Council introduces Amboy Avenue redevelopment amendments, limits building heights in parts of corridor

The Edison Township Council introduced Ordinance 2,234 on Sept. 9, proposing changes to the Amboy Avenue redevelopment overlay that would lower allowable building heights in portions of the corridor to about 3.5 stories (roughly 35 feet) and adjust setbacks and design standards.

Town planning staff and the council's consultant explained that the proposed changes are intended to address resident concerns about scale and shading in neighborhoods adjacent to Amboy Avenue while preserving mixed-use redevelopment opportunities. The planner said the change "adjusts the height of the building" rather than land uses and that the master plan still recommends redevelopment for the area; counsel and the planner said the ordinance, as drafted, is consistent with the master-plan guidance but acknowledged the overall zoning code will be revisited in future updates.

Council members pressed for clarity and documentation: several asked that the planning documents and diagrams used to derive lot-width/height relationships be circulated to council and residents. Concerns emphasized by councilors included parking, whether the ordinance would discourage investment, and the need to coordinate with affected property owners and the planning board during the redevelopment/zoning amendment process.

Council indicated a minor amendment is possible before final adoption to limit a particular 'building type 3' allowance to existing residential properties that front Amboy Avenue, a change counsel said could be handled prior to the final vote. The ordinance was introduced for first reading and will return for public hearing and final action at the next session.