HAZLET – Municipal officials in Hazlet have introduced an ordinance that would, if adopted, rezone property at 727 Route 36 and create an Affordable Housing Zoning District.
The move would accommodate the development of affordable housing on that parcel. The property is owned by Holy Family Church.
The ordinance was introduced on Feb. 5. A public hearing on the ordinance will be held on March 5 and the council may adopt the ordinance following the public hearing.
Mayor Scott Aagre, Deputy Mayor Michael Glackin, Committeeman James McKay, Committeeman Mike Sachs and Committeewoman Tara Corcoran-Clark voted to introduce the ordinance.
Representatives of Highview Homes LLC have proposed the development of no more than 146 market rate units and 26 affordable housing units at the 17-acre property.
The rezoning is authorized under the terms of a settlement agreement between the township and the developer regarding Hazlet’s compliance with New Jersey’s affordable housing regulations.
Affordable housing is defined as housing that is sold or rented at below market rates to individuals and families whose income meets certain guidelines.
Following the meeting, Township Attorney James Gorman said that after the ordinance has been adopted, “The developer would be free to make an application before the Land Use Board.”
The proposed ordinance states that at least 53 percent (77 units) of the proposed market rate units on the property will have one bedroom. No more than 47 percent (69 units) of the market rate units will have two bedrooms. None of the market rate units will have more than two bedrooms.
A maximum of 20 percent (five units) of the proposed affordable housing units will have one bedroom. At least 20 percent (five units) of the affordable units will have three bedrooms, according to the ordinance.