A prominent issue was the completeness hearing for Ridge Oak Management, Inc.’s proposed development of a 29-unit senior apartment building on Manchester Drive. The application faced scrutiny due to missing “will serve” letters from utility providers, crucial for verifying the availability of water and sewer services. Without these letters, the board was reluctant to grant preliminary approval, as the feasibility of the project depended on confirmed utility capacities. This requirement aligns with established New Jersey legal precedents mandating proof of feasibility for essential development elements.

The representatives for Ridge Oak Management, including legal counsel and engineering experts, acknowledged the need for these documents. They assured the board that updated letters would be forthcoming. Bonnie Kelly, representing Ridge Oak, noted that prior letters from the Bernard’s Township Sewage Authority and New Jersey American Water were part of an earlier federal funding process and required updates to reflect current conditions. These letters, dated January 4 and January 2, 2023, respectively, were insufficient for the current application, prompting the board to delay a decision until updated documents were provided.

Further complicating the application were additional waiver requests, particularly concerning storm sewer plans. The applicant sought to defer submitting final plans and profiles until the project’s completion, proposing to deliver as-built plans instead. This request sparked debate among board members, who generally preferred receiving such plans before final approval. The board ultimately decided to grant waivers for other items but insisted on receiving the updated “will serve” letters before deeming the application complete. Consequently, hearing dates were scheduled for April 7 and potentially May 5, contingent on receiving the necessary documentation.

The meeting also covered an ordinance referral related to affordable housing regulations. The proposed ordinance, number 2593, sought to amend the township’s land development code by incorporating sections from the New Jersey Administrative Code. This move aimed to align the township’s regulations with state requirements for affordable housing. A board planner presented a memo outlining the ordinance’s consistency with the township’s master plan, emphasizing that this approach differs from the more drastic measures taken by other municipalities, such as repealing and replacing their entire affordable housing regulations.

The board’s discussion included a review of a recent Supreme Court ruling affecting affordable housing, although it was clarified that the ordinance under consideration was not part of ongoing litigation. The township’s stance on compliance with affordable housing regulations was highlighted as a measure to avoid the legal challenges faced by other municipalities. Ultimately, the ordinance was approved as consistent with the master plan, receiving unanimous consent.

In addition to these key agenda items, the board appointed a new board planner, Allison Fehee, whose appointment was unanimously approved. A new adequate notice policy resolution was also adopted, mandating that future meeting notices be posted online.

New members were also encouraged to complete mandatory training, including stormwater management training, as part of their responsibilities. The meeting concluded with an announcement that the next scheduled session would occur on April 7, as the March 17 meeting was canceled due to a lack of agenda items.