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Hopewell Township Planning Board Takes Next Steps for Affordable Housing

by Angela Jacobs

On Wednesday, November 15, 2017, the Hopewell Township Planning Board held a special meeting to decide whether they would recommend adoption of four ordinances by the Township Committee concerning parcels of land slated for affordable housing development. 

Though Township Planner Frank Banisch determined that the parcels, commonly referred to as “Zaitz,” “BMS,” “CF Hopewell,” and “Enourato,” were “technically inconsistent” with the Master Plan, due to how each parcel is currently zoned. However, Banisch remarked that they were consistent with the “overarching objectives of the Master Plan for meeting a wide-range of public policy needs that clearly advance many of the goals and objectives of the Master Plan.”

During the November 27, 2017 Township Committee meeting, the Committee will hold a public hearing for the four ordinances. Since the ordinances were found technically inconsistent with the Master Plan, a supermajority of the Committee must vote for their adoption and statements must be made to address why the Committee is adopting ordinances not consistent with the Master Plan.

Also at the meeting, by way of resolution, the Planning Board asked Banisch to investigate whether a 5-acre parcel located on the west side of Scotch Road meets criteria as an “area in need of redevelopment.” After researching the matter, Banisch will present his findings at the December 7, 2017 Planning Board meeting where the Board will decide whether it meets criteria. If it is found that it does, the resolution will be referred to the Township Committee. If the Committee agrees with the finding and recommendation, a resolution will be adopted and an ordinance amending the redevelopment plan would follow. The small Township-owned piece of land will then be given to CF Hopewell, a developer, for inclusion in the development of affordable housing.

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