A significant portion of the meeting focused on the redevelopment of the Lambertville High School site, which has become a flashpoint for community tensions. Concerns were raised about the mayor’s alleged reluctance to explore alternative sites for affordable housing development. A speaker suggested that the mayor’s actions, including a ban on considering other locations, might lead to a Builder’s Remedy lawsuit. Such a lawsuit could allow a developer, KOB, to bypass council approval and construct 200 units, including 40 affordable units, potentially undermining the city’s control over local development. This legal threat underscored the community’s apprehension about the mayor’s intentions and the perceived lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

Environmental concerns further fueled the debate over the high school site. Residents questioned the adequacy of environmental assessments, given the site’s history as a landfill and the potential for contamination, including carcinogenic substances like PFAS. These worries were compounded by reports of a nearby cancer cluster potentially linked to a Teflon factory. The ongoing investigations by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) into contamination sources added another layer of complexity to the redevelopment plans, with calls for clarity and accountability from both the city and environmental agencies.

The council faced criticism for failing to achieve compliance with a 2018 settlement agreement, which necessitated the development of designated affordable units. The city’s non-compliance could result in losing immunity from Builder’s Remedy lawsuits, which would allow developers to circumvent local zoning laws, further complicating the city’s efforts to manage development responsibly. The council acknowledged these risks, emphasizing the need for a concrete plan to address ongoing compliance challenges.

Amidst these discussions, the council also considered the implications of terminating the redevelopment plan for the high school site. Some residents suggested reverting the property to its previous zoning, which would allow for fewer homes but might mitigate environmental and community concerns. However, this proposal faced legal and procedural hurdles, including the need for court approval and potential negotiations with the Fair Share Housing Center, highlighting the complexities of altering established agreements.

The meeting also addressed broader concerns about the city’s redevelopment strategy, including the role of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The committee is tasked with advising the council on affordable housing numbers and exploring mechanisms to meet these obligations. The council clarified that a previous proposal for 200 units at the high school site was no longer under consideration, focusing instead on a plan for 139 units, including 28 affordable units. The adaptability of the redevelopment plan was a key topic, with discussions on how climate change, flooding, and other environmental factors might necessitate amendments.

The mayor faced personal criticism, with accusations of dishonesty and mismanagement. Responding to these charges, the mayor defended his actions and emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue, urging community members to engage constructively and avoid generalizations.

The council explored potential strategies for addressing affordable housing needs, including partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and considering the use of eminent domain for acquiring abandoned properties. However, financial and legal constraints, such as the recent changes in tax sale foreclosure laws, complicated these efforts. The council acknowledged the need for a multifaceted approach to meet housing obligations effectively, emphasizing the importance of timely action and collaboration with developers.