An ordinance that would limit the construction of two-family homes to certain zones in Tenafly is still in the making.
For a year, a number of issues, including incorrect drawings on a map have prevented lawmakers from adopting the ordinance.
At last week’s Planning Board meeting, a new map was given to members — a map that should include all houses that were previously left off, including those on Tenafly Road.
Councilwoman Carol Hoernlein said she didn’t think any of the council members had a problem having a two-family zone, should there be a voting in the near future.
"Assuming the map is correct," she said. "It may pass."
Planning Board Chairman James Sellinger said that this has been an ongoing process for over a year because of the desire to properly address the issues in question.
"We just wanted to make sure that it’s right now," he said. "There were concerns expressed and we believe it’s right and we want to move forward."
Mayor Peter Rustin said that at one point in time, two-family homes were located on only two streets in Tenafly. He said residents have complained because they feel that having two-family homes in single-family areas changes the character of the neighborhood.
Sellinger said that the ordinance specifically deals with the new construction of two-family homes.
If passed, the ordinance would only allow homes to be built in areas where they currently exist and help to eliminate the spread of two-family homes in the borough that are considered predominantly family in nature – areas with one-family homes.
Existing two-family homes will be protected should the ordinance pass.
