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Planning Board grants one-year extension for Woodward Estates subdivision after DEP permitting delays
Summary
The Manalapan Planning Board voted unanimously to extend approvals for the Woodward Estates subdivision to Oct. 23, 2026, after the applicant cited the need to secure multiple DEP permits and a pending conditional county approval; counsel said construction is anticipated in Spring 2026.
The Manalapan Planning Board on Oct. 23 granted Woodward Estates, Inc. a one-year extension of its Preliminary and Final Major Subdivision and Site Plan approvals, moving the approval maturity date to Oct. 23, 2026.
Kenneth Pape, attorney for Woodward Estates, told the board the project’s approval timeline had been delayed by a complex series of regulatory steps, including the need to obtain thirteen separate DEP permits and to secure extensions to the sanitary sewer service area. Pape said the last DEP permit was received the same day as the meeting and that a conditional county approval remains pending following a resubmission on Oct. 10.
"Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026," Mr. Kenneth Pape, attorney for Woodward Estates, said, adding that site work already cleared necessary trees and offsite easements had been obtained. Pape also noted that the applicant had to address mid-project changes to flood hazard rules that extended the timeline.
Board members pressed for timing details. Mr. Jack McNaboe asked specifically for a projected start date so the township could update Judge Jacobson on the project's status; Pape reiterated the Spring 2026 estimate.
Chairwoman Kathryn Kwaak then asked for a motion to grant a one-year extension to Oct. 23, 2026. Chief Hogan moved to approve and Mr. Jack McNaboe seconded. The motion passed by roll-call vote with yes votes from Fisher, Brown, Castronovo, Jacobson, Kwaak, McNaboe, Hogan, Kastell and Givelekian; Mayor Eric Nelson and Nunzio Pollifrone were recorded absent.
Background: The Woodward Estates application (PPM2043) was originally approved on Sept. 22, 2022 and memorialized Oct. 27, 2022; an earlier one-year extension was approved Sept. 12, 2024 and memorialized Oct. 10, 2024. The board record shows the applicant emphasized the project’s role in meeting a substantial portion of Manalapan’s phase three affordable housing obligation.
Next steps: The extension preserves the board approvals while the applicant completes the pending county review. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
