Oxford Land Use Board recommends Block 25, Lot 57 be designated an Area in Need of Redevelopment

The Oxford Township Land Use Board voted Tuesday to recommend that Block 25, Lot 57 be designated an Area in Need of Redevelopment under New Jersey law. The recommendation follows a township planner’s report finding the site—currently occupied by the Public Works complex and located in the LI-Light Industrial Zone and Cannabis Building Overlay Zone—meets statutory criteria under Subparagraph H of N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-5.

Township Planner Tim O’Brien told the board the Investigation Report concluded the parcel’s current use and configuration limit compact development and that, contingent on water and sewer availability, the site could accommodate various housing options and yield economic benefits for the township. The report also noted potential environmental benefits from redeveloping the site rather than developing environmentally sensitive lands elsewhere.

The board considered the Investigation Report and Mr. O’Brien’s testimony before voting to forward a recommendation to the Township Committee. The resolution (2024-10) formalizes the board’s findings and requests the Township Committee proceed with the statutory redevelopment designation process. The motion to approve the resolution was recorded as Ayes 8, Nays 0, Abstain 0, Absent 0.

The recommendation is non-condemnation, meaning the board’s action asks the Township Committee to consider the designation without initiating eminent-domain procedures. The Township Committee will receive the board’s recommendation and determine the next procedural steps.