 Piermont Ave.
• Master Plan consistency review of Memorial Field improvements.
• Approve CSG Law invoices totaling $1,610.50.
• Approve Burgis Associates, Inc. invoice of $560.00.
• Approve Harwood Lloyd, LLC invoice of $2,571.50.

The Planning/Zoning Board voted to approve three invoices: CSG Law for $1,610.50, Burgis Associates, Inc. for $560.00, and Harwood Lloyd, LLC for $2,571.50. Each motion was seconded and passed. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved CSG Law invoice $1,610.50 (motion passed)
• Approved Burgis Associates, Inc. invoice $560.00 (motion passed)
• Approved Harwood Lloyd, LLC invoice $2,571.50 (motion passed)

Board of Health

The Hillsdale Board of Health approved the minutes from the September 4, 2025 meeting and received reports on environmental health, nursing, and finances. The board discussed the 2025 budget and decided not to conduct skin cancer screenings in 2025.

• Approval of September 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of 2025 Board of Health budget
• Decision to not conduct Skin Cancer Screening in 2025
• Introduction of Food License Ordinance 25-01
• Upcoming Blood Pressure Clinic for October and November

Council

The Hillsdale Borough Council will consider its consent agenda, which includes a resolution to award a contract for two leaf packers and two operators for the 2025 leaf season. Other consent items are a resolution to pay outstanding bills, a resolution to extend a discretionary property tax grace period during the federal government shutdown, and a resolution to endorse Public Service Electric & Gas's preliminary investigation of borough‑owned property. The meeting also includes routine business such as approval of minutes, public comment, and committee reports.

• Resolution 25250 – Award contract for two leaf packers and two operators for the 2025 leaf season
• Resolution 25251 – Payment of bills
• Resolution 25252 – Grant discretionary property tax grace period extension during federal government shutdown
• Resolution 25253 – Endorse PSE&G preliminary investigation of borough‑owned property
• Approval of minutes from the previous meeting

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board will hold a continued hearing on the Hillsdale Self Storage site plan (PZ-7-25), located at 560 Piermont Ave, Block 1208 Lot 1. The agenda also lists invoice payments to CSG Law ($7,152.95 total) and to Burgis Associates, Inc. ($1,422.50 total). The meeting will adjourn and set the next public hearing for October 28, 2025.

• Continued hearing – PZ-7-25 – Hillsdale Self Storage site plan, 560 Piermont Ave.
• Invoice payments to CSG Law totaling $7,152.95.
• Invoice payment to Burgis Associates, Inc. totaling $1,422.50.
• Next public hearing scheduled for Thursday, October 28, 2025 at 7:30 pm.

The board approved two invoices—CSG Law for $7,152.95 and Burgis Associates for $1,422.50. It found the Hillsdale Self Storage application complete and allowed the project to proceed. The board withdrew the C‑2 variance for the second sign, making the remaining signage code‑compliant, and accepted Ms. Elizabeth McManus as an expert witness.

• Approved CSG Law invoice $7,152.95 (motion passed)
• Approved Burgis Associates invoice $1,422.50 (motion passed)
• Declared Hillsdale Self Storage application complete and allowed to proceed
• Accepted Ms. Elizabeth McManus as expert witness
• Withdrawn C‑2 variance for second sign; signage now compliant
• Removed second proposed sign; remaining sign to meet code

Council

The Hillsdale Borough Council will approve the minutes from the September 9 and September 16 meetings, consider several resolutions, and receive departmental reports. Key resolutions include increasing the price for the Northeast Roof Maintenance Company for the library roof replacement, authorizing the return of unused escrow funds for 329 Ell Road, and granting tax‑exempt status to a disabled veteran. The council will also approve the purchase of a water‑chemistry controller and related equipment for Stonybrook Swim Club.

• Approve minutes for September 9, 2025 and September 16, 2025 council meetings
• Resolution 25245: Increase price for Northeast Roof Maintenance Company for library roof replacement (Change Order #1)
• Resolution 25248: Authorize return of unused escrow funds for 329 Ell Road
• Resolution 25249: Grant tax‑exempt status to a disabled veteran
• Resolution 25246: Purchase water chemistry controller, pumps, valves, and parts for Stonybrook Swim Club

Council

The Hillsdale Borough Council will meet to approve monthly bills, a 2024 audit corrective action plan, and the hiring of a full-time laborer for the Department of Public Works. The meeting will also include the approval of correspondence and the return of unused escrow funds.

• Hire full-time laborer Kenny Kasper for Department of Public Works
• Return of unused escrow funds – Block 601 Lot 32
• Approval of 2024 Annual Audit Corrective Action Plan
• Approval of bills and governing body certification of the annual audit
• Approval of correspondence from Sapienza Gardens

The council unanimously approved the September 9, 2025 closed‑session minutes. It also approved receiving and filing a letter from Sapienza Gardens requesting a 10/19/25 event. The consent agenda was adopted, including Resolution 25238 authorizing the clerk to advertise for borough professional positions and Resolution 25239 authorizing payment of bills.

• Approved September 9, 2025 closed‑session minutes (unanimous)
• Approved receipt and filing of Sapienza Gardens event request (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25238: authorize clerk to advertise for borough professional positions (consent agenda)
• Approved Resolution 25239: payment of bills (consent agenda)

Planning Board

The Hillsdale Planning Board will consider a continued site plan hearing for a self-storage facility at 560 Piermont Ave. and a continued hearing for a home addition at 41 Craig Rd. The meeting also includes the approval of invoices totaling $6,967.50.

• Continued hearing: Hillsdale Self Storage site plan at 560 Piermont Ave.
• Continued hearing: Home addition at 41 Craig Rd.
• Approval of invoices: Christopher P. Statile, P.A. ($3,267.50)
• Approval of invoices: Harwood Lloyd LLP ($462.50)
• Approval of invoices: Burgis Associates, Inc. ($2,237.50)

The Planning/Zoning Board approved Resolution #2025-18 for an addition at 41 Craig Rd. All eight board members voted Yes. The board also approved two invoice motions totaling $2,700. No other actions were decided.

• Approved Resolution #2025-18 (addition at 41 Craig Rd.) – unanimous Yes vote
• Approved Harwood Lloyd invoice total $462.50 – Passed
• Approved Burgis Associates, Inc. invoice total $2,237.50 – Passed

Council

The Borough Council will consider the adoption of ordinances regarding lead-based paint inspections and capital improvements for the Stonybrook Swim Club. The body will also introduce a new ordinance to replace the existing tree code. Additionally, the council will review a consent agenda featuring various contracts and administrative appointments.

• Ordinance 25-22: Adding Chapter 235 concerning Lead-Based Paint Inspections
• Ordinance 25-23: Appropriating $50,000 for Stonybrook Swim Club improvements
• Ordinance 25-24: Introduction of a replacement for §286, Trees
• Resolution 25223: Non-Fair and Open Contract with CivicPlus for Social Media Archiving
• Resolution 25229: Advertising bids for two supplemental garbage truck rentals and operators for 2025 leaf removal

Planning Board

The board approved Resolution #2025-16 for 32 Riverdale Street and Resolution #2025-17 for 60 Broadway, adding a sidewalk engineer condition. It also approved the addition application (PZ-05-25) at 41 Craig Rd after a unanimous roll‑call vote. Two invoice motions – $310 to Christopher P. Statile, P.A. and $1,000 to CSG LAW – were passed. Mayor Sheinfield and Dr. Weinberg recused themselves from the self‑storage hearing.

• Approved Resolution #2025-16 for 32 Riverdale St (unanimous roll call)
• Approved Resolution #2025-17 for 60 Broadway with engineer sidewalk condition (unanimous roll call)
• Approved addition application PZ-05-25 at 41 Craig Rd (unanimous roll call)
• Approved invoice 2025-33 to Christopher P. Statile, P.A. for $310 (motion passed)
• Approved invoice 645261 to CSG LAW for $1,000 (motion passed)
• Mayor Sheinfield recused from self‑storage hearing (conflict of interest)
• Dr. Weinberg recused from self‑storage hearing (conflict of interest)

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board approved two memorializing resolutions: Resolution #2025-14 for a minor subdivision at 48 Wierimus Lane and Resolution #2025-15 for a new single‑family home at 33 Beechwood Drive. The board also approved the Kanter outdoor‑kitchen application (PZ‑02‑24) with conditions, with a roll‑call vote of five Yes and three No. No decision was recorded on the amended minor site plan for 60 Broadway.

• Approved Resolution #2025-14 minor subdivision (5 Yes votes)
• Approved Resolution #2025-15 new single‑family home (4 Yes votes)
• Approved Kanter patio/outdoor‑kitchen application with conditions (5 Yes, 3 No)
• No decision recorded on amended minor site plan for 60 Broadway

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board approved Resolution #2025-13 authorizing acceptance of service related to a driveway jurisdiction issue. It also approved a minor subdivision lot‑line change for 48 Wierimus Lane. Resolution #2025-12 denying jurisdiction over the driveway application was adopted. The Mayor announced that the HE&FSP was accepted by the Mayor and Council.

• Approved Resolution #2025-13 authorizing acceptance of service (5 Yes)
• Approved minor subdivision lot‑line change for 48 Wierimus Lane (7 Yes)
• Adopted Resolution #2025-12 denying jurisdiction over driveway application (no vote recorded)
• HE&FSP accepted by Mayor and Council (announcement)

Planning Board

The Planning/Zoning Board adopted the 2025 Housing Element & Fair Share Plan update to the Master Plan. It dismissed the Cianfrone Properties street‑access application for lack of jurisdiction. The board also approved one invoice for $975.00.

• Adopted Resolution #2025-11 to update the Housing Element & Fair Share Plan (9‑yes vote)
• Dismissed Cianfrone Properties street‑access application for lack of jurisdiction (7‑yes vote)
• Approved invoice 2025-25 for $975.00 (motion passed)
• Closed public portion of meeting (no public questions)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM

Planning Board

The board approved Resolution #2025-10 concerning an addition on Block 1007 Lot 3, 1A Cole’s Crossing Road for John & Karen Small. The approval passed by roll‑call with all six members voting Yes. The board also adjourned the hearing on the amended minor site plan for 60 Broadway (PZ‑02‑25) to a public hearing scheduled for July 22, 2025.

• Approved Resolution #2025-10 for Cole’s Crossing Road addition (6 Yes votes)
• Adjourned hearing on PZ‑02‑25 (60 Broadway) to July 22, 2025

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved Resolution #2025-09 to move a lot line after a unanimous roll‑call vote. It also approved the Small family’s addition variance (PZ‑4‑25) with all six members voting Yes. The board authorized payment of invoices for Christopher P. Statile, P.A. ($4,545.00) and CSG LAW ($2,853.10). The D‑variance application for the Cashell property was adjourned to the July 10, 2025 meeting.

• Approved Resolution #2025-09 (minor sub‑division lot line change) – passed (all Yes)
• Approved addition variance PZ‑4‑25 for John & Karen Small – passed (Alter, Friedman, Weinberg, Hipp, Sheinfield, Riordan Yes)
• Approved Christopher P. Statile, P.A. invoices totaling $4,545.00 – passed
• Approved CSG LAW invoices totaling $2,853.10 – passed
• Adjourned D‑variance application PZ‑3‑25 for Vincent & Mary Cashell to July 10, 2025 – adjourned

Planning Board

The Board voted to approve the lot line change application PZ-1-25, moving 8,672 sq ft from Lot 24 to Lot 37 at 96 Washington Avenue. The motion was made by Secretary Raymond, seconded by Dr. Weinberg, and passed with a roll‑call vote of eight Yes votes. The Board also approved two invoices: Burgis Associates for $160.00 and CSG LAW for $2,274.60.

• Approved Burgis Associates invoice $160.00 (motion by E. Alter, seconded by M. Sheinfield, passed)
• Approved CSG LAW invoices totaling $2,274.60 (motion by M. Sheinfield, seconded by A. Weinberg, passed)
• Approved lot line change application PZ-1-25 moving 8,672 sq ft at 96 Washington Ave (motion by Secretary Raymond, seconded by Dr. Weinberg, unanimous Yes)

Planning Board

The board approved payment of a $2,517 invoice from CSG Law. The PZ-12-24 street‑access application was moved to the May 8, 2025 meeting because of a jurisdictional issue. The board’s checklist was updated to include a six‑month expiration for the 200‑foot list. A meeting to discuss the existing Tree Ordinance was scheduled for next Thursday.

• Approved CSG Law invoice $2,517 (motion passed)
• Postponed PZ-12-24 street‑access application to May 8, 2025 (no vote recorded)
• Edited checklist to add six‑month expiration for 200‑foot list
• Scheduled discussion of Existing Tree Ordinance for next Thursday