JACKSON – In a 3-2 vote, the Jackson Township Council has authorized the execution of an agreement with a developer who will construct affordable housing in the community.
The agreement with Highview Homes LLC was approved during the council’s Nov. 27 meeting.
Highview Homes is the developer of a 35-acre property at the corner of North New Prospect and Larsen roads in Jackson’s MF Affordable Housing Zone-7.
In November 2017, the Planning Board approved the developer’s application to construct 216 rental apartments in seven buildings at that location.
The agreement with the council calls for 40 of the 216 units to be reserved for low and moderate households. The remaining 176 units will be available at prevailing market rates.
The developer will construct seven three-story buildings, a 3,700-square-foot clubhouse, a pool and a picnic area. Three buildings will contain one-bedroom apartments and four buildings will contain multi-bedroom apartments.
Consistent with how he has voted in the past on affordable housing issues, Councilman Barry Calogero voted “no” on a motion to approve the agreement with Highview Homes.
Council Vice President Robert Nixon also voted “no.”
Councilman Scott Martin said, “while holding my nose at the state mandated law, I am forced to vote yes.”
Council President Ken Bressi and Councilwoman Ann Updegrave also voted “yes” on the motion to approve the agreement with Highview Homes.