IS THERE MASSIVE OVERDEVELOPMENT IN NA AND WHO IS TO BLAME?
Yes — many North Arlington residents are raising alarms about what they describe as widespread overdevelopment, particularly along Ridge Road, Schuyler Avenue, River Road, and the Belleville Turnpike. 
🔍 What’s happening?
New apartment buildings are going up rapidly, crowding formerly low‑density streets. This surge has residents struggling to find street parking, with some forced to park several blocks away.
The increased density means more traffic congestion and pressure on services — all while property taxes continue to rise, adding to homeowner frustration.
🏛️ Who’s responsible?
1. The all-Republican Mayor & Borough Council:
The incumbent GOP Mayor Daniel Pronti, joined by every council member are under fire for approving a stream of apartment projects without adequate input from residents or infrastructure planning
Local Democratic challengers (Balwierczak & Sever) accuse the Borough Council of “rubber‑stamping” projects and failing to address parking or traffic issues.
2. Planning Board:
Operating under the borough council’s priorities, the Republican appointed Planning Board is said to be fast‑tracking higher‑density developments — thus “urbanizing” the borough and disregarding its long-standing suburban character.
3. Developers:
Private developers are capitalizing on zoning that favors multi‑family construction, leading to the rapid proliferation of new apartments that exceed the community’s parking and infrastructure capacity.
⚠️ Resident concerns:
Parking woes: A shortage of resident street parking has become a daily issue, disproportionately affecting homeowners.
Traffic headaches: Increased congestion is cited as a direct result of higher density.
Higher taxes, limited benefit: Despite densification, many feel their property taxes are rising without corresponding improvements in services.
💡 Is there environmental concern?
While no major public debate over flood risk specifically in North Arlington is noted, experts warn that overdevelopment on floodplains across Bergen County can increase flooding risks. Given the borough’s proximity to waterways (like the Passaic), this is something residents and planners may want to monitor closely.
🎯 Summary: Who’s to blame?
Local elected leadership (Mayor & Council): Driving aggressive redevelopment agendas.
Planning Board: Approving construction projects with minimal changes.
Developers: Building dense multifamily units without the sufficient infrastructure planning.
The current local government — Mayor Pronti, Council members, and the Planning Board — are viewed by many residents and Democratic candidates Balwierzcak and Sever as chiefly responsible. They have significantly enabled overdevelopment and have been criticized for not balancing growth with community needs.
🛠️ What residents are saying
Demanding solutions: The Balwierczak & Sever campaign calls on permit parking, traffic studies, and halting new builds until proper planning is in place.
Calling for moratoriums: Many are urging a pause on apartment projects until parking, taxes, and school impacts are addressed.
✅ The Bottom Line:
Overdevelopment in North Arlington is real and multifaceted, stretching from parking and traffic problems to higher taxes. The root causes lie in zoning decisions, political priorities, and developer activity, with the Mayor & Council and the Planning Board primarily held accountable. Residents are pushing for greater balance — smarter growth that respects community capacity and character. Until is done, this unbridled will affect current school enrollments and thus increase school taxes!