The township’s affordable housing obligations dominated much of the council’s attention. The township attorney, participating remotely, outlined the procedure for complying with state housing laws. Chatham Township had adopted an affordable housing obligation of 141 units, which deviated from the Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) suggestion of 156 units. The discrepancy arose because the DCA’s calculations included undevelopable land. The township had filed a declaratory judgment action with the Superior Court in Morris County to confirm its adopted number. However, this decision faced a challenge from the Builders Association of New Jersey, which contested municipalities that deviated from the DCA’s recommended figures.

The attorney explained that the township planner had reviewed the DCA’s data and found inaccuracies, leading to the adoption of the lower obligation. She stated, “When we reviewed the data that DCA used, they included several parcels of land that were either already developed or undevelopable.” A mediation session with the Builders Association had recently occurred, and the township awaited its outcome. Despite the legal challenge, the attorney expressed confidence in the township’s adopted number and planning process, noting that their calculations were legally compliant.

The township must adhere to a strict timeline to meet its housing obligations. The planning board is expected to adopt the housing element and fair share plan in May, with the township committee endorsing it by June. A public workshop is scheduled for late May to present the draft plan to residents. The council aims to complete the process by June 30 to avoid builder remedy lawsuits. The attorney clarified that the 141 units represent an unmet need over a ten-year period, with the realistic development potential being lower, possibly in single digits. The township is exploring options such as potential overlay zoning to manage its obligations.

Infrastructure projects also featured prominently in the meeting. Discussions included a Safe Routes to Schools grant and a change order for the engineering firm overseeing it. The engineer explained delays in the project, primarily due to contractors’ failure to submit necessary federal forms. The council is poised to award a contract to a compliant bidder once legal reviews are completed, pending approval by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The project will extend from the Colony Pool area to Lafayette and from Lafayette to Shanghai Road.

The council also addressed plans for road resurfacing and the Colony Pool wall rehabilitation project. The engineer highlighted the need to finalize plans for the 2025 resurfacing schedule, emphasizing the importance of timing due to contractor availability. A resolution to authorize bidding for the Hillside Avenue project, funded by a municipal aid grant, was discussed, with optimism about attracting smaller contractors to the straightforward project.

The township’s recent acquisition of the Sensky property, adjacent to Nash Field, opened discussions about potential developments. This 18-acre tract is considered for passive recreational activities, given environmental constraints such as wetlands and riparian zones. The council emphasized the need for community input in planning the property’s future use. However, environmental regulations complicate any plans for active recreational developments, necessitating careful consideration.

Public safety and departmental organization were also discussed, with the police chief presenting legislative items related to Automatic License Plate Recognition cameras and proposed changes to the police department’s staffing structure. A state grant funded additional cameras, with two already installed. The chief outlined a reorganization plan to enhance management and address increasing workloads, proposing an additional sergeant to oversee tech zero and traffic operations.

Concerns were raised about meeting dynamics and the opportunity for committee members to introduce new business. A member suggested creating a dedicated period for discussing new ideas during workshop meetings, emphasizing the need for open communication. The idea was countered by the importance of maintaining transparency through pre-published agendas, allowing the community to engage meaningfully in discussions.