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Mount Laurel Planning Board finds Rancokus Woods redevelopment plan consistent with master plan, recommends approval
Summary
The Planning Board reviewed an amended redevelopment plan for the Rancokus Woods area on Oct. 9 and voted to recommend the ordinance to township council, noting the plan incorporates municipal property, a proposed splash pad, added parking and preservation of existing vegetation.
The Mount Laurel Township Planning Board on Oct. 9 reviewed an ordinance to adopt an amended redevelopment plan for the Rancokus Woods redevelopment area and voted to recommend the ordinance to township council.
Jay, who presented the plan to the board, told members the amendment is consistent with the township’s 2017 master-plan re-examination and that the changes are largely clarifying rather than substantive. He said the amendment incorporates municipal property — including a proposed splash pad — adds a parking lot along Creek Road and includes tweaks to preserve existing vegetation and to meet current parking standards. "There are no significant changes from the prior plan," Jay said, adding that a public meeting and hearing were held on June 24, 2025.
When a board member asked whether the plan allows eminent domain, Jay replied that eminent domain is specifically excluded: the amendment is an overlay and will not authorize condemnation. The presenter also noted an earlier erroneous map in the report had been corrected; he displayed an updated map and the proposed light standards that will accompany the plan.
After the presentation the board moved that the ordinance is consistent with the master plan. Mr. Feifer made the motion and Mr. Ahmad seconded; a roll-call vote followed and the motion passed, meaning the board will forward a recommendation of approval to township council.
The action taken by the Planning Board is procedural: it is a consistency review required under state municipal-land-use law and does not by itself adopt the redevelopment plan. The ordinance will next proceed to the council for formal adoption at second reading and any additional council actions or public commentary will be recorded at that time.
The meeting record notes the amended plan is available to the public; Jay said it was introduced by council for first reading and was accessible following the last council meeting.
