Proposed zoning change would limit housing growth
Frank D’Amico
MILLSTONE — A proposed ordinance that would increase the amount of land needed for residential development in certain areas of town has met with a mixed reaction from the public.
The ordinance, if approved, will change minimum lot area for minor and major subdivisions in the R-170 zone from 170,000 square feet to 4 acres, in the R-130 zone from 130,000 square feet to 3 acres and in the R-80 zone from 80,000 square feet to 2 acres.
Only subdivisions approved after the ordinance’s adoption would be affected by the proposed zoning change. At its March 15 meeting, the Township Committee introduced the ordinance.
The committee will hold a public hearing and final vote on the ordinance at its April 5 meeting.
Some residents who attended the March 15 meeting were there specifically to address the ordinance during the public portion.
Bill McNeill, who began his involvement in Millstone politics with his election to the committee in 1967, said he was opposed to the zoning change. He said the committee was “too quick” to change ordinances that had been in place for years.
“Those ordinances were written for a reason and they don’t need to be changed,” Mr. McNeill, a former Millstone mayor, said.
Bob Paul, a longtime Millstone resident, also was opposed to the zoning change.
“The Township Committee should represent all people in town, not just the people who have recently moved in and overloaded the schools,” Mr. Paul said. He said “nobody has compassion for the property owner” in Millstone.
The ordinance did receive some public support.
Ken Pelican said the ordinance would help ensure some of Millstone’s qualities are preserved. He said he moved to Millstone because he wanted to get away from congestion.
The ordinance would allow for fewer houses, and that is the most important thing, Mr. Pelican said.
“It doesn’t have to do with how long a person has lived here, whether it be a short time or 50 to 100 years,” Mr. Pelican said. “I don’t want malls and I don’t want a million houses.”
The ordinance was recommended to the committee by the Planning Board.