New 75-Unit Housing Development Back On Table For Mendham

MENDHAM, NJ — Yet another new apartment complex is being eyed for Mendham Borough.

V-Fee Mendham Apartments LLC will once again be presenting its proposal to build a new 75-unit apartment building on 84–90 East Main Street in Mendham Borough.

The property is located on the western edge 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 applicant 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 additional changes, according to Mendham Borough mayor Christine Glassner.

The board deemed the proposal incomplete on March 21 because the applicant needed to request additional variances for certain parts of the project, with which the applicant disagreed and filed an application requesting an interpretation by the zoning board.

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

The applicant's proposed four-story structure will be constructed 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, including the in-ground pool, gravel play area, and shed, will be demolished to make way for a mixed-use development that will include an automobile sales and service business and a 75-unit multifamily residential building.

At least 20 percent of the units will be set aside for affordable housing, officials said.

The site will also be improved with a parking garage, surface parking and an outdoor swimming pool.

On social media, some residents have previously expressed concerns about the building's height. Because the surrounding shopping area is made up of one-story buildings, some people are concerned about the addition of a four-story structure.

You can view the full agenda here.

The Mendham Borough Joint Land Use Board will meet in person on Tuesday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Hilltop Elementary School Cafeteria, 12 Hilltop Road, Mendham.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the apartment building was going to replace the shopping center. The building will only replace the existing tennis center.