Measure OK’d by Planning Board exceeds township’s obligations
By: Emily Craighead
WEST WINDSOR The Planning Board approved an affordable-housing plan Wednesday that exceeds the township’s obligation under the latest round of state Council on Affordable Housing regulations.
"We do have, I think, a very defensible plan," township consultant John Madden said.
The regulations are based on a growth-share strategy, directly linking the affordable-housing requirement to the growth of a municipality.
According to development projections for 2004-2014, the township calculated its obligation to be 271 affordable units. Between excess credits from the last round of COAH regulations and plans for new affordable units, the township will have 139 surplus credits. The plan does not include any regional contribution agreements.
Land available for development is dwindling in the township, but the 5 million square feet of office space approved by the Planning Board but not yet built could increase the township’s obligation if developers decide to move ahead with those projects.
Based on trends over the past 10 years, Mr. Madden said it is unlikely more than 1.5 million square feet will be built in the next 10 years.
Development at the Princeton Junction at West Windsor train station also could increase the township’s affordable-housing obligation, though officials have said developers would incorporate that obligation into the development itself.
"I’m not hearing anyone saying the office market is going anywhere," he said.
Development on a 50-acre property known as Maneely, adjacent to the Estates at Princeton Junction, could include neighborhood retail development, a corporate long-term stay hotel and about 60 Project Freedom units. Project Freedom, a nonprofit organization, develops and operates housing for people with disabilities.
The township will have the opportunity to amend the plan to make sure it continues to reflect development in the township.
"Planners have crystal balls, but once you get beyond three years, anyone’s guess is as good as a planner’s," Mr. Madden said.
The Township Council must approve the plan and send it to the state before the Dec. 20 deadline.