The meeting’s focal point was the housing element and fair share plan, which needed endorsement by the council to meet the court-imposed deadline of June 30, 2025. The Mayor underscored the legal implications of failing to endorse the plan, which could expose the township to builder remedy litigation, allowing developers to circumvent local zoning laws and potentially disrupt the municipality’s planning authority.

A planner, identified as Ms. McManis, elaborated on the township’s constitutional responsibility to plan for low and moderate-income housing, a mandate originating from a 1975 court decision. She clarified the implications of builder remedy litigation, which the township could face if it failed to comply with its housing obligations. The affordable housing plan encompasses both a rehabilitation obligation and a new construction obligation. For Lawrence, the rehabilitation requirement is set at 68 units, targeting low and moderate-income households living in substandard conditions. The township plans to meet this obligation through its existing home improvement program.

The discussion also covered the new construction obligation, addressing the township’s third and fourth-round commitments. The third-round obligation, initially set at 1,110 units, underwent adjustments following a vacant land assessment, establishing a realistic development potential (RDP) of 702 units and identifying an unmet need of 408 units. The fourth-round obligation, calculated at 320 units, was determined by the Department of Community Affairs and confirmed by the court.

Key projects under the housing plan were highlighted, including the Brandy Wine site, nearing completion, and Nexus Properties, pending construction approval. The Quaker Bridge Mall project, although zoned appropriately, awaited further approvals. The township has already adopted zoning necessary to address the unmet need, covering sites like the Lawrence Shopping Center and properties along Princess Road.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the mechanics of vacant land adjustments. These adjustments assess the potential for inclusionary zoning on vacant parcels, crucial for meeting affordable housing obligations. This process can generate new obligations for the township, requiring careful negotiation with developers. An example discussed was the 3641 Lawrenceville Road property, where a proposal for high-density multifamily housing was balanced against the existing zoning allowance to maintain community context.

The ETS property, largely vacant and encompassing over 150 acres, was another site of interest. The property owner proposed a mixed-use development, including residential and commercial components, with a portion reserved for affordable housing. The council acknowledged environmental constraints on the site, such as flood hazard areas and wetlands, which would influence the development plan.

The meeting concluded with the council unanimously endorsing the housing plan resolution. Additionally, a hotel/motel license renewal for JSK Princeton LLC was approved, rectifying an oversight from a previous meeting. Despite the meeting’s tight schedule, no public members chose to address the council during the open forum.