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Lacey Committee opposes state bill S1836, says measure would preempt local zoning
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Summary
Lacey Township passed a resolution opposing state Senate Bill S1836, saying the bill would allow religious and nonprofit institutions to build up to 40 units per acre and would erode local land-use control; committee members urged defending home‑rule and noted potential health and infrastructure impacts from denser development.
The Lacey Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution opposing New Jersey Senate Bill S1836, which the resolution says would permit religious and nonprofit institutions to develop residential housing at densities of up to 40 units per acre and would preempt municipal zoning authority.
"These are our decisions to make for our own sovereignty and our own land-use boards," said Pete McDonald, a committeeman. "Trenton should have nothing to do with how we use our land...we're all for Lacey first." McDonald and other members urged the township to protect local control over land-use decisions.
Deputy Mayor Lorraine said the proposal could lead to overbuilding seen in other municipalities and that the committee must work to oppose state action that removes municipal discretion. Several members described the resolution as a defense of "home rule" and suggested the planning board and zoning authorities would need to review any such state action carefully.
The resolution passed on a motion and voice vote; members recorded their support during roll call. Council discussion included potential downstream effects—traffic, septic and drainage capacity in non‑watered areas, and the risk that builder lawsuits could circumvent local rules.
The committee directed staff to monitor the bill's progress in Trenton and to coordinate with local planning and legal counsel on potential responses. No formal legal action beyond passage of the opposition resolution was announced at the meeting.
