Newly opened, The Marq Teaneck accepts leases, affordable housing applications.

Marsha A. Stoltz | NorthJersey.com
March 13, 2025

TEANECK — A ribbon cutting ceremony has formalized the opening of the controversial 256-unit, six-story The Marq Teaneck apartment complex.

The project at 329 Alfred Ave. has become a symbol for pro- and anti-development factions in the township during the last election and hearings over changes to its master plan.

The first phase of the project includes 38 affordable units and offers studios, one- and two-bedroom units with top-floor loft residences with 19-foot tall ceilings just off Route 4 west.

Malas Development estimates nearly 100 leases have already been signed and residents are moving in. Affordable units are being reserved for a housing lottery process underway.

Rendering of The Marq 250-unit apartment complex includes 38 affordable units, on Alfred Avenue in Teaneck. It was built on a commercial property vacant since 2002 and designated an area in need of redevelopment.

A second-phase, 248-unit building with 37 affordable units is “set to rise adjacent to the initial offering” at 359 Alfred Ave. with construction to begin in early May, according to Malas Development Managing Member Mark Malas.

“This is an exciting moment as we celebrate the successful opening of The Marq Teaneck,” said Malas. “We are grateful to Mayor Mark Schwartz and township officials for their support in bringing this project to life. This signature residential community is quickly attracting renters seeking sophisticated homes, exceptional amenities and an ultra-convenient location.”

Schwartz, who was present for the ribbon cutting, said “the realization of this property is a testament to Malas Development and I thank them for their dedication.”

Alfred Avenue location vacant since 2002

The site was designated an “Area in Need of Redevelopment” with a commercial building vacant since 2002 and approved for construction by the Township Planning Board and Council after nine hearings.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for 256-unit The Marq apartment complex on Alfred Avenue in Teaneck included Ronnie Haboush of Haboush Investments, Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz and Malas Development managing members Mark Malas and Zach Malas.

Residents opposed to development continued to bring up the building as an example of what they don’t want during master plan hearings last summer.

“You have created a nightmare,” Margaret Baker of Decatur Avenue testified during a master plan hearing in August. “I have to have the lights on all day, I get no sunlight. One hundred cars coming out onto Decatur are going to be a living hell.”

However, Schwartz and council incumbents Karen Orgen and Michael Pagan were elected to new terms in November despite challenges from anti-development candidates. Schwartz made no secret of where he stood on construction, calling himself a “get stuff done person” during his acceptance speech after being elected mayor by fellow council members and sworn in during the reorganization meeting in January.

Single-family residents west of The Marq on Decatur Avenue have claimed the Alfred Avenue apartment complex blocks their sunlight and generates too much traffic.

“Building is not a four-letter word,” Schwartz said. “The council was able to pass eight years of zero tax increases because we built. Unfortunately, times have changed over the last few years since COVID, and we need to get back to the business of building.”

At Tuesday’s Township Council meeting, ordinances were approved to allow for a six-story self-storage building at 100 State St. and a seven-story 67-unit apartment building with 11 affordable units, underground parking and first-floor retail at 140 State St.