Public commenters and council members spent substantial time on the borough’s affordable housing element and redevelopment planning process. Resident Jim Robinson questioned how the borough planned to place affordable housing on land currently occupied by small businesses and asked whether the process could lead to eminent domain takings. He also raised concerns about timing and prior approvals for major projects.

The borough attorney responded with a detailed explanation of the statutory redevelopment process: preliminary investigations by the planning board determine whether an area qualifies as an “area in need of redevelopment.” Those investigations, which were noticed publicly, were non‑condemnation studies in this case; that means no eminent domain is authorized at the investigation stage. If the planning board recommends designation, the council may later adopt a redevelopment designation and submit materials to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for confirmation. Only after those steps and adoption of a redevelopment plan would zoning for potential development be put in place. The attorney emphasized that property owners are not compelled to develop: redevelopment zoning creates a pathway for development but does not force a sale or transfer. He noted, however, that if properties are not developed over a long period, the plan may require updates in a future round of fair‑share compliance.

Council members and the mayor reiterated that the borough’s settlement obligations and state procedures shape the timing and content of the housing plan. Officials said they had limited options to alter the state’s compliance mechanism but would continue to pursue all lawful measures to reduce impacts on neighborhoods.

No action to seize property or to require owners to sell was taken at the meeting. The planning board’s preliminary investigations proceed as a statutory step and any future amendments or a redevelopment plan would require public hearings and council action.