The primary focus of the meeting was the application by Cranbury Senior Housing Apartments LLC to develop 60 affordable housing units for seniors on a two-acre site. The project includes the demolition of existing vacant structures to make way for the new development. These units are income-restricted, with a mix of standard senior units and special needs accommodations. The approval was granted with conditions, including collaboration with the affordable housing committee to refine the landscaping and architectural elements of the development.

A point of contention during the meeting was the proposed demolition of the Roger G. Ishim House, a historic building dating back to 1853. The Cranbury Historic Preservation Commission strongly advocated for the preservation of the house, highlighting its historical and architectural significance. The commission’s chair emphasized that the house’s demolition to accommodate a parking lot was unacceptable and proposed alternative designs that could integrate the historic structure into the new development. These suggestions included reconfiguring the building layout and using innovative stormwater management solutions to maintain the house’s integrity.

Traffic concerns associated with the project’s location were also discussed, particularly the impact on existing traffic patterns near a busy intersection. Observations revealed that drivers often exit a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts without properly transitioning into the northbound lane, raising safety concerns. The board considered recommending improvements to local traffic flow and safety measures to the county. Additionally, the board debated the placement and number of electric vehicle (EV) parking spaces, weighing the practical needs of the senior residents against compliance with state regulations.

The board reviewed various engineering aspects of the project, including the stormwater management system, which aims to direct runoff towards a feature at the rear of the property while preserving existing drainage patterns. The design includes a proposed increase in impervious coverage, exceeding ordinance limits, which necessitated a variance. The developers justified this increase as necessary to meet the unit requirements and regulatory standards for funding eligibility.

During the board’s deliberation, several conditions were placed on the approval, such as reducing the number of parking spaces to allow for more landscaping, improving site aesthetics, and addressing stormwater management concerns to prevent adverse effects on neighboring properties. The board also emphasized the importance of enhancing the building’s facade, particularly the southwest side facing the road, to create a more welcoming community environment.