A question for the Mayor and Council.
What exactly defines a single family dwelling?
Obviously a single family contains some variations of dad, mom, children. Sometimes a grandparent or two. Maybe an aunt? Cousin?
The Legal Information Institute at Cornell University defines it as:
The term single-family dwelling means a structure designed for residential use by one family, or a unit so designed, whose owner owns, directly or through a non-profit cooperative housing organization, an undivided interest in the underling real estate, including property owned in common with others which contributes to the use and enjoyment of the structure or unit.
A slightly more helpful, and detailed definition is offered by Realtor.com and it includes no common walls (detached), single utilities, one owner, one kitchen.
All quite clear and logical.
Except it might not be.
If you closely follow the local reporting in surrounding communities and counties you will discover that the issue of occupation of properties by people is a seriously hot topic.
Spring Valley, just over in Rockland county is fighting serious illegal overcrowding in multi-family homes. Where basements and closets are rented and filled. But these are they multi-family, not single family homes.
However, further afield in other communities stores of single family homes being stretched beyond their original purpose keep creeping out. Generations of families living in one house, basements not permitted for occupation – yet being used just for that – and other stories. Where inspectors continually are unable to gain access to assess the safety and legality, and the situations are ongoing and continue and languish for months, unresolved. And where the population swells beyond recognition.
Why might this be a concern for Upper Saddle River?
Upper Saddle River is going through an enormous change. Considerably bigger than both the arrival of the developments at Metowee Farms and The Commons. There are homes for sale in town, existing homes, the new Toll Brothers development, the up and coming affordable housing, and more. Many new residents, and a potential change in the face of the town and its population. As neighboring communities struggle with their population issues, schooling, busing, and change at a alarming speed the question is how will it be for Upper Saddle River? A sudden influx of people will impact water demand, septic, sewers. In 10 years time will it still be the same tranquil suburban town. Or something else?
The present mayor and council are not known for their anticipation and foresight. This has been an administration that has done a lot of cleaning things up after the event in the last few years. But change is happening and this is not an issue to be ignored.
What happens if a family moves in and there are 10 people in the family? or 15? If many of them are children? the elderly? Is the town prepared? Doubtful, but defining what constitutes a single family – who can legally occupy a single family home – might be a start. Considerations about exactly what comprises a single family? A nuclear family? Extended family? If extended, to how far along is acceptable? While these are ridiculous questions for ordinary people current evidence suggests there are many individuals who take advantage, push the boundaries, do what ordinary people think is the unthinkable. As Upper Saddle River appears to have no plan regarding the influx of new residents, particularly children, it might just be prudent to start focusing on the minutae of borough ordinances at the very least.
The clarifying, and tightening up, of borough ordinances to define some of these issues may border on illogical, or unethical, may be seen as unnecessary. However, given the stories circulating in surrounding communities an awareness and acknowledgement would go a long way, at the very least. There is a town, not so far away, that has changed beyond recognition, has become a nightmare for existing residents. Upper Saddle River does not want to share this fate.
Once again right on point!!
Thank you!
I always thought very wealthy counties in the NYC area like Bergen County would never have to deal with such issues especially Upper Saddle River. Maybe it does not apply anymore. In Monmouth County all efforts are being done to make sure 20-25% will remain open space forever. The rest, development is inevitable. Towns down here are making every effort to have strict zoning for future neighborhoods – single family homes on no less than 1/2 to 1 acre and open space. Greatful to my county!!!