The primary topic was the city’s affordable housing plan, which has been met with criticism from both board members and the public. The plan aims to fulfill Summit’s obligation to provide 345 affordable units, though a vacant land adjustment could potentially reduce this number to 18 units. This adjustment is based on Summit’s limited available land for development. Public commentary highlighted dissatisfaction with the plan’s perceived inadequacy, with some residents arguing that the city is not doing enough to comply with housing laws and suggesting that this could lead to litigation. Concerns were raised about the potential financial burden of legal challenges, noting that new legislation prevents using the affordable housing trust fund to cover legal expenses.

Dr. Rhysa Gorlick, a resident, criticized the concentration of affordable housing in East Summit, arguing it places an unfair burden on that area. She raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding chemicals from a nearby dry cleaner potentially affecting the proposed development site. Traffic safety and congestion were also issues, with calls for thorough studies before further development proceeds. The board acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of addressing them through the planning process.

The Harmon Holdings project, proposed for a site near downtown and public transport, was another major point of contention. Residents voiced strong opposition, citing traffic, environmental, and suitability concerns. They argued that the project could exacerbate existing congestion and questioned the appropriateness of placing more housing in an already developed area. Discussions revealed that the site’s current zoning allows for mixed-use development, which the board plans to regulate with new standards for setbacks, building height, and parking to mitigate impact.

Public input also questioned the transparency and timing of the process, with some residents feeling that their concerns were not being adequately considered. The board explained that the current zoning permits a more intensive project than what is being proposed, emphasizing that new regulations are being developed to ensure a more controlled planning process. They reassured attendees that the developer would be responsible for environmental cleanup and that community discussions would continue.

Another focal point was the city’s obligation to address unmet housing needs. Summit’s housing plan proposes to meet some of these needs through inclusionary developments and group homes, rather than solely constructing new affordable units. This approach aims to distribute affordable housing more evenly and prevent over-concentration in specific areas. The board stressed the importance of meeting the June deadline to maintain immunity from exclusionary zoning litigation, which could allow developers to bypass local regulations.

Financial implications of the affordable housing plan were also discussed, including concerns about the potential depletion of the city’s trust fund and the feasibility of proposed developments. The board and residents debated the interpretation of state housing obligations, particularly the 25% rule requiring municipalities to develop a portion of their adjusted obligations. There was consensus that this interpretation could lead to legal disputes.