Planning Board To Make Next Decisions On Chester Affordable Housing Topic

CHESTER, NJ — The baton has been passed from the Chester Township Council to the Planning Board on the topic of the Glenlora affordable housing site.

During the council’s Tuesday night meeting, council members voted to direct the Planning Board to next decide if the Glenlora site - which is historic and has been considered for 100 percent affordable housing - should be classified as “an area in need of redevelopment/rehabilitation,” Mayor Marcia Asdal says.

According to the American Planning Association, New Jersey Chapter, an area in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation, “assists redevelopment of an area consistent with goals and objectives of the community.”

In some rehabilitation area cases, towns may offer developers a five-year tax abatement, as they improve an area, the APA also reported.

Asdal said the Glenlora site discussion is going to remain with the Planning Board, as they ascertain if Glenlora should be designated in need or redevelopment or rehabilitation, taking into account the Council’s choice to create affordable housing for individuals with special needs.

“They [the Planning Board] will also develop recommendations regarding the number of units, amounts of impervious coverage and landscaping requirements,” Asdal said.

The Planning Board is scheduled to meet on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at Chester Township’s Municipal Building.

For more details from the township on redevelopment law in New Jersey and the Glenlora site, click here.

RELATED: Chester Township Takes Next Steps For Glenlora Affordable Housing

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