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Somerville council raises PO‑zone floor‑area cap, approves development pilot and passes routine contracts
Summary
At its Oct. 20 meeting the council adopted Ordinance 2771 to raise the PO‑zone floor‑area ratio from 25% to 30%, authorized a pilot financial agreement for a Fairview Avenue redevelopment (Ord. 2772), and approved multiple consent resolutions and contract awards including a municipal‑aid contract for Lincoln Avenue improvements.
The Borough of Somerville council adopted Ordinance 2771 on Oct. 20, 2025, amending Schedule B of the land‑use code to increase the maximum floor‑area ratio (FAR) in the PO zone from 25% to 30%. The motion passed by roll call with Councilmembers Terresa Bonner, Andrew Ki, Glenda, Randy Pittz, Gina Stravik and Roger Ferm voting yes.
The council also authorized a pilot financial agreement (Ord. 2772) between the Borough and Foundry Urban Renewal LLC for property at 100 Fairview Avenue. Colin, the property owner who spoke to the council, summarized the proposed revenue‑share schedule: 10% of revenue for the first five years, 12% for the next five years and 15% thereafter. He estimated the project might generate roughly $450,000–$460,000 per year at full occupancy. The council adopted the pilot; the roll call recorded a recusal by Councilmember Randy Pittz and affirmative votes from the remaining members.
Councilmembers and staff clarified that state law requires a completed planning‑board approval for a project before a final pilot agreement can be executed; the council can agree to terms in principle but not finalize legal documents until the project is legally approved.
On consent matters, the council approved a series of routine resolutions, including special event approvals, license transfers, acceptance of a $2,288 firefighter and EMS grant from New Jersey American Water, and authorization for a Little Food Pantry installation. The council awarded a municipal‑aid contract to KM Construction Corp. for Lincoln Avenue improvements (including Cleveland and Holly Street) and discussed, then pulled for later review, an amendment to the NV5 contract for final design services on the Veterans Memorial Drive East Safe Routes to School project.
The council also approved payment of bills and vouchers totaling $1,610,295.64 and adjourned the meeting.
Votes at a glance
- Ord. 2771 (FAR increase, PO zone): Adopted unanimously (6–0). - Ord. 2772 (Pilot for 100 Fairview Ave): Adopted (5 yes, 0 no, 1 recusal — Councilmember Randy Pittz recused). - Ord. 2774 (seasonal sidewalk café amendment): Introduced for public hearing (introduction approved by voice/roll call). - Consent resolutions (licenses, parades, grants, contracts): Adopted (unanimous where recorded).
What’s next: Planning‑board review will continue for related redevelopment items; the pilot agreement will be finalized after the project obtains the required planning approvals.
