The primary focus of the meeting was the presentation by Dan Leven from Acuity Consulting Services, who outlined the revised housing plan following Fair Share Housing Center challenges. The borough faced the task of fulfilling an obligation to provide 240 housing units, a number reduced from an initial 270 units through mediation. The revised plan shifts focus from the previously considered accessory apartment program, which had failed to produce any units, to redevelopment initiatives within the borough.

Significantly, the plan no longer relies on the MACO site or the Raritan Street park and ride mechanism. Instead, it introduces a new compliance mechanism for the Gillette Tower site, transforming it from an unmet need to a fourth-round redevelopment potential. Another notable inclusion is a commitment to a 60-unit development on Ernston Road, with a 20% set-aside for affordable housing. This particular development is anticipated to result in two more affordable units than the scrapped accessory apartment program.

The planning board sought clarity on the borough’s obligations, confirming that the 240-unit requirement arose from a settlement with Fair Share Housing. The discussion shed light on the financial constraints that limit the borough’s ability to pursue 100% affordable housing projects, given the insufficiency of the borough’s trust fund for such large-scale subsidization.

Another major topic of discussion was the potential exclusion of the former Rite Aid site from the borough’s housing and fair share plan. This site, located on Washington Road, was brought into focus by James Burns, representing the property owner. Burns argued that the property’s unique pie-wedge shape made it unsuitable for residential development, though it was viable for commercial use. He requested its exclusion from the redevelopment plan, citing a pending application to convert the existing building into a full-service car wash.

Tyler Prime, representing the prospective car wash operator, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the site’s current commercial zoning and suitability for their operations. Concerns were raised about potential future changes that could impact their investment, particularly if the site were included in residential housing plans.

Board members questioned how excluding the Rite Aid site might affect the overall redevelopment plan and housing yield. Discussions touched upon the mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that any exclusion would not breach the agreement’s terms. The board acknowledged that excluding the site would not negatively impact the overall housing plan, given that the borough was already exceeding its housing obligations by 37 units.

The meeting’s dialogue suggested a need for a comprehensive study of the Rite Aid property to determine its suitability for redevelopment. Participants expressed skepticism about making immediate amendments to the plan, stressing the importance of a well-considered resolution that aligns with the borough’s master plan and public welfare objectives.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board proposed a resolution to adopt the amendment to the fourth round housing element fair share plan. This resolution would not explicitly mention the objections regarding the Rite Aid property but would record them in the meeting’s minutes. The board also discussed upcoming meetings, with a decision to cancel the next scheduled session due to a lack of matters.