0:00The board unanimously approved a resolution for the Congregation of Israel of Springfield, which involved site plan approval and variances for an addition to the temple. The decision followed a motion and second, with all present members casting affirmative votes.

16:26In parallel, the board delved into discussions on the township’s housing plan, focusing on the timeline and subsequent steps required by the DCA’s fourth round numbers. With pressure mounting to meet the DCA’s January 31, 2025, deadline for a binding resolution, the board is tasked with preparing an updated housing element and fair share plan. This plan must address the assigned housing numbers and detail zoning mechanisms to accommodate these requirements. The board has already formed a master plan subcommittee, which includes members from various boards, the mayor, and a committee member, and has been meeting to strategize.

The urgency of the housing plan is further underscored by the pending release of state mapping data, essential for verifying the township’s developable land. The planning board aims to hold a public hearing and adopt the updated housing plan by June 9, 2025. Emphasizing compliance with legal mandates, the board is committed to ensuring public access to the plan prior to this meeting, highlighting transparency and community engagement in the planning process.

0:00In other business, the board reviewed a mandatory stormwater control regulation ordinance issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). This model ordinance requires alignment with state regulations to enhance environmental protections, including mitigating flooding and managing impervious surface coverage. The board emphasized the importance of presenting a clear document to the township committee, agreeing that the final version should be free of red lines and cross-outs. A motion was passed to authorize the board attorney to draft a letter confirming the ordinance’s consistency with the master plan.

16:26Furthermore, the board addressed a site plan waiver for a property on Mars Avenue Associates LLC, which included the addition of two electric vehicle (EV) parking spaces and an increase in ADA parking from one space to four. This initiative aligns with New Jersey’s encouragement of EV infrastructure, exempt from local zoning ordinances. Concerns about parking accessibility were alleviated by the office building’s surplus parking availability. Following a brief discussion, the waiver received approval through a voice vote.