The meeting’s primary focus was the public hearing and adoption of the housing element and fair share plan, presented by the borough planner. This plan aims to address affordable housing obligations from July 2025 to July 2035, as mandated by state law. The planner outlined the borough’s historical and current affordable housing obligations, emphasizing the importance of adopting the plan before the state deadline to avoid potential legal challenges from developers seeking to bypass local zoning ordinances. The urgency was underscored by the possibility of exclusionary zoning or builder’s remedy lawsuits, which could result in developments inconsistent with local community standards.

The plan comprises four sections: an introduction to affordable housing in New Jersey, a housing element section, an overview of the borough’s fair share obligation, and a detailed fair share plan. This reduction is based on a vacant land analysis, which concluded that there is no land available for new affordable housing, thus setting the obligation to zero.

The planner explained the complexities faced by municipalities in compliance processes, noting that the borough had previously reduced its obligation to zero units during the third round due to its fully developed nature. The recent amendments to the Fair Housing Act have provided clearer guidelines for the fourth-round compliance process, which municipalities across New Jersey have just begun to interpret. The meeting emphasized the necessity of complying with state mandates and the implications of the borough’s housing plan.

In addition to the housing plan, the board discussed the new administrative review process established by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) regarding affordable housing allocations. The DCA’s non-binding calculations require municipalities to confirm their numbers based on increases in equalized value, changes in income, and land capacity. For River Edge, the DCA assigned a fourth-round present need obligation of 32 units, reduced to seven units after a structural conditions survey. However, a prospective need for 159 new affordable units was set for the period between 2025 and 2035, raising concerns about feasibility.

The meeting also highlighted the borough’s strategy to address its obligations using existing developments and credits. Developments like the New Bridge Crossing inclusionary project and senior units at St. Peter’s Church contribute to the borough’s affordable housing numbers. The plan includes the establishment of overlay zones on certain properties, potentially generating additional affordable units if developed with housing. The borough’s capacity to meet housing needs within the regulatory framework was discussed, with redevelopment plans and existing facilities playing a role in satisfying obligations.

As the meeting proceeded, there was an invitation for board members to ask questions, but no inquiries were made. The board then moved to open the floor for public comments related to the housing element and fair share plan. One public member expressed confusion about the agenda, which was clarified by the chair. After confirming no further public comments, the board adopted the June 2025 housing element and fair share plan through a roll call vote, with all present members in favor.

Following the housing plan’s adoption, the board addressed variance applications for local properties. A notable discussion involved a proposal for a detached garage on Jefferson Avenue, where the applicant sought relief for building a garage to accommodate personal storage needs. The board approved the application with conditions, including ensuring no residential use of the garage’s mezzanine and compliance with stormwater management requirements.

Another application involved Danielle and Daniel Rapaport’s property on Center Avenue, where they sought variances related to building and lot coverage. The proposal aimed to reduce existing impervious coverage while slightly increasing building coverage. The board scrutinized coverage calculations and approved the application with conditions, emphasizing drainage infrastructure compliance and updated plans.