Verona Town Council Considers Zoning Amendments for Assisted Living
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
06/03/2024
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Recording Published:
06/04/2024
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Duration:
155 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Verona
- Meeting Overview:
During a recent Verona Town Council meeting, the council deliberated on proposed zoning amendments that would allow for assisted living facilities and co-working spaces within the township, particularly in the C2 Zone. This topic was at the forefront of the agenda due to its potential impact on residential areas, emergency services, and overall land use planning. The council also engaged in discussions about a development project aimed at offering affordable housing, known as Verona Flats, and the potential addition of a Fairview Avenue well facility treatment project. Additionally, the council debated the merits of moving municipal elections from May to November and the restructuring of advisory committees to limit the voting rights of council liaisons.
The proposed zoning amendments for the township, presented by a representative from H2M, included the addition of assisted living facilities and co-working spaces as a part of the C2 Zone. The amendments were considered necessary to meet the growing need for such facilities in the area and to ensure clarity within the zoning regulations. Council members raised questions about the impact on surrounding residential zones and the process of notifying residents living adjacent to the affected areas. Discussion points also included the criteria for conditional approval of assisted living facilities and the importance of these facilities aligning with the township’s master plan. The representative from H2M provided a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility of these changes, addressing concerns regarding land use planning and the potential effects on neighboring residential properties.
The council also focused on the Verona Flats development project, which would offer 95 affordable housing units. A third of the interested applicants were reported to be Verona residents. The council emphasized the town’s strategy to meet affordable housing requirements while minimizing the impact on schools and the town’s finances. The discussion on the project revealed a commitment to protecting open spaces in Verona and the importance of transparency and public participation in the decision-making process.
Another topic of interest was the proposed Fairview Avenue well facility treatment project. Jacobs Engineering delivered a technical presentation on the project, which aims to address contaminant levels in the water supply. The council and residents discussed the potential implications for the Green Acres program and the impact on nearby recreational facilities. Concerns were raised about land acquisition, construction schedules, noise pollution, and the procedural steps involved in the project’s advancement.
The possibility of moving municipal elections from May to November was a issue, with council members expressing concerns about increased partisan influence and voter fatigue. The potential impact on voter turnout and informed electorate was debated, along with the consequences for the Board of Education. The idea of holding a non-binding referendum to gauge public opinion on the matter was discussed, with members highlighting the need for further research and consultation before making any decisions.
Regarding advisory committees, the council reached a consensus that council liaisons should not have voting rights and should only serve in an advisory capacity. The council agreed to review committee member roles and consider provisions for removal based on attendance. The need for a clear attendance policy and potential changes to the number of members on boards were also discussed. Additionally, the council acknowledged the importance of improving Zoom capabilities for remote participation in meetings, emphasizing the urgency of resolving these issues.
The meeting covered various other items, including the community center playground, road repaving projects, sustainable organic land management, and the study of Centennial Field. Updates on infrastructure projects related to wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater were provided, along with discussions on parking meters, energy audits, and a solar feasibility study.
Christopher Tamburro
City Council Officials:
Deputy Jack McEvoy, Alex Roman, Christine McGrath, Cynthia Holland, Township Manager
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
06/03/2024
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Recording Published:
06/04/2024
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Duration:
155 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Verona
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