24-story medical facility proposed in Hackensack
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
BY MONSY ALVARADO
NorthJersey.com
STAFF WRITER
HACKENSACK — The owner of two nursing homes in the city wants to build a 24-story acute-care facility on Prospect Avenue, and nearby residents are worried that it will bring additional traffic.
Bergen Passaic Long Term Acute Care Hospital LLC, whose president is Richard Pineles, is seeking site-plan approval for the project, which will have a ground floor of 7,250 square feet, city officials said.
The proposal also includes driveways and a parking garage. The property, occupied currently by a residential home at 329 Prospect Avenue, was bought by the company in 2007 for $1.33 million, according to deed records.
The area is zoned residential, and the neighborhood is mostly made up of multi-story residential buildings. Prospect Height Care Center, a 180-bed facility that is owned by Pineles, is close by.
Barbara Rubin, who lives across the street from the proposed site, said the area already has too much traffic and can't afford any more.
"This street has trees and the people just walk around, and it's just lovely,'' Rubin said.
"I don't understand how they think they can get away with this."
According to a notice sent to area neighbors, the developer is seeking several variances, including use, because the site is zoned for residential and multi-family dwellings.
Pineles, who is listed as president of Regent Care Center on Polifly Road as well, did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
Mellone said the application is scheduled to be heard tonight but that the Board of Adjustment will likely not get to it because of a busy agenda.
The board will meet at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 65 Central Ave.