Pennington Borough officials are moving forward with a series of zoning and land-use changes that will shape where and how affordable housing is built in the community, following coordinated actions by both Borough Council and the Planning Board this month.
Council introduced a package of ordinances Feb. 2 to implement the Borough’s fourth-round affordable housing plan, and on Feb. 11 the Planning Board completed its required review of the measures for consistency with the Borough’s Master Plan — clearing the way for Council to consider adoption in March.
The ordinances establish new affordable housing zoning districts, update development standards, and revise fee requirements intended to bring Pennington into compliance with state housing obligations for the current planning cycle. Council scheduled a public hearing and potential adoption for March 2.
Council identifies affordable housing sites
At its Feb. 2 meeting, Borough Council introduced Ordinances 2026-4 through 2026-15, a set of land-use amendments designed to implement Pennington’s Amended Fourth Round Housing Plan.
Council identified several properties expected to be included in the final Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, which must be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs by March 15.
“We’ve now introduced a series of land use ordinances that put in place the affordable housing decisions that the council and the planning board have jointly arrived at,” Mayor Jim Davy said.
“All those ordinances … put fully in place all the requirements that we need to make to sustain our obligation before the state of New Jersey. We’ve done a lot of listening to Borough residents and taxpayers about how they feel about affordable housing and development needs in Pennington. I think it was a robust citizen participation engagement process that brought us to where we are today,” he said.
Sites identified for multifamily housing include:
- West Franklin Avenue 1 — west side of Route 31 and south side of West Franklin Avenue; approved for attached townhomes
- West Franklin Avenue 2 — east side of Route 31 and north side of West Franklin Avenue; approved for multifamily apartments
- Former Levin Limousine property on West Delaware Avenue
- South Main Street (7, 37, 41, 43)
- 12 North Main Street
These properties also include affordable set-asides for low- and moderate-income housing that may be proposed in future development.
Planning Board reviews zoning changes
Under state land-use law, zoning ordinances must be referred to the Planning Board for a consistency review with the Master Plan before Council may adopt them.
At a joint Planning Board/Zoning Board meeting Feb. 11, board members considered the ordinance package along with a memorandum from Borough Planner Jim Kyle explaining their role in implementing the adopted housing plan.
“These are the ordinances that are required to implement our affordable housing mechanisms… all of the ordinances are based on what is written in the housing plan element,” Kyle told the board.
Kyle also advised members that the measures aligned with the Borough’s planning framework. “There’s not much chance that there are any provisions of these ordinances that are inconsistent with the borough’s current master plan,” he said.
After discussion, the board advanced the ordinances without identifying inconsistencies, allowing Council to proceed toward adoption.
Mayor Davy noted the timing importance of the review, stating Council “needs to adopt these ordinances by its first meeting in March in order to meet the state deadline.”
Affordable housing framework and next steps
The ordinances collectively establish the regulatory structure for implementing Pennington’s fourth-round housing obligation.
Key elements include:
- AH-1 through AH-5 affordable housing overlay zones
- Mandatory affordable housing set-aside requirements
- Updated development fee provisions
- Revised zoning map reflecting new districts
If adopted, the provisions would apply to qualifying future residential development and guide how affordable units are incorporated into projects.
Council’s March 2 hearing will determine whether the ordinances are enacted.
Subdivision extension requested at 12 N. Main St.
In other land-use business Feb. 11, the Planning Board reviewed a request for a 120-day extension to perfect a previously approved minor subdivision at 12 N. Main St. (Block 205, Lot 22).
The subdivision received preliminary and final approval April 9, 2025, with a resolution memorialized May 15. The applicant has not yet filed the subdivision deed because Mercer County Planning Board review requires execution of an indemnification agreement.
The extension would allow additional time to complete county requirements before recording the subdivision.
Also from the Feb. 2 Council meeting
Borough seeks landfill remediation grant
Council passed a resolution to apply for a New Jersey Economic Development Authority grant related to rehabilitation of the Borough landfill, with a potential award of up to $100,000 and a $1,000 application fee.
The proposed study would evaluate excavating the landfill, separating waste from the soil cap, and transporting material to a modern lined landfill in compliance with Department of Environmental Protection standards. Results could support future funding for remediation.
The landfill, located on West Delaware Avenue between the CSX rail line and Route 31 commercial development, has been identified as an area in need of redevelopment. Previous analysis by Excel Environmental determined the site contents are benign and safe to move.
Water quality services contract approved
Council authorized a contract with Water Resource Management, Department of Environmental Protection, to provide water and sewer compliance officer services, lead service line reporting, and preparation of the Borough’s annual Consumer Confidence (Water Quality) Report.
The services also include emergency response support as needed.
Emergency preparedness and public safety updates
Robert D. Ingram was appointed Emergency Management Coordinator. He previously served as the Borough’s deputy coordinator for fires.
Council also authorized a shared services agreement with Hopewell Township for emergency and police dispatch services through 2027.
Borough officials and department heads commended Public Works and police and fire personnel for clearing roads during the late-January snowstorm. Public Works Superintendent Rick Smith credited both long-term and new staff as well as interdepartmental teamwork.
“It’s a good reminder of small town living,” Smith said.
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m. Residents can check the Borough websitefor participation details.
Additional reporting by Seth Siditsky
