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Commission flags connectivity and density calculations in OI‑2 draft
Summary
Commissioners raised concerns that the proposed layout is insular with few access points and that the ordinance's density calculation—subtracting dedicated open space—could discourage open-space dedication; both items will be referred to the Borough Solicitor for legal clarification and to SALDO for design review.
The Planning Commission questioned whether the proposed development layout achieves the borough's goal of integrating new housing into the existing street grid, citing only three access points and a lack of internal sidewalks that may funnel traffic onto Mulberry and Mill Streets.
The Chair said the layout "feels 'plopped down' rather than connected," and commissioners pressed the developer to reconsider connectivity and internal walkways. Separately, a developer representative criticized the ordinance's density method that subtracts dedicated open space from the tract area, calling that approach "unusual" and "nonsensical" because it may penalize generous open-space dedication. The commission agreed both the connectivity/design concerns and the density calculation require further review—connectivity through the SALDO process and the density calculation by the Borough Solicitor.
Staff will request legal clarification on the density method and continue to work with the developer on street and sidewalk connections before the September meeting.
