Senior Housing Development To Be Considered At Mahwah Public Hearing

MAHWAH, NJ — A public hearing on a proposed Land Use Element Amendment to the township's master plan will be held at the planning board meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, which, if passed, would expand the menu of aging-friendly housing options, the township said.

The amendment to the 2012 Comprehensive Master Plan contemplates a redevelopment plan that permits a multi-level senior housing facility that would advance a goal of the master plan which states "to encourage senior citizen community housing construction," the township said in a pamphlet released on its website.

In July, the township council amended a memorandum of agreement, first adopted in March, with Monarch Development Company to develop 29 lots with multi-level senior housing consisting of no more than 157 units, including congregate apartment units, assisted living units and / or memory care units.

This redevelopment plan, for Block 82, Lots 1 and 3 through 30, would add another layer of affordable housing options, and maintain inclusionary zoning outlined in the 2019 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, the township said. It would also provide for additional, non-residential uses in the designated redevelopment area.

In May, the township council designated the 29 lots as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment. Comprising approximately 3,842 acres, the lots are located along East Ramapo Avenue, Franklin Turnpike, King Street and Siding Place, all in the northeast quadrant of Mahwah.

The Housing Element and Fair Share Plan allows mixed-use multi-family housing at a density of 14 units to the acre, and requires a 20% affordable housing set-aside, which would, if adhered to, address unmet need for affordable and age-appropriate housing in the township, the township said.

In fact, the number of residents in Mahwah has more than doubled in a 20-year span, according to 2020 Census data, the township noted.

An amendment to the Land Use Element, the township said in a conclusion, is necessary to establish a foundation for redevelopment of the lots, and to align with the township's planning and zoning documents.