The development project, located on Harmony Road, was initially approved to include 202 townhome units, with 40 reserved as affordable housing. Recent amendments reduced the total unit count to 195, maintaining the number of affordable units and slightly increasing their percentage. This adjustment was part of a broader redesign that reduced the number of buildings from 25 to 24 and proposed clustering the affordable units in the southwestern part of the site, a shift from their original integration among market-rate units.

The segregation of affordable units sparked considerable debate among board members and meeting attendees. One concern was the potential stigma associated with clustering affordable units separately, although some speakers emphasized that clustering does not inherently diminish the desirability of these units. A representative for the development argued that the segregation strategy was more manageable and cost-effective, particularly in meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for ground-floor unit accessibility. This approach was defended as a better planning alternative for managing the affordable housing process through a third-party system.

Additionally, the project was framed as a positive contribution to Jackson Township’s affordable housing goals, despite not being part of the original township plan. This development is expected to aid in meeting the township’s increased fourth-round obligation of 954 affordable units, compared to the previous requirement of about 300 units.

Parking was another major focus during the meeting. The project was designed with a surplus of parking spaces, totaling 695 against a demand for 566, including 60 spaces at the clubhouse. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of parking, especially during large events at the clubhouse. There was also a discussion regarding the potential parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas and whether homeowners’ associations (HOAs) would restrict such practices.

The clubhouse itself underwent changes, with its size increasing from 2,278 square feet to 4,671 square feet, and its height from 19 feet to 27 feet. These modifications were justified as necessary to accommodate community needs and align with surrounding building heights. The clubhouse was also to include a conference room and would be restricted to HOA residents for hosting events.

Environmental considerations were addressed, particularly regarding building number six’s proximity to wetlands. The project required adjustments to comply with a 50-foot distance mandate from the Wetlands line.

The board also discussed the project’s amenity package, which saw the removal of a proposed dog park, a pool, and pickleball courts, replaced by three tot lots, a splash park, and basketball courts. The rationale was that pools are often costly and underutilized, and the splash park was deemed a more suitable alternative for families.