Commission advances work to define charter, private and public schools in zoning code

On Oct. 16 the Planning Commission discussed draft definitions for charter, private and public schools to add clarity to the Township's zoning ordinance. Staff said the definitions were compiled from multiple sources and that the Commission needs to decide how the categories map to zoning districts and whether they will be Permitted or Conditional Uses.

Assistant Manager Tim Saunders noted the draft classifies K‑12 schools as educational and treats colleges and universities as businesses. Mr. Richard DeRiso asked where voucher funds go; he said such money goes to the school. Solicitor Benjamin Orsatti recommended changing a draft line from "that does not receive government funding" to "that does not primarily receive government funding" to account for schools that receive some public funds.

Commissioners debated whether schools should be allowed in Manufacturing districts; Mr. Flaherty said placing any type of school in the Manufacturing district "would be dangerous," and Mr. Wolfgang said he would prefer schools not be allowed in Manufacturing. Ms. Greco suggested allowing charter, public and private schools in R‑1 through R‑4, and the Commission will address conditional versus permitted status at its next meeting.