South Orange Planning Board

The Board voted in the affirmative but also raised alarms about usage in putting conditions on the approval. ‘This building Is geared for growth,” said Board member Michael Miller.

“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.

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.”

“This is not about whether or not JESPY House is a good organization…If it were, I’m sure this meeting wouldn’t last five minutes. We’d all say ‘yes’ and go home because JESPY is an important part of this community. But the planning board also has a role in this community.”

More testimony on the 4-story, 80,000 sf development is coming at the May 6 South Orange Planning Board meeting.

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

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

The proposed new JESPY Center & The Hub would provide housing for 66 adults with developmental disabilities — but entail demolition of 4 properties in an historic district.

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