More clustering of houses
sought with new ordinance
By sandi carpello
Staff Writer
MONROE — As more applications for housing developments are approved by the Planning Board, members of the Township Council say they want residents to understand why.
"We want to be very clear that we are trying our very best to keep developers from running away with the town," Councilman Henry Miller said at a Dec. 2 council meeting.
In an effort to guide development in a way that will preserve more open space, the council is adding provisions to the township’s land use ordinance on the subject of cluster development. By allowing more developers to cluster homes together, more open space can be left alone around the developed portions, Miller said.
The council also wants to list the advantages and disadvantages of cluster development in less-technical terms for all residents.
"We want to put it in plain English so people will understand what we’re doing," Miller said.
Previously, clustering could only be accomplished from an R-30 zone, which allows one home per 3/4 acre, and from an R-20 zone, which constitutes one home per 1/2 acre, said Councilman John Riggs, who sits on the township’s Planning Board.
With the proposed amendments, clustering will also be allowed in an R-3A zone, which permits one house per 3 acres, and in an R-60 zone, which allows one house per 1.5 acres, Riggs said.
"At no time can the number of houses allowable be exceeded, but under the new ordinance, the developer can transfer building rights from a non-contiguous parcel to another," Riggs said. "This is designed to prevent sprawl and achieve more open spaces."
In addition, the new ordinance tightens up what can be classified as open space, eliminating right-of-ways, easements for gas and power lines, detention and retention basins, and storm-water management facilities.
Officials said developers also agree with the idea of cluster developments because they are able to build the same number of homes, but with less road surface and infrastructure, and shorter sewer lines.
Miller said the new cluster provisions will especially affect the parts of the township that are less developed.
In an effort to address residents’ concerns on the subject of development, Miller is asking them for feedback prior to the Dec. 30 Council meeting.
Township residents may write to Business Administrator Wayne Hamilton, Monroe Municipal Complex, Monroe 08831, or e-mail him at whamilton@monroetwp.com.