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Morristown council directs planning board to study Market Street parcels for rehabilitation and redevelopment
Summary
The council approved Resolution R-150 directing the planning board to investigate whether multiple Market Street parcels qualify as an 'area in need of rehabilitation' under the local redevelopment and housing law and to prepare a redevelopment plan after a previous hotel approval lapsed and demolition left vacant sites.
The Morristown Town Council voted Sept. 10 to direct the Planning Board to conduct a preliminary investigation and, if warranted, prepare a redevelopment plan for several Market Street parcels identified as Block 6001, Lot 8.01 (19–29 Market Street).
Town staff told the council the property was the site of a previously approved hotel project whose approval has lapsed after demolition was already completed, leaving vacant parcels and "holes in the ground" with no active development. Staff said the property owner has marketed the site but has not advanced a project. The resolution instructs the Planning Board to determine whether the area constitutes a "non-condemnation area in need of rehabilitation" under the local redevelopment and housing law (as stated in the meeting record, NJSA 48:12A-1) and, if so, to prepare a redevelopment plan that could include zoning changes and designation of a developer to move a project forward.
Council discussion emphasized that electing a rehabilitation designation — rather than a full redevelopment condemnation — allows flexibility in crafting zoning and plans without pilot tax abatements associated with redevelopment. After a staff presentation explaining the background and options, the council voted to adopt Resolution R-150.
Next steps: The Planning Board will begin the preliminary investigation under the resolution and report back to the council with findings and any recommended redevelopment plan.
