What options for downsizing are available within the Bergen County area?

There are quite a few! One option is Fort Lee, which is minutes from the George Washington Bridge and Manhattan, and a short ride on Route 4 East from Bergenfield and Teaneck. Co-op apartments, such as those in the Century Tower and the Colony, offer smaller homes within walking distance of the Young Israel shul on Parker Avenue. The Fort Lee community is also home to a Sephardic Orthodox congregation on Center Avenue, which is near Main Street and the business district. The Abbott Street Chabad House near Palisades Avenue at the southern end of Fort Lee is another option.

The co-op buildings of the Century Tower, located on Parker Avenue and The Colony located on Palisade Avenue are two popular choices. A new rental building, The Modern, located on Park Avenue, is another option. Bergenfield and Teaneck area restaurants also offer home delivery service.

What are the amenities of the Century Tower, 1600 Parker Avenue?

Built in 1980, the 238-unit, 30-story building offers extraordinary round-the-clock security, including a doorman, garage attendant and full concierge services available 24/7. Common areas such as the lobby, elevators, garage, fitness center and social center are continuously monitored via closed circuit TV. The building also has a 24-hour security, compactor, doorman, elevator, exercise room, on-site management, children’s play area, outdoor pool, recycling valet. Century Tower is the ideal residence for the 21st century living.

What are the amenities of The Colony, 1530 Palisade Avenue?

The Colony is a modern, luxury apartment building with numerous amenities including doorman, indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, laundry facilities, newer screening room, 24-hour security, common area, community room, compactor, elevator, exercise room, health club, full-time handyman, on site management, private outdoor playground, 24-hour superintendent and valet parking.

What are the amenities of The Modern, 800 Park Avenue?

Brand new rental hi-riser, offers residential lounges, internet café, catering kitchen and dining area, indoor children’s play area, spa lounge with sauna room, lockers and showers, gym, weight room, yoga-pilates studio, computer game room, golf simulation facility, screening room. In addition an Outdoor play area, BBQ grill stations with community and private dining area, movie screen, great lawn, fire pit, outdoor sports court, 81 foot long infinity pool. The Modern of Fort Lee located at 800 Park Avenue, is a rental building. Therefore an applicant must go to their Leasing Office located within the building.

What is the application protocol for the Century Tower, located at 1600 Parker Avenue, and The Colony, located at 1530 Palisade Avenue?

The application process may vary from one co-op building to another. The Century Tower, application process involves a $500 fee. The application and processing fee, which is submitted to the Managing Agent, is reviewed by the Committee. Upon completion of the financial review, which should take approximately one week, the applicant will be called for an interview with all of the potential occupants required at the interview. The board will then act on their recommendations in a timely manner. There is a charge of $90 for a parking space.

The Colony requires completed applications to be submitted to the management office by the 10th of the month in order to be considered for the next board meeting. There is a $500, application and processing fee which is submitted with the completed application to the management office. However, if there is any incomplete or lack of required supporting documentation, and not submitted in an orderly fashion, the application will not be reviewed and an additional $150 will be charged. The Admissions Committee meets once a month. The results of the interview and the recommendations of the Admissions Committee are made at the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. In general, applications take (4) weeks to process, or a total of close to two (2) months from submitting application until final approval. There is a charge of $110, for a parking space. Prospective buyers should be aware of all the requirements of the different co-op buildings located within the community of Fort Lee.

By Susan Lowensteiner-Magot, Sales Associate, Vera & Nechama Realty Group LLC

Susan Lowensteiner-Magot, of Vera-Nechama Realty Group, has experience in helping clients buy and sell houses within the Bergenfield, Teaneck, and New Milford areas, as well as co-ops and condos in Fort Lee. In addition, her expertise extends to guiding and assisting her clients through every phase of the challenging process of downsizing as they change their living space from larger to smaller.