A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the contentious redevelopment of the paperboard property by Garden Homes. Initially approved for a density of 40 units per acre, Garden Homes is now seeking an increase to 60 units per acre, which would expand the development to 272 apartments. The request is based on claims of financial infeasibility under the original agreement due to rising construction and interest costs. The planning board is scrutinizing the financial details provided by Garden Homes, which they found vague.

The mayor expressed concerns over the developer’s sudden shift in position. The board is poised for a potential court battle with the Union County Mount Laurel judge if negotiations fail. They have engaged a financial firm to analyze Garden Homes’ financial claims and are preparing to defend their stance against what they consider unjustified demands for increased density. The board highlighted the lack of a concept plan from Garden Homes to substantiate their new demands and questioned the developer’s motivations given their previous urgency in advancing the project.

In a related discussion, the board touched on the Fair Share Housing challenge, which aims to ensure municipalities meet their affordable housing obligations. This broader initiative adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations with Garden Homes, as balancing density with affordable housing commitments remains a crucial concern.

Shifting focus, the board also discussed the need for a circulation element in Garwood’s master plan. This initiative aims to address traffic congestion and safety issues exacerbated by new construction in the area. A committee will collaborate with a consultant to collect and analyze data, such as crash and speed statistics, to inform the circulation plan. Input from various stakeholders, including the citizens advisory panel, fire department, and board of education, will play a role in shaping the plan.

The board acknowledged the challenge of regulating e-scooters and e-bikes, with current data being limited. They emphasized the importance of uniform regulations across neighboring towns to ensure effective enforcement and public safety. The potential for state-level legislation to create standardized regulations was discussed, as local measures may not suffice to manage evolving technologies and their implications for pedestrian safety.

In addition to the circulation plan, the board explored the establishment of regulations for food truck vending in Garwood. A committee was formed to develop guidelines for food trucks.