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Settlement talks could expand Buckwoods project to 148 units, board hears
Summary
At the reorganization meeting board members heard an update on settlement negotiations tied to the Buckwoods site that could increase an earlier 75‑unit plan to 148 units and deliver community benefits including an additional access road and a trail connection.
Members of the Highland Park Zoning Board of Adjustment heard an update March 10 on ongoing settlement discussions affecting the Buckwoods site that could expand an earlier-approved 75‑unit proposal to 148 units as part of a remediation and redevelopment settlement.
A board speaker summarized the talks: the settlement being discussed would remove borough liability for a "5 plus million dollar cleanup" in exchange for allowing a larger development, and would include community benefits such as a new road connecting South 5th to South 7th, a second means of access, a trail connection from Mansfield to Meadows Trail and improved landscaping. "...instead of the borough being liable for a 5 plus million dollar cleanup cost, that would go away in exchange for a 148 unit project," the speaker said.
The speaker said the settlement process would follow a multi‑phase approach: study and designation of the property as an area in need of redevelopment, drafting a redevelopment plan, naming a development team, and entering into a redevelopment and financial agreement. He said the site plan and applications would later return to the planning board for review.
Why it matters: The change would increase the proposed number of housing units and bring infrastructure and landscaping commitments described as community benefits; it also would eliminate a substantial cleanup liability for the borough if the settlement is finalized.
Status: Board members were briefed but took no formal action on the settlement at this meeting; the item will proceed through redevelopment procedures and return for formal review.
