Haddonfield advances amendments to Bancroft Redevelopment Plan and refers changes to Planning Board

On Oct. 7, 2024 the Borough of Haddonfield’s Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2024-12 on first reading, adopting amendments to the Bancroft Redevelopment Plan pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law. Commissioner Troy moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and Mayor Bianco Bezich seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

During the public comment period several residents criticized recent changes to the redevelopment materials. Dave Siedell said the commissioners were "giving away too much to the developer." Dave Huehnergarth said "rental language was not referenced in the original Request for Proposal." Redevelopment Counsel Matt Jessup told the audience there is a color-coded copy showing changes and reviewed updates that are required by law. The Borough Administrator and Affordable Housing Planner Ed Fox said that, under the borough’s agreement with Fair Share Housing Corporation (FSHC), the affordable units at the Bancroft site must be rentals.

Commissioners separately approved Resolution 2024-10-07-160 to refer the proposed amendments to the Planning Board for review; that referral was part of a set of resolutions approved later in the meeting. Public commenters also pressed for better online posting of red-lined documents and asked whether roadway improvements to Hopkins Lane would be part of the project review; Mayor Bianco Bezich directed such technical traffic and road-improvement questions to the Planning Board process when formal plans are submitted.

The ordinance was taken up as part of a broader redevelopment sequence that includes required court steps and review by state and local entities, as outlined by borough redevelopment counsel. The commissioners set the second reading and public hearing for Nov. 12, 2024 where further comment and formal action are expected.