The most notable portion of the meeting centered on the adoption of a new housing plan aimed at meeting Flemington’s affordable housing obligations. The planning board reviewed the constitutional requirement for municipalities to plan for affordable housing, a duty underscored by the 1975 Mount Laurel decision. This plan is important for preventing builder’s remedy litigation, which can bypass local zoning laws if a municipality is found non-compliant. The board discussed the importance of maintaining control over local land use and zoning decisions, with over 400 municipalities participating in similar planning processes.

The board outlined Flemington’s obligations for both rehabilitation and new construction, emphasizing strategies to meet these needs without drastically altering zoning or creating new sites. The rehabilitation obligation, set at 75 units, can be met through existing programs like the Hunterdon County housing improvement initiative and by using existing units from the Herman Cap development. For new construction, prior rounds totaled 71 units, with 25 additional units required for the current period up to 2035. The board is focused on reallocating credits from existing projects, such as Anderson House and Herman Cap apartments, to fulfill these requirements.

The board’s strategy involves leveraging mixed-use developments, strategically located near commercial areas to minimize impact on residential neighborhoods. Special needs and veterans housing developments contribute to the town’s housing credits. The plan’s adoption and subsequent resolution will be reviewed and approved, with a two-month public objection period. Should no objections arise, the board anticipates receiving compliance certification, granting protection from litigation until 2035.

During the public comment segment, local business owners, including Bob Kane and Monica, expressed concerns about the ongoing construction at Liberty Village. Key issues included the unexpected closure of a road crucial for business deliveries, contradicting earlier assurances of access. Planner Elizabeth McManus confirmed that a condition of approval required the road to remain open, prompting a need for a review to ensure compliance. Kane also raised concerns about proposed road elevation changes exceeding floodplain levels, questioning the timeline for necessary state approvals.

The board acknowledged the potential impact of construction on local businesses and events, like the cancellation of a corn beer festival due to access issues for vendors. Board members committed to gathering more information and ensuring communication with relevant parties to mitigate disruptions.

Further discussions included updates on municipal safety initiatives. The mayor reported on the parking committee’s proposals for reticulating flashing lights on Allen Street and North Main Street, addressing speeding concerns. Traffic management measures were also considered for Walnut Brook, although the existing sidewalk layout limited options for flashing lights. The mayor highlighted ongoing issues with state crosswalks at Flemington Circle, with the state expressing willingness to share costs for safety improvements.

In other matters, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) provided a report on recent approvals and denied proposals, such as a porch renovation on Brown Street. The HPC is pursuing certification as a local government, necessitating minor ordinance revisions. Additionally, the meeting included a review of the Flemington Circle realty application, with temporary waivers recommended for incomplete documentation.