Development

“For the past 25 years, the Township has met its affordable housing requirements because it was the right thing to do. It still is.”

“Do you think, on the site where the whole site is being excavated and we’re taking off 300 trucks worth of soil … that it’s an appropriate calculation to use the existing grade on this proposed site for the height?” — South Orange Zoning Official Greer Patras

Gov. Murphy signed the “most significant housing legislation in four decades” on March 20. Maplewood officials wish there had been more opportunity for municipal feedback.

Hodge said that the SID is requesting less money from the township for its annual budget and lowering the assessment rate for commercial properties — due to new buildings coming online.

Currently fewer than 10 properties in South Orange are designated and protected. Officials say they are looking to balance historic preservation with owners’ rights.

Priorities include limiting bulk in single family home renovations, balancing historic preservation with owner’s rights, pedestrian and bike safety & mobility, and fostering entrepreneurship in commercial districts.

“Following our ordinance, which is 20% inclusionary (and aggressive; most towns are at 15%), we will need to develop a total of 500 units over the next 10 years, along with the projects that are currently underway.” — Village President Sheena Collum

JESPY House plans to construct a 4-story building with offices, client service rooms & 6 apartments for adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.

Commissioners said they supported JESPY’s mission but hoped for adaptive re-use, or “better” design. Their recommendation is non-binding.

Avenue Pub, a 99-seat restaurant with a 20-seat bar at Springfield Avenue and Rutgers…