The meeting’s primary focus was the application by Allenell Rehabilitation and Healthcare to expand their facility with an 8,541 square foot addition. This proposal had been postponed multiple times, with the most recent hearing occurring in June 2025. The facility’s representatives highlighted the addition’s construction on the southern side of the existing building, encompassing skilled nursing and assisted living sections. The plan also involved a reduction in parking spaces from 170 to 154 to mitigate neighbor complaints about lighting glare. However, concerns about the facility’s operational impact on local emergency services dominated the discussion.

The chief of police addressed the board, expressing concerns about the high frequency of emergency calls originating from the facility, particularly from the memory care section. He explained that the facility is legally required to provide telephones in each room, complicating efforts to reduce unnecessary 911 calls. The chief suggested that education on emergency service usage could help, but acknowledged inherent challenges. Additionally, he raised issues with the facility’s access gate, which had malfunctioned for over 20 years. The proposed siren-operated gate system posed potential noise disturbances, leading to a suggestion for a key fob system for local responders.

Board members delved into discussions about the facility’s emergency call frequency and its impact on police resources, especially during overnight shifts when staffing is lower. The chief pointed out that the nature of calls often necessitates dispatching multiple officers, raising concerns about the facility’s effect on the borough’s overall emergency readiness. Communication improvements between the facility and the police department were deemed essential to address these challenges.

Further complicating matters, the facility plans to increase its bed capacity from 120 to 140, with specific expansions in private rooms and common spaces. This raised additional concerns about the potential rise in emergency calls, with estimates suggesting a monthly increase of approximately four calls based on current ratios. The facility’s representatives emphasized ongoing efforts to improve communication and operations, including the installation of a new radio frequency system to enhance emergency responder communication within the facility.

Community members voiced frustrations over the nursing home’s business practices and its impact on local emergency services. Complaints about early garbage pickup times and excessive lighting were highlighted as ongoing issues. Jim Briggs, a local resident, underscored the burden placed on the Allendale Volunteer Ambulance Corps due to operational cost shifts since the facility’s ownership change in 2021.

During public comments, another resident expressed gratitude to the facility’s new operations representative for addressing long-standing issues related to property overgrowth. However, they emphasized the necessity for the board to impose strict conditions on any application approval to protect community interests. Concerns about excessive lighting, parking spaces facing residential homes, and the need for additional screening vegetation were reiterated.

The board’s discussion on the application revealed differing opinions. While some members acknowledged improvements made by the facility, skepticism remained regarding the sustainability of these efforts and their focus on community resources. Ultimately, a motion was made to deny the application, with board members expressing concerns about community impact and future compliance. One member dissented, arguing that the facility had made progress and complied with board requests throughout the process.

Transitioning from the nursing facility discussion, the meeting addressed a separate application for a residential property renovation. The proposal involved variances for front and rear yard setbacks, as well as side yard setbacks. The applicant’s architect emphasized the property’s irregular shape and existing non-conforming conditions, arguing that the proposed modifications would enhance neighborhood aesthetics and align with community character. The board deliberated on the potential impacts of the renovations, including stormwater management and parking adequacy, before moving forward with the application.