Community concerned about proposed 16-house residential development
By: Casha Caponegro
The hot topic at Monday’s Township Committee meeting will be the preservation of the Updike property.
Members of the community are encouraged to attend the public hearing on the 50-acre parcel and voice their opinions on whether the township should preserve the tract.
The Updike property, located between Cranbury Neck Road and Old Trenton Road, is being eyed by Sharbell Developing Corp., which has proposed a 16-house residential development on a portion of the lot.
According to a cluster provision in the township zoning ordinance, Sharbell is allowed to build 16 houses if it sets aside 70 percent of the parcel, or about 35 acres, as preserved open space. Without the cluster provision, Sharbell would be limited to 12 houses on 4-acre lots.
"Without question, the Updike property will be developed unless there is strong, visible community support for public acquisition," said Historical and Preservation Society President Becky Beauregard. "It is important that members of the society attend these decision-making meetings to listen to the facts and voice their individual opinions about this issue."
A group of citizens presented a petition signed by 213 residents to the Township Committee in December to show community support for the preservation of the Updike parcel.
In recent months, the committee has undergone negotiations with representatives from Sharbell. The committee also has formed an ad hoc open space committee to research funding sources that will aid the township in acquiring the property.
In addition, the township has applied for state funding through the Green Acres Planning Incentive program, which would allow the preserved property to be used as farmland or for public recreation.
Bill Rawlyk of Delaware and Raritan Greenway will be on-hand at Monday’s hearing to provide further information about funding sources.
D&R Greenway, a nonprofit organization that previously aided the township in preserving the 30-acre Frosztega property, has submitted a proposal to examine the inventory of remaining open space in Cranbury and prioritize which properties should be next to preserve.
The township is considering the proposal.