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Edison residents press council to limit Amboy Avenue building heights, council weighs tradeoffs
Summary
Residents from Clara Barton urged the Edison Township Council to cap building heights at three stories on Amboy Avenue, saying four‑story buildings risk quality of life and property values; council members debated parking, density and whether a study or targeted incentives for 'anchor' businesses would better spur revitalization.
Residents and council members at an Edison Township work session pressed the council on whether to keep or reduce a zoning allowance that permits four‑story buildings on Amboy Avenue.
"You repeal the ordinance that allows for the 4 story building," said resident Joel Bassoff, urging the council to act quickly to prevent developers from filing under current rules. He and other speakers said permitting taller buildings threatens nearby neighborhoods and could jeopardize property values.
Several residents, including Sumalom Barber and Don Tarr, told the council they had surveyed nearby downtowns and found successful commercial strips with two‑ or three‑story buildings. "What will be good for business along Amboy Avenue is expanding the retail space allowed," Barber said, and she urged the council to recruit an "anchor" restaurant or business that would draw visitors.
Council members acknowledged the competing aims. Councilman Poynter said a careful study should examine density and whether conversions of existing homes justify the proposed half‑story increase to 3.5 stories; Councilman Coyle said he wants evidence that four stories attract customers before changing rules. Council President noted the ordinance in question was passed in 2018 and said development under it has been slow, but that the council must weigh unintended consequences before acting.
Several council members recommended a measured path: fund or commission a formal economic study on Amboy Avenue, use existing economic development funds to explore incentives for anchors, and convene staff and council members to reach consensus. "I'm open to that sit down," the council president told colleagues, adding a post‑meeting session would be scheduled to seek agreement.
The session did not produce a vote on zoning changes. Council members asked administration staff to provide more data on parking, setbacks and density tradeoffs and to explore whether targeted outreach to prospective anchor businesses is feasible.
Next steps: council members said they would pursue additional study and hold discussions after the next council meeting to try to craft revisions that balance neighborhood concerns with economic goals.
