Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Affordable Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board finds Midlantic Drive overlay ordinance consistent, advances affordable‑housing zone to council
Summary
The Mount Laurel Planning Board on June 11 deemed Ordinance 2026-18, which would create the Midlantic Drive Overlay Zone allowing up to 119 age‑restricted units with 20% affordable housing, consistent with the master plan and sent it to the township council for final adoption.
The Mount Laurel Township Planning Board voted June 11 to deem Ordinance 2026-18, the proposed Midlantic Drive Overlay Zone, consistent with the township master plan and advance it to the township council for final adoption.
Jay, addressing the board, described the overlay as a tool to meet the township’s fair‑share affordable housing obligation. "The overlay would permit age‑restricted residential uses, 20% of which would be affordable housing," Jay said, and added the overlay would allow up to 119 units.
The ordinance would create an overlay that sits above the existing base zoning for specified blocks and lots along Midlantic Drive. Jay told the board that the ordinance includes buffers and standards intended to make new development compatible with adjacent office and industrial properties and that the proposal is consistent with the housing element and fair‑share plan in the master plan.
Board members pressed for details. One member asked whether existing office or industrial structures would be converted; Jay said particulars would be developer‑driven and remain "TBD," but emphasized the overlay is designed to allow age‑restricted multi‑family attached units rather than single‑family detached homes. Another board member asked whether this ordinance replaces earlier rezoning efforts for motels along Route 73; Jay said the Midlantic Drive overlay is "in addition to" prior efforts and described it as the "first of many" measures the township is advancing to meet its court‑ordered housing obligations.
Mr. Lieberman moved to find the ordinance consistent with the master plan; Mr. Geigerich seconded. The board approved the motion on a roll call vote with all members present voting in the affirmative. The board’s favorable finding sends the ordinance to the Mount Laurel Township Council for final consideration and possible adoption.
What happens next: the ordinance will be on the council’s agenda for a final adoption hearing; the planning board’s recommendation does not itself enact zoning changes. The board also noted there will be no planning board meeting in July and the next meeting is set for Aug. 13, 2026.
Clarifying details: maximum units — 119; affordable set‑aside — 20% of units; unit type — attached/multi‑family (age‑restricted); scope — specified blocks and lots along Midlantic Drive (details enumerated in ordinance, not read into the record).
