Springfield planning board approves 38‑unit Gateway Manor senior housing at Morris Avenue amid traffic concerns

The Springfield Township Planning Board on Feb. 9 approved Ridge Apartments LLC’s application to redevelop the former Scotty’s site at 597 Morris Avenue into Gateway Manor, a four‑story, age‑restricted (55+) residential building with 38 units.

The board granted preliminary and final site plan approval and the requested bulk variances, while attaching conditions that include a requirement to enter a Redevelopment Agreement within 60 days of the resolution, an off‑site snow removal plan, enclosed trash collection, additional EV‑ready parking, and a $22,500 off‑track contribution to the township recreation fund in lieu of an on‑site dog park.

Why it matters: The project replaces a long‑vacant commercial parcel at a prominent downtown corner and is intended to add senior housing and streetscape improvements. Neighbors and board members, however, pressed the applicant for stronger traffic and pedestrian protections at the complicated Morris Avenue / Baltistrol Way intersection, which is under state (DOT) jurisdiction.

Engineer Michael Lanza, testifying for the applicant, described the 0.83‑acre site and the proposed building footprint. He said the project would provide 38 units with a mix of one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments and that…