Monroe Council approves traffic signal upgrades, multiple housing ordinances and introduces $2.56M bond ordinance

Monroe Township Council at its March 2 session approved several ordinances and resolutions spanning traffic improvements, zoning updates, and affordable‑housing regulations, and introduced a bond ordinance for capital improvements.

Ordinance O‑02‑2002, which approves traffic‑signal improvements at Applegarth Road and Joan Warren Way, was adopted unanimously after a public hearing that produced no speakers. The council also adopted Ordinance O‑02‑004 (statutory updates to the Highway Development/R‑3A articles) and O‑02‑005 (repeal and replacement of affordable‑housing sections and development fees to conform with the amended Fair Housing Act), both on roll call with unanimous votes.

Council introduced Ordinance O‑03‑2006, a bond ordinance appropriating $2,556,000 and authorizing issuance of $2,433,800 in bonds or notes to finance various capital improvements. The bond ordinance was approved for introduction on unanimous roll call; a public hearing and final adoption will follow per standard bond‑ordinance procedure.

The consent agenda (Resolutions R32026‑056 through R32026‑075, with R32026‑057 and R32026‑069 removed for separate consideration) passed on roll call; one council member cast a recorded “no” during the roll call. Separately considered resolutions were moved and passed.

On a related fiscal question raised during public comment, Business Administrator McGowan said the remaining balance on a 2014 water‑and‑sewer bond that is being cancelled and reallocated is $645,000; the administration said the funds will be re‑used within the water and sewer capital operating budget for flexibility.

What’s next: The bond ordinance will return for a public hearing and final adoption under the township’s meeting calendar; planning‑board review remains required for any site‑specific development that flows from zoning changes adopted tonight.