Discussion Of 75-Unit Housing Development Continues In Mendham

MENDHAM, NJ — After two months since the last Joint Land Use Board meeting the borough will be discussing a proposal to build a new 75-unit apartment building on 84–90 East Main Street.

V-Fee Mendham Apartments LLC is once again on the agenda for the upcoming board meeting planned for Tuesday, July 18.

The applicant, who was initially supposed to present its proposal at the Joint Land Use Board meeting on Feb. 23, but withdrew the application at the last minute to make changes, went before the board on May 16.

The land use board had deemed the proposal incomplete, stating that the applicant needed to request additional variances for certain parts of the project, to which the applicant objected and filed an application requesting zoning board interpretation.

According to a letter sent by the board's attorney, Thomas Germinario, only one of the two variances requested by the board would be required for the plan's potential approval.

The agenda for next week's meeting shows that the board will be introducing a resolution for the apartment complex.

The development site is on the western outskirts of the municipality's commercial and retail services section, which includes a mix of office and retail space that extends east to the Mendham Township border.

The four-story structure proposed by the applicant will be built next to an existing retail shopping center that includes a Kings Food Market, Mendham Bagel and Coffee Shop, The Club at Mendham, and a wireless telecommunications tower.

The existing tennis center will be demolished, along with the in-ground pool, gravel play area, and shed, to make way for a mixed-use development that will include an automobile sales and service business and a 75-unit multifamily residential building.

According to officials, at least 20 percent of the units will be set aside for affordable housing.

Given the contentious nature of this project, Mendham Borough officials have stated in advance that no public testimony will be allowed at the meeting, which will be held at the West Morris Mendham High School Auditorium.