By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN – Property that was identified years ago as a location for affordable housing will likely be removed from Manalapan’s affordable housing plan on March 8.
On Feb. 22, members of the Township Committee introduced an ordinance that will, if adopted, amend Manalapan’s zoning map and remove two lots on Cannonero Boulevard from being considered as a site for affordable housing.
Cannonero Boulevard runs from Millhurst Road into the Four Seasons adult community.
A public hearing on the ordinance will be held during the governing body’s March 8 meeting. Residents may comment at that time. Township Committee members may vote to adopt the ordinance following the public hearing.
If the committee adopts the ordinance, the parcels on Cannonero Boulevard will be placed in Manalapan’s Public Use zone.
Affordable housing is housing that is sold or rented at below market rates to individuals who have a low or moderate income as defined by the federal government.
According to the ordinance, the two lots on Cannonero Boulevard that are the subject of the proposed ordinance were intended to be used for an inclusionary affordable housing development.
Inclusionary housing is a development that is built with little or no public subsidy, according to the state Department of Community Affairs website.
Municipal officials determined there were other properties in Manalapan which were better suited for inclusionary development, according to the ordinance. The alternative site for an inclusionary development is on Route 33 near the Knob Hill residential development.