Mendham Residents Continue To Resist 75-Unit Apartment Complex

MENDHAM BOROUGH, NJ — Advocates are speaking out against the borough’s decision to build an apartment complex, citing preservation and environmental concerns.

The Mendham Alliance for Preservation and Conservation (MAPC) has filed an appeal following the Joint Land Use Board’s approval of a five-story, 75-unit apartment complex at the Mendham Village Shopping Center. The apartment complex, 20 percent of which will be set aside for affordable housing, is to be built behind Kings Market on East Main Street, replacing the tennis courts.

See Related: New 75-Unit Housing Development Back On Table For Mendham

“The decision disregarded expert testimony and failed to address key concerns raised with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and Borough officials, including stormwater miscalculations, environmental risks, and traffic hazards,” an MAPC statement read. “Mendham deserves responsible development that respects our town’s character, environmental integrity, and safety.

The appeal was filed as a Complaint in Lieu of Prerogative Writs and was submitted to the Morris County Superior Court on April 30. It is based on “substantial procedural and environmental concerns, and represents a major step in the effort to ensure any development in Mendham reflects responsible planning and legal compliance,” according to the nonprofit.

The appeal challenges the following:

• Incomplete and inadequate stormwater management plan
• Lack of proper ecological and environmental review
• Serious traffic and pedestrian safety issues
• A flawed and restrictive public hearing process
• Approval granted with over 20 unresolved legal and technical conditions

MAPC’s Frank Zammataro testified before the NJ Senate Appropriations Committee in March 2024, urging officials to “strike a balance” between affordable housing requirements and environmental preservation.

“While we recognize the importance of addressing the housing needs, we are deeply concerned about the growing trend — how development projects prioritize affordable housing without adequately considering potential environmental impacts,” Zammataro said. “Unchecked development could lead to irreversible damage to our environment, affecting not only our current residents but future generations.”

Specifically, the MAPC’s environmental concerns relate to the Raritan River and the millions of NJ residents who depend on it for drinking water. The nonprofit insists that oversized developments, like the five-story complex, increase stormwater runoff, pollution, and erosion, “endangering water quality and creating long-term restoration challenges.”

Supporting MAPC’s appeal are the Raritan Headwaters Association and the NJ Highlands Coalition, two organizations dedicated to protecting watersheds and other natural resources.

In addition to filing the appeal, the MAPC has been outspoken during board meetings, hosted public meetings, raised funds for litigation costs, and even created lawn signs in an attempt to raise awareness of the issue.

Click here to learn more about MAPC and its mission.