Bergen County Real Estate News: September 2009 – Week 1

Bergen county news with an emphasis on aspects affecting real estate, residency and community issues.

September 2009 – week 1 Issue

Bergen County: Home to Many Changes
What’s Happening in Alpine
Tenants and Foreclosures
Construction work in Bergenfield
Recent Construction May Need to be Examined

Bergen County: Home to Many Changes

Long-time residents of Bergen County towns – those living in the region for a few decades or more – note that the county has evolved considerably over time. In the past, the area offered few restaurants, and residents had to drive miles to find their favorite foods. Now, hardly anything is unavailable at nearby malls. Moreover, the population mix has changed drastically. Initially, the region’s residents were predominantly Americans of European descent. Now, however, thriving Hispanic and Asian communities account for between a quarter and a third of the population in Bergen County. The reasons for the shift in population to Bergen County’s towns have been varied. Many opted for luxury Bergen County homes as they wanted quiet neighborhoods, not far away from work. Some came for the open space, fresh air and also the excellent educational facilities. This county provides a range in luxury homes that, coupled with a good transportation infrastructure, makes it ideal for many home buyers. Veteran residents note that the county’s evolution has made it a better place to live. More than simply accommodating people to new surroundings, the county community has done its best to accommodate people with a wide range of tastes and religious backgrounds.

What’s Happening in Alpine

Residents of Alpine can look forward to an exciting week filled with a range of events, both for the young and old. Scottish country dancing at the Alpine boat basin is one such event. Scheduled for the second week of September, this event will feature a dance in the pavilion by members of the New Jersey branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. The event will take place rain or shine, as dancers will get together for a picnic, dancing and fun. All those who are interested in participating are invited do so. Partners are not needed and beginners are also welcome. More details on the venue and timing is available by contacting Deborah Leary at 201-768-1812. Sport enthusiasts can also participate in the Englewood Classic golf and tennis tournament sponsored by the Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. This event will take place on 13 September 2009 at the Montammy Golf and Tennis Club in Alpine. The event will commence with a shotgun start and will also include a cocktail dinner. For more details, please contact the hospital or the tennis club.

Tenants and Foreclosures

As foreclosures continue to influence many homes across Bergen County and neighboring regions, officials are providing relevant information to help owners and tenants living in affected properties understand their rights and obligations under such circumstances. For example, in the town of Fort Lee, tenants have been forcefully evacuated from foreclosed properties. In some cases, tenants were even offered “cash for keys” – given some amount of money in exchange for moving out. While they were told that they were free to leave, they were not informed that they were also free to stay. Officials and real estate experts noted that in certain areas, agents and attorneys have also encouraged tenants to move out as the building was foreclosed. Per the New Jersey Public Advocate, under New Jersey state law, most tenants have the right to live in their rented homes during the foreclosure process and after it. The law also states that real estate agents and attorneys participating in illegal and unethical activities are subject to disciplinary action. The NJ Public Advocate at the Office of Citizen Relations (at 609-826-5070) can provide more information on tenants’ rights under similar circumstances.

Construction work in Bergenfield

Residents of Bergenfield are soon to face a temporary inconvenience, as the bridge on New Bridge Road will be closed for four months during repair work. Starting 15 October 2009, motorists will have to look for alternative routes. While the stretch between Windsor Road and Woodbine Street will be closed for vehicles, pedestrians will be provided access through a footbridge erected at the location. Officials also add that local businesses operating in the region will not be affected, as motorists can drive around the construction area to reach their stores and offices. Motorists must, however, keep in mind that this construction work will affect not only users of New Bridge Road, but also users of S Washington Avenue, Woodbine Street and Windsor Road, where much of the traffic will get diverted. Other routes expected to experience more traffic include W Clinton Avenue and S Prospect Avenue. The construction and repair work will address issues related to the addition of an eastbound lane from Windsor Road up to the entrance of Pathmark.

Recent Construction May Need to be Examined

In recent developments, the state of New Jersey is asking all its municipalities to check whether their recent construction projects have made use of proper materials. This developed after two concrete testing companies, Testwell Laboratories and Stallone Testing Laboratories, were accused of falsifying results and not performing certain tests at all. Accused of fraud and racketeering, these companies will now have to answer charges in a New York court. The construction retests have currently been extended only to very large buildings on which testing was ostensibly performed in 2006, with results expected in November. The Xanadu complex in Meadowlands is one such company where testing was done by the accused laboratories. Officials state that additional testing was done once the companies came under suspicion. Other large buildings of this kind include the Prudential Center in Newark and the Red Bull Arena of Harrison, both of which have not done business with these laboratories. The Department of Transportation also reassured New Jersey citizens that, as the DOT does its own testing, it has also not dealt with the accused for any of its projects.

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