Changes To Post Office Plaza Plan On Borough Council Docket

CHATHAM, NJ — The Chatham Borough Council will be discussing an amended and updated plan for the redevelopment of the Post Office Plaza site, which has been in the works for years.

The chosen plan for the site is a three-story multi-family dwelling with 15 affordable housing family rental units that will be built on the borough's portion of the property behind the post office building off Bowers Lane.

According to the agenda, the Mayor and Council have directed the Borough's Affordable Housing Planning consultant, Kendra A. Lelie of TM Associates, to prepare an amendment to the redevelopment plan that will restate the redevelopment plan to address only the affordable housing structure.

Lots 10 and 17 in block 121, as shown on the Tax Map, are now subject to the Restated Post Office Plaza Redevelopment Plan.

Many residents have complained about the affordable housing unit, claiming that officials were not transparent with them throughout the process.

Mayor Thaddeus Kobylarz has worked to change that, and recently provided additional clarification on a bond ordinance that had members of the community concerned about an apparent increase in pricing.

"The attempt by certain parties to muddy the waters regarding this bond's function as a financial backstop is not only unfortunate but does damage to the Borough's credibility and standing," Kobylarz said.

According to Kobylarz, the Borough's land at the southeast corner of Post Office Plaza will be leased to BCUW/Madeline Housing Partners, LLC for a nominal rent for 45 years.

At the end of the lease, the project will become the property of the borough.

Many residents have also urged the governing body to begin planning for the borough's next round of affordable housing obligations, which is set to be granted in 2025.

Local resident Freddie Bicknese previously expressed hope that the council would be willing to get a head start on the thought process for meeting whatever Fair Share Housing requirements there are and including public input.

“Let’s get the ball rolling on 2025 so we don’t end up back here with five really bad options,” Bicknese said.