Traffic safety emerged as a critical concern during the meeting, particularly focusing on Woodruff Road, where residents have noted rising vehicle speeds pose significant dangers. Steve Larry, a long-term resident, detailed his worries about the increased risk to pedestrians, especially after new sidewalks attracted more foot traffic. Despite measures like speed signs and police presence, Larry emphasized that the current solutions have been insufficient. He suggested installing speed bumps to enforce the 30 mph speed limit more effectively. Larry underscored the urgency of action by referencing a recent incident involving a police vehicle accident and a previous event where a cyclist was hit at the intersection of Columbia Turnpike and Woodruff Road. The council acknowledged these concerns and committed to further investigation, noting that traffic studies had been previously conducted.

The council then turned its attention to the township’s affordable housing obligations. This topic was marked by a detailed presentation from planners Liz Laney and Paul Phillips, who outlined the adjusted housing mandate for Morris Township. Initially set at 571 units, the obligation was revised to 308 units, based on factors including existing housing conditions and land capacity. The planning team explained that their analysis took into account various factors: the income capacity factor, which redistributed obligations to higher-income municipalities; the equalized non-residential valuation factor; and the land capacity factor, assessing developable land. The planners expressed confidence that their data justified the adjustment and urged the council to adopt a resolution reflecting the revised numbers.

Further discussion on affordable housing included procedural details on submitting related documents and expectations for future developments. A council member stressed the importance of maintaining open communication with residents. They committed to posting relevant documents on the township’s website within 48 hours of the resolution’s adoption. The timeline for potential challenges to the housing numbers was laid out, with a February deadline for objections and resolutions anticipated by March 2025.

Public concerns about the financial implications of these housing initiatives were voiced by resident Alan McAlpin, who questioned whether a comprehensive financial analysis had been conducted to assess long-term costs related to schools, roads, and utilities. Kathy Wilson, another resident, sought clarification on the Department of Community Affairs’ calculations regarding the township’s land use factor. The council directed her to the DCA’s website for further information and clarified the location of relevant documents on the township’s website.

Wilson also inquired about the next steps in developing plans to meet the township’s housing obligations. The council explained that the process would be more transparent than in previous rounds, with the planning board overseeing the development of the housing element. This element must be approved by June 30, and any challenges would need resolution by March 2026. The council underscored that this process was new.