The council’s discussions centered prominently around the township’s fourth round housing element and fair share plan, which mandates the provision of affordable housing units over the next decade. A significant topic was the proposed development on the Our Lady of Sorrows site, set to include 50 affordable senior housing units. The council endorsed a plan for 520 units, a number settled upon after legal negotiations reduced the original demand. During the meeting, a resident voiced concerns about plans for the site, noting a lack of prior notification about property surveys conducted in preparation for construction.

Water management emerged as a issue. Residents, including a homeowner near St. Rayfields, worried that construction would worsen existing water problems. One resident expressed urgency, fearing that inadequate water management might endanger their homes. Council members assured that township regulations would ensure proper stormwater management, with opportunities for public input in future planning board meetings.

Cindy Aster, another resident concerned about environmental impacts, questioned the transparency of the development process, citing surveys and potential disruptions to local wildlife. The township’s Director of Development acknowledged prior meetings with residents and assured continued opportunities for community engagement. The council president emphasized that the current discussion was about the overall housing plan and not specific projects.

The meeting also addressed a project to convert a convent into affordable senior housing, reducing the initial 120-unit proposal to 68 units. Concerns about water issues were again highlighted, with assurances given that the project would comply with stormwater regulations. The council announced plans for a town hall meeting to discuss project details, including sale prices and timelines. The units are expected to cost between $1,350 and $1,400 per month.

During public comments, Janice, a local resident, expressed enthusiasm for a new medical facility planned to replace the vacant AMC building. The council discussed the status of various liquor licenses and clarified the financial and operational challenges preventing their finalization.

Other residents raised concerns about the impact of new developments on property taxes. The council clarified that while the developments would generate revenue through payments in lieu of taxes, there would be no direct tax breaks for adjacent homeowners. They noted the inconsistency of property tax reductions across New Jersey for areas impacted by affordable housing projects.

The meeting also included the approval of several ordinances, such as new parking regulations and handicap parking spaces. During the public comment segment, Gerard A. Cassell, a resident of Hardwood Drive, highlighted significant rent increases affecting vulnerable populations, urging the council to address the issue of housing affordability. He requested the topic be added to the agenda for the next meeting.