Mr. Kley clarified that these affordable units would be age-restricted, targeting the growing population of individuals aged 65 and older, as permitted under state legislation. This legislative adjustment allows municipalities to count up to 30% of their affordable housing obligations as age-restricted units. The Bridgewater project’s inclusion of these units is a direct response to previous board feedback that preferred the construction of affordable units on-site rather than a cash payment in lieu of development.

The discussion further explored how these 13 affordable units would contribute to Bridgewater’s broader housing obligations, which total approximately 441 units. While some board members sought clarification on the applicability of the 30% age-restricted provision, Mr. Kley confirmed that these units would indeed be counted toward the township’s obligations.

Attention then shifted to the project’s density and its comparison to other housing proposals within the township’s fourth-round housing settlement. The proposed density of just over five units per acre was presented as modest relative to other submissions, which featured densities exceeding ten units per acre. This density debate highlighted the complexities of aligning local development projects with state housing mandates while ensuring community compatibility.

Another focal point of the meeting was the project’s impact on stormwater management and environmental considerations. The developer assured that the stormwater system would be designed to manage runoff effectively, preventing any increase in water flow to adjacent properties. However, the removal of 407 trees for development purposes prompted further scrutiny, with plans to replant approximately 200 trees as part of the landscape strategy.

Traffic safety and emergency access were additional areas of concern, particularly given the project’s location near high-speed traffic on Route 2026. The board discussed the adequacy of emergency vehicle access, including the installation of an emergency access driveway and fire hydrants, to ensure safety compliance. There were also discussions about the project’s potential impact on existing traffic patterns and the feasibility of incorporating a left-turn lane to accommodate increased vehicle flow.

Public commentary underscored community apprehension about the development’s potential environmental impacts, with residents expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of proposed stormwater solutions and the adequacy of noise and light pollution management. The developer maintained that residential projects typically generate minimal noise and are compliant with state noise standards.

The meeting concluded with a decision to schedule a follow-up session for further discussion, emphasizing the importance of addressing community concerns regarding the project’s impact on local infrastructure and environment. The board expressed a commitment to review processes to ensure that the development aligns with both regulatory requirements and community expectations.