Development

“I think we’ve both tightened up and clarified the old ordinance and made sure that there’s a full opportunity for property owners to be heard,” said Historic Preservation Commission Counsel Bill Sullivan.

“This is regarding The Peaks proposal by Mr. Nagim, who unfortunately passed, and a developer is interested in proceeding forward with this project,” said South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum.

Meanwhile, South Orange recently received another $1.3M to help complete the River Greenway from Third St to Waterlands Park to Chyzowych Field — where the path will connect with the new W. Parker-to-Jefferson section in Maplewood.

“New Jersey needs a pro-housing administration because we are in an affordability crisis. One third of our residents spend at least 30% of their income on housing and one in five spend at least half of their income on rent or home ownership costs.”

Meanwhile, qualifying families can apply for two new low-income units by August 31.

“It would really be great if the professionals spoke offline about these things before the meeting so that we don’t have these conversations in real time.” — South Orange Planning Board Chair Harold Colton-Max.

Testimony was still not completed following a special South Orange Planning Board meeting on August 14.

“This is a significant step towards ensuring that our community remains inclusive and supportive of residents from all different economic backgrounds.” — Kelly Freeman, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Sierra House

UPDATE: The June 27 Special Planning Board meeting for the JESPY Center site plan has been canceled and will be rescheduled.

Village Green contacted JESPY House to ask about the potential purchase of 66 Prospect Street and an amended plan for JESPY Center; a spokesperson responded, “we’re not issuing any public statement on that right now.”