The meeting’s most discussion revolved around the township’s compliance with New Jersey’s affordable housing mandates. The council considered a housing element and fair share plan, detailing the township’s obligation to provide 539 affordable housing units by 2035 as part of the fourth round of statewide requirements. The plan, prepared by Harbor Consultants, outlined contributions from various developments, including the Steelton Apartments, which would offer 40 affordable units. Other projects, like the Bruner Property and the Deo project at Silven Avenue and South Washington Avenue, would contribute additional units.

The council also discussed two projects aimed at addressing unmet needs: the RIA project on South Washington Avenue and another on Stelton Road. These developments are expected to yield 39 and 32 affordable units, respectively. The township anticipates receiving up to 25% in bonus credits towards its obligations, potentially amounting to 134 credits from various projects. Additionally, a mandatory set-aside ordinance was introduced, requiring all future developments to allocate 20% of units for affordable housing.

Amid these plans, the council faced a challenge from a pending lawsuit filed by the builders association and high-density housing lobbyists. The lawsuit criticizes the Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) housing obligation calculations, which suggest building 80 units at the municipal complex, a proposal deemed unfeasible by some council members. One participant highlighted the disparity between the state’s high-density expectations and the township’s historical development practices, noting that “the most we’ve ever done was 15 units per acre.”

Despite these challenges, the council adopted the housing element and fair share plan, which is expected to shield the township from further legal action while allowing it to appeal the DCA’s calculations. The township hopes to reduce its obligation numbers from over 500 to around 375 units, contingent upon the validation of its buildable land calculations. The council emphasized the urgency of meeting the June 30 deadline for plan adoption to avoid penalties from the state.

In addition to the housing plan, the council addressed a redevelopment study addendum for specific properties, including an extension of South Second Street. The proposal to add 175 linear feet to the originally included 180 feet aims to ensure the development of block 2011, lot 1.01, and block 202, lot 42.02 as a single, contiguous project. After clarifying questions about traffic flow and access points, the council unanimously approved the amendment to the redevelopment plan.

The council also passed resolutions to conduct area studies for potential redevelopment sites, particularly those suitable for AI or data centers. One site discussed was the Verizon location on Centennial Avenue, which could attract new businesses due to its existing infrastructure. The council voted in favor of retaining foresight planning for these studies.