FORTY UNITS IN A FLOOD ZONE:
The Unanswered Questions Behind North Arlington’s Senior Housing Scheme!
A $2.16 Million Public Asset, a Proposed Tax Break and a Floodplain: Pronti Owes Residents Answers, Not More Renderings!
NORTH ARLINGTON – Another election, and Pronti promises senior housing in a flood zone?
That’s right, a flood zone!
Pronti refuses to tell residents what this grand scheme actually costs, and those questions need to be answered now!
Will forty senior units change anything in a community that has nearly 3,000 seniors?
Of course not.
Once again, another artist rendering is taken off the proverbial shelf as he lies to seniors while offering no details about the proposal because it is that bad!
So, who gains or wins other than Pronti satisfying his massive ego and creating a politically charged project for one of his biggest political donors?
Here are the Ten Questions Pronti is not answering, and the local media just prints whatever Pronti presents as the truth with no follow-up or inquiry:
1. What will the project actually cost?
What is the total projected construction cost for the approximately 40-unit senior and veterans housing development at 200 River Road, and when will the public see a detailed, independently reviewed budget?
2. Who is paying for it?
FS Consulting LLC has been identified as the redeveloper. Will the company finance the entire project, or will federal, state, county or local grants, tax credits, public loans or other subsidies be involved?
What financial cost will North Arlington taxpayers assume?
3. What is the borough getting in return for its land?
The municipal property has been assessed at approximately $2.165 million and reportedly generates no current property tax revenue. Is the borough selling, leasing or contributing to the land, and what independent appraisal supports the proposed arrangement?
Where are the details?
4. Will the project receive a tax break?
Has a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement (PILOT) been proposed?
If so, why would the borough accept an estimated $30,000–$35,000 annually instead of conventional property taxes, and how much revenue could the municipality and school district forgo over the life of the agreement?
5. Why was FS Consulting selected and who is Matt Gilson?
The political relationship between attorney Matt Gilson and North Arlington Mayor Dan Pronti appears to be a combination of political alliance, campaign contributions, and overlapping interests in municipal redevelopment. The public record also documents a professional relationship connected to North Arlington’s proposed senior housing project.
The key distinction is that their political and professional connections are documented.
Gilson, writing for the conservative New Jersey political website Save Jersey, interviewed Pronti during his early years in North Arlington politics. Gilson explicitly disclosed his favorable view of Pronti, calling him one of his favorite candidates in that election cycle. The article promoted Pronti and his Republican running mates. Gilson also wrote about North Arlington Republicans consolidating control of the borough government in 2015–2016, presenting their electoral success favorably.
Gilson has contributed approximately $3,000 to North Arlington Republican campaigns.
Gilson is a longtime Pronti ally and Republican activist.
Most importantly, was this project publicly advertised through a request for proposals, or were developers selected through another process? How many other firms presented proposals, what criteria were used, and who made the final decision?
Dan Pronti!
6. What are the flood risks?
Parts of the 200 River Road site lie within FEMA’s AE 100-year floodplain.
What flood-mitigation measures, elevation requirements, drainage improvements and emergency-access provisions will be required, and who will pay for them?
7. What approvals remain outstanding?
What Planning Board approvals, NJDEP permits, zoning variances or waivers are still required? Will residents have access to the final plans, environmental assessments, and redevelopment agreement before the project receives final approval?
8. Who will qualify to live there?
Will the apartments be reserved for seniors, veterans, or both?
What income limits, age requirements, residency preferences and application procedures will apply? How will waiting lists be managed, and will North Arlington residents receive any preference?
9. What are the developer’s financial interests and obligations?
Who owns and controls FS Consulting LLC, what is its track record on comparable projects, and what financial guarantees, performance bonds or penalties will protect the borough if construction stalls, costs escalate, or the project is not completed?
10. Why has the public not seen the complete financial picture?
Mayor Dan Pronti previously described senior housing as a longstanding priority and expressed enthusiasm for the proposal. Will the mayor and Borough Council publicly disclose the complete financial terms, developer-selection records, anticipated subsidies, tax arrangements and any relevant financial disclosures before committing municipal property or resources?
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS FOR NEARLY A DECADE! 
Mayoral hopeful John Balwierczak has already spoken to area residents who oppose the proposal as there has been no outreach to homeowners about the specifics or project’s timeline for construction!
“As usual, Pronti keeps NA in the dark with no details in terms of cost or benefit for the community. What problem is being solved? The VFW apparently lost its charter, and Pronti did nothing to help. This lie has been told time and time again and once again; Pronti refuses to disclose the facts. I’m hitting the doors and what people are really concerned about is high property taxes and massive overdevelopment. Seniors demand property tax relief, not some decade old campaign promise that solves nothing at all,” offered the 37-year-old mayoral candidate Pronti refuses to debate or acknowledge.
Meet the next Mayor! 
John Balwierczak: Keeping North Arlington small, safe, suburban and affordable.
Dennis Papile & Jim Sever for Borough Council.
Call the candidate at (201) 655-8497 or e-mail at [email protected]