Lawsuit alleges Rochelle Park officials stalled 160-unit housing project

Developers claim township abused authority to delay The Delford at Village Center project near Garden State Plaza.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

A new lawsuit alleges that officials in Rochelle Park, New Jersey abused their authority to stall the development of a 160-unit housing project called The Delford at Village Center, which was planned for a site near the Garden State Plaza shopping mall.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions between developers and local governments over housing projects, with developers often accusing officials of using bureaucratic tactics to block or delay new construction, while officials argue they are simply upholding zoning laws and protecting community interests.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Rochelle Park officials repeatedly delayed approvals and permits for The Delford at Village Center, a mixed-use development that was planned to include 160 residential units as well as commercial space. The developers claim the township acted in bad faith and exceeded its authority in order to prevent the project from moving forward.

  • The Delford at Village Center project was first proposed in 2023.

The players

Rochelle Park

A township in New Jersey where the proposed 160-unit housing development called The Delford at Village Center was planned.

The Delford at Village Center

A 160-unit mixed-use development that was planned for a site near the Garden State Plaza shopping mall in Rochelle Park, New Jersey.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The lawsuit is currently working its way through the courts, with the developers seeking to force the township to approve the necessary permits and allow the project to move forward.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between developers and local governments over housing projects, with both sides often accusing the other of acting in bad faith and exceeding their authority. The outcome could have implications for similar disputes across New Jersey and the country.