The first ordinance, 2026-06, proposes replacing the existing Affordable Housing Mixed-Use (AH-MU) zone with the AH Route 35 Affordable Housing Zone District. This change will permit up to 80 units of 100% affordable housing, reducing the density from a previously allowed 150 units. This modification is part of a recent settlement and mediation agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center. The township aims to comply with the state’s affordable housing requirements.

The second ordinance, 2026-07, involves amendments to the township’s administrative affordable housing regulations, reflecting updates from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency and the amended Fair Housing Act of 2024. These changes are primarily administrative, aimed at aligning the township’s regulations with state laws without altering existing policy frameworks.

The planning board’s role in this meeting was to determine whether these ordinances were consistent with the township’s master plan. The review was deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the Master Plan and Municipal Land Use Law, thereby supporting Holmdel’s housing element and fair share plan. The board found no inconsistencies, allowing the ordinances to proceed to a special meeting for a final vote by the township committee.