The council tackled the complex issue of affordable housing by reviewing a substantial document that provides guidelines for compliance with affordable housing obligations. Discussion focused on ensuring ongoing and future projects meet specific requirements. One member emphasized the importance of managing these developments, particularly those under construction, to align with the township’s affordable housing strategy. Concerns were raised about who is responsible for ensuring compliance, especially for active projects like the Fillmore development. While the building department is expected to manage this, detailed answers were deferred for further investigation.

A notable portion of the meeting was dedicated to the idea of incorporating a veteran preference into the housing plan. Some council members expressed interest in pursuing this option, although they acknowledged the limitations of designating preferences solely for township residents. The council intends to seek amendments through the Department of Community Affairs if feasible.

The council also introduced an ordinance to amend zoning laws by establishing new AH1 and AH2 affordable housing districts. These changes aim to facilitate inclusionary townhouse development and adjust residential density in certain areas. A point of discussion was whether these units would be available for rent or purchase, an aspect currently left to the discretion of developers at the time of construction.

Furthermore, the council debated the replacement of existing development fee structures with new provisions under the affordable housing ordinance. The fees, previously established by the state, continue to be state-regulated. This ordinance aims to streamline the township’s approach to development fees in accordance with affordable housing requirements.

In other business, the council agreed to schedule additional budget meetings on the next four Mondays to ensure adequate time for financial planning. Members also confirmed the procedural necessity of public comment during meetings, even in emergency sessions. The meeting concluded with no public comments received.