Bedminster planner says town can meet round‑four affordable housing obligation, schedules June hearing

Frank, the planning presenter to the Bedminster Planning Board, told members on Jan. 10 that the township can meet its round‑four affordable housing obligation largely by crediting prior approvals and applying units expected from a revised KRE project.

"When All & Dean decision came down, Bedminster was assigned 819 affordable units," Frank said, summarizing the historical accounting that underpins the town's current credits. He told the board the new round allocates 72 units to Bedminster and that roughly three‑quarters could be satisfied with owner‑occupied credits from existing developments, leaving nine family rental units that still must be provided.

Mayor Larry Jacobs, who the board asked to comment, said the planned KRE redevelopment — now proposed as a 140‑unit project with an increased affordable set‑aside under new regional rules — is expected to deliver 28 affordable units and help cover the remaining family rental requirement.

Frank explained how changes in the state bonus‑credit rules (which previously incentivized family rental units) affect credit calculations under the new law and said Bedminster's past contributions create surplus credits. He said staff and consultants will produce a consolidated housing element and fair share plan for a public hearing the board agreed to schedule on June 12, with a submission aimed for the June 30 statutory deadline.

Frank described the next steps in the regulatory timeline: after the town files, the Department of Community Affairs and the affordable housing dispute resolution process may prompt further review; towns generally file declaratory judgment matters in court to obtain final approval and monitoring. He told the board, "I will deliver back to you a document before it goes for public hearing," and said the plan will include the required tables and proofs of credits.

The board discussed how bonus credits, the treatment of group homes and deed‑restricted units, and the KRE applicant's planned changes will be treated in the filing; Frank said the team has identified ways to apply existing surplus credits and the planned KRE units so the nine outstanding family rental units will be satisfied without major zone changes. He also noted the possibility of acquiring units through a municipal trust fund if necessary.

The board and staff agreed to monitor the plan closely and to ensure at least five members will be present for the June 12 hearing so the town can meet the administrative deadline.