The meeting’s focal point was the board’s unanimous approval of amendments to the Cranbury Township Master Plan, specifically addressing the historic preservation element. These amendments aimed to codify extensive prior discussions and will be forwarded to the township committee for further action. This approval marks a culmination of months of work.

In contrast, the application PB 407-25 from BAF Properties LLC for a minor subdivision with a bulk variance sparked considerable debate. The proposal involved subdividing a property on Ryan Road into two lots, requiring a variance for a rear yard setback. The proposed subdivision would create a vacant lot and retain an existing dwelling, with the new configuration necessitating a variance due to a setback of 21.7 feet, falling short of the 40-foot requirement. The application’s intricacies, including stormwater management and traffic considerations, were scrutinized, particularly concerning the potential impact on drainage to adjacent properties.

Peter Strong, a licensed engineer representing the applicant, presented plans, including drywells to manage runoff and a driveway design intended to minimize traffic disruption. Despite assurances about compliance with local regulations, the board expressed concerns over the project’s compatibility with the neighborhood’s scale and aesthetic. The proposed house’s design, characterized as oversized compared to surrounding homes, was criticized for its incongruous roofline and potential drainage issues, prompting calls for redesign considerations.

Additional skepticism emerged over the necessity of the proposed variances. Board members questioned the lot’s configuration and the decision to avoid creating two lots fronting on Ryan Road, which resulted in the rear yard variance. Concerns about the new driveway’s proximity to an existing one used by residents and the BP gas station were also raised, highlighting potential traffic conflicts and safety risks.

The discussion further delved into the implications of affordable housing ordinances and historic property designations. The board reviewed two proposed ordinances aimed at rezoning properties for affordable housing development. The first ordinance involved rezoning a parcel on South River Road for up to 130 affordable housing units, while the second proposed rezoning 1274 South River Road for 60 units, including senior rentals and special needs housing. The board confirmed these ordinances’ consistency with the master plan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a cohesive planning framework.

Concerns about the disparity between affordable housing and historic designations were also highlighted, with discussions about the potential removal of historic status if the affordable housing projects did not proceed. The board considered the implications of such developments on the township’s historical landscape, noting that many farmhouses in the industrial zone had already been demolished.

Moreover, the board addressed logistical aspects of upcoming township committee meetings. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss litigation concerning affordable housing.