Clark council introduces multiple zoning and affordable-housing ordinances ahead of March hearings
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Summary
The council introduced several zoning changes and affordable-housing overlay ordinances tied to a Fair Share Housing settlement, scheduled public hearings for early and mid-March, and heard residents ask for clearer maps and more accessible hearing times.
The Township of Clark Council on Feb. 17 introduced a series of zoning and affordable-housing ordinances required under a Fair Share Housing settlement and scheduled public hearings to meet state deadlines.
Council introduced Ordinance 2605, which amends section 3-10-30 of the township code to clarify that property owners are responsible for clearing the entire width and length of sidewalks abutting their land; the public hearing for 2605 was set for March 2. Council also introduced Ordinance 2606 to establish a new RB-16-2 multiple-family residential overlay district for specified blocks and lots (public hearing March 13).
Further introductions included Ordinance 2607 (a mixed-use affordable-housing overlay district), Ordinance 2608 (an age-restricted/senior-housing overlay), and Ordinance 2609 (an update to the affordable housing and development fee ordinance consistent with NJAC 5:97-1); public hearings for these were scheduled for March 13. Planner Jim Ulrich and the mayor said these overlay changes and updates are part of the steps required to implement the housing element and fair-share plan.
Residents at the meeting asked for clearer property maps and questioned timing: Delia Collins asked who would change zoning if a property were sold before a zoning change, and raised concern that a March 13, 2 p.m. hearing on a Friday would limit public participation. Mayor Albanese explained the planning board meets only once monthly and the township needs a special meeting to meet the state’s March 15 deadline, and Ulrich noted that the listed properties are in addition to prior rounds of zoning changes already under consideration.
"It was very hard to find information even on the overlay, and all the information took two or three people to figure out what properties were involved," resident Delia Collins said, asking for clearer public materials. The council reiterated that public hearings and notices will be posted and that interested residents who cannot attend will have opportunities to comment in forthcoming hearings.
The council took no final zoning votes on Feb. 17 beyond introductions and scheduling; public hearings and any subsequent votes will occur on the advertised March dates.