Development Misinformation
The Facts. The Misinformation. What's Really Happening, and Why it Matters!
Misinformation on Development in North Caldwell
The Facts
North Caldwell’s Democratic elected leaders have consistently protected the Borough from overdevelopment while meeting all state requirements for affordable housing. The Borough’s Affordable Housing Plan—upheld by the courts—minimizes the impact on local schools, preserves open space, and maintains the character of our community.
The Borough successfully defended its plan for the Green Brook Country Club property. All baseless legal claims challenging this plan have been dismissed.
The Borough continues to monitor and manage development pressures responsibly, ensuring that private property sales or zoning applications do not compromise neighborhood quality, safety, or infrastructure.
Current leaders have rejected inappropriate development proposals and defended deed restrictions that prevent unnecessary subdivision or large-scale housing construction.
The Misinformation
Opponents have circulated false and misleading claims suggesting that Borough officials are “opening the door” to development. These statements are simply not true.
In fact, many of the individuals and allies behind these accusations have supported the very property owners and developers now challenging the Borough’s housing plan.
These attacks attempt to confuse voters and disguise the Borough’s clear record of responsible, transparent governance.
False claims about properties such as La Serra Farms and the Armitage property are especially damaging—they ignore legal facts and misrepresent the Borough’s role.
What’s Really Happening
La Serra Farms: The property owner sought to remove a deed restriction that prohibits subdivision. The Borough refused. The owner then filed a challenge to North Caldwell’s affordable housing plan to pressure the town. The Borough’s attorneys are defending the plan, and we hope that the challenge will be dismissed.
Armitage Property: This privately owned parcel has long been zoned for limited residential use. The Borough cannot prevent a private sale, and is working to ensure that any future development complies strictly with zoning laws and has minimal neighborhood impact.
In both cases, Borough leaders have stood firm—resisting pressure from developers and their allies to relax restrictions or expand development.
Why It Matters
Misinformation undermines trust and divides our community. When political candidates spread falsehoods about development, they:
Alarm residents unnecessarily about projects that are not approved or even under the Borough's control.
Waste taxpayer resources as officials must respond to false claims instead of focusing on real priorities like public safety and infrastructure.
Undermine confidence in the careful, transparent planning processes that protect North Caldwell’s small-town character.
The Bottom Line
North Caldwell’s leadership has protected our neighborhoods from overdevelopment while fulfilling all legal obligations for affordable housing.The facts are clear:
✅ The Borough’s affordable housing plan has been upheld in court.
✅ Leaders have defended deed restrictions and denied inappropriate development requests.
✅ Opponents’ allies—not the Borough—are the ones who have pushed for new development through legal challenges.
Don’t be misled by political spin. North Caldwell’s leaders are standing up for residents—and for the future of our community.