Deed dispute threatens housing plan
Wayne mayor, university clash over decades-old restitution
By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WAYNE - a 44-year-old agreement between two property owners is stopping a township-sponsored housing development from moving forward, and officials said they may now need a judge to intervene.
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The two owners, union Cap Corporation and Urban Farms Incorporated entered the deal in January 1982. Although they are long gone, their agreement included a deed restriction that continues to run with the properties.
..... It states that Urban Farms or its successor an use the land at 1805 Valley Road only for "office purposes," unless permission is granted by Union Camp or its successor.
..... The 9.5-acre site is owned by the township, which partnered with RPM Development Group of Montclair to build a 113-unit housing complex, exclusively for low-income families. In May, [2026] the project received Planning Board approval.
..... But officials said the developer cannot proceed with constructions because William Paterson University - the Union Camp successor - will not extinguish the deed restriction.
..... Mayor Christopher Vergano blasted William Paterson at a meeting of the Township Council, saying the university is holding the deed restriction as leverage to gain local support for its own redevelopment proposal.
..... The university plans to see a 50-acre site at 1600 Valley Road to Toll Brothers Incorporated of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, for a 350-unit housing complex, including 70 low-income apartments. The property is used by the Christos M. Cotsakos College of Business and the college of Education.
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"William Paterson University is not a friend of Wayne Township," Vergano said at the council meeting. "It just insane that we have to file a lawsuit on property we already now because the college will not let go."
..... The council introduced an ordinance to allow the township administration to negotiate with the university or releasing the deed restriction. The measure, scheduled for a final vote on September 2, [2026] also permits officials to seize rights to the property through eminent domain.
..... "I know that it feels like we're having a bad dream together beaus it really doesn't make any sense," Vergano said. "In the 20-somehting yeas that I've been in government, this is the worst I've ever seen."
..... Richard Hellidobler, the president of William Paterson University, said in a statement that he was surprised to hear Vergano refer to the university as "not a friend."
..... "We've had a very positive working relationship in the past eight years I've served as president, including aorta deed restitutions of Vally Road," Helldobler said, adding that he delayed signing off on their release on tow occasions - both at Vergano's behest.
..... "It feels like you're only a friend of Wayne if you do what the mayor wants he wants it," he went on. "That 's not a friend. That's a bully, and neither i nor William Paterson will be bullied."
..... Helldobler said he supported the township-sponsored housing development, but he informed Vergano that the university must prioritize the sale of 1600 Valle Rad. He said he offered to meet with the mayor to discuss the issue. "He merely responded the first time with 'see you in court' and didn't respond to the second request," Helldobler said. "I, of course, remain open to a conversation."