Monroe planning board finds proposed PRC-2 medical staffing change consistent with master plan

The Monroe Township Planning Board on April 1 advised the Township Council that a proposed amendment to Chapter 108, section 6.23 (ordinance O4-2025-010) — which would remove a requirement that retirement communities of 600 or more residents/units in the PRC-2 zone provide a registered nurse 24 hours a day — is consistent with the master plan.

Staff member Mister McGowan told the board the amendment would “remove the language from the PRC 2 zone that mandates the staffing of a registered nurse 24 hours a day for any retirement community consisting of 600 or more residents 600 or more residential units in that zone” and would instead apply the same medical-space requirement used in the PRC-1 and PRC-3 districts, which requires a building space be provided for medical uses but does not mandate 24/7 nurse staffing.

The planner’s memorandum reviewed by the board concluded the amendment does not create inconsistencies with the goals, objectives or recommendations of the Monroe Township master plan. Township planner Mister Foote (speaking for the planning staff) told the board staff identified relevant master-plan goals including policies to “develop and implement policies that comprehensively address the needs of an aging population” and maintenance of affordability and access to medical and recreational facilities for seniors; he said the proposed amendment is consistent with those goals.

Board member Jay Weiner said he “found this change to be quite consistent with the master plan,” arguing the current requirement applies only to one community and creates a potential affordability burden for residents of that development. Stonebridge residents who spoke agreed. Alan Stauber, a Stonebridge HOA board member, told the board Stonebridge residents had discussed alternative language but acknowledged the planning board’s role was limited to determining master-plan consistency. Jerry Morelli, vice president of the Stonebridge HOA board, said the HOA conducted a community vote in which 53% of respondents favored the change but noted the HOA’s governing documents require a two-thirds vote of the entire community to alter the nursing-service requirement.

Board members moved and seconded a recommendation that the ordinance be found consistent with the master plan and returned to the council with the planning board’s endorsement. The board recorded a roll-call recommendation in which each member present voted yes.

The planning board’s finding is advisory; the Township Council will hold a second reading and public hearing on the ordinance on May 7, 2025. McGowan and staff noted the municipal land use law gives the board 35 days to report back to council; staff prepared a memorializing resolution of the planning board recommendation for transmittal to council.