Woolwich JLUB adopts housing element amendment, finds multiple ordinances consistent with master plan

The Woolwich Township Joint Land Use Board unanimously adopted amendments to the municipal Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (HEFSP) on March 5, 2026 and recorded consistency findings for several ordinances related to the township’s fourth-round affordable housing obligations.

Planner Ashton Jones summarized the amendment, noting the removal of a vacant-land adjustment previously considered, the inclusion of six already-built group homes in the municipal inventory, and a recalculation of project totals and credits. Jones reported the net result reconciles the township’s obligations: the transcript records a 241-unit obligation and, after accounting for a 72-unit Park Grove project, a MUD 20% set-aside, 60 bonus credits and a seven-unit surplus, the inventory totals about 248 units, which Jones described as meeting the obligation.

The board opened then closed the public hearing with no substantive public input and then voted to adopt the amendment (motion by Nocentino, seconded by Fluellen; roll call unanimous). The board also voted to memorialize the amendment by resolution (Res. 2026-12).

Separately, the JLUB reviewed Ordinance 2026-02 (zoning and development-fee updates tied to the 4th round requirements) and Ordinance 2026-03 (zoning parcel adjustments and age-restriction provisions). Planner Jones said his consistency letters find those ordinances "not inconsistent" with the Master Plan, and the board voted to record those findings and forward recommendations to the Township Committee (motions and roll calls recorded unanimously). Solicitor Mike Aimino reminded members that the JLUB’s formal responsibility is limited to stating whether proposed ordinances are consistent with the Master Plan and offering recommendations to the governing body.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to adopt amendment to the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (Res. 2026-12): mover Nocentino, second Fluellen — vote: Daniels Yes; Matthias Yes; Nocentino Yes; Fluellen Yes; VC Cotton Yes. Outcome: approved and memorialized. - Motion that Ordinance 2026-02 is not inconsistent with the Master Plan (and Res. 2026-13 recommending ordinance changes to Township Committee): mover Nocentino, second Fluellen — unanimous yes. Outcome: recommendation issued. - Motion that Ordinance 2026-03 is consistent with the Master Plan (and Res. 2026-14): mover Fluellen, second Daniels — unanimous yes. Outcome: recommendation issued and resolution adopted.

Why it matters: The actions formalize steps toward municipal compliance with state-mandated affordable-housing requirements under the Fair Share framework and will be forwarded to the Township Committee and other agencies as required. The decisions are procedural consistency findings; no development approvals or zoning changes were implemented by the JLUB without further municipal action.

Representative quote: "Not a substantive change," Jones said of the numerical adjustments he reviewed, describing the reconciliation of project credits and obligations. Solicitor Aimino told the board its role is to state consistency with the Master Plan and forward recommendations to the governing body.

The board adjourned at about 7:52 PM.