One notable issue discussed was the township’s compliance with the state of New Jersey’s affordable housing mandates, particularly with regard to the fourth-round compliance and litigation. The township had adopted a housing element fair share plan, which was challenged by Fair Share Housing. This challenge, affecting a portion of housing plans across New Jersey, necessitated a mediation settlement phase with retired Judge Ronald Bookbinder and special adjudicator Nick Graviano. The council was under pressure to finalize zoning for the identified sites by March 30, 2026, to avoid losing immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits. These lawsuits could allow developers to propose projects with higher density than the township’s planning goals. A case in Milbourne was cited as a cautionary example, where inaction led to a loss of immunity, resulting in denser housing projects.

The council also deliberated on the inclusion of privately and township-owned properties in the housing plan. A court certification regarding the plan’s compliance is due by December 31, with zoning adoption required by March 15. The council expressed concerns about the adequacy of the plan and the pressure to comply with the mandates. There was a discussion about an office building on TK Road and its potential for redevelopment, highlighting a broader need to explore additional affordable housing options. One council member suggested, “I think we need to maybe think outside the box as to what our options are,” indicating a desire for a more comprehensive approach.

Among the redevelopment proposals was a significant project involving 318 residential units, garage parking, commercial spaces, and public areas. This proposal, which included a land swap for additional parking, aimed to integrate affordable housing by dedicating 15% of the units as affordable. The council stressed the importance of review and public presentations before proceeding, with engineering concerns about drainage and stormwater management being pivotal to the discussions. It was insisted that developers adhere to legal obligations to maintain or improve existing drainage conditions.

Another redevelopment proposal involved a project on Hill Street, where a new plan consisted of 20 units with a 20% affordable housing set-aside. This project aimed to revitalize a long-vacant site while aligning with the surrounding multifamily buildings. Similarly, a proposal on TK Road included a 30-unit building with a 20% affordable housing set-aside, designed to balance height and proximity to residential zones. Concerns about integrating developments into the neighborhood fabric and meeting affordable housing commitments were central to these discussions.

The council also touched on the status of 54 West Englewood Avenue, where a proposed project included 53 apartment units with 15% designated as affordable.