90-Unit Housing Development Returns To Morristown Planning Docket

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A developer seeking Morristown Planning Board approval to build six new three-story multifamily developments is back on the agenda for the Nov. 3 meeting, continuing the lengthy approval process.

The applicant, JMF/RD Morristown, LLC, proposes to clear-cut the existing vacant property to build 64 stacked townhouse units in five buildings and a 26-unit multi-family senior affordable apartment building on Cory Road in Morristown.

According to planning board documents, the project was originally prepared by Arna Engineering, Inc. in 2019, with architectural plans prepared by Holiday Architects in 2021.

However, both original plans were most recently revised back in May 2022 and then once again in September 2022.

The three-story buildings will have a mix of townhouses and apartments, including 26 one-bedroom apartments, 32 two-bedroom apartments, and 32 three-bedroom apartments. According to planning board documents, the 90 units will include 64 market rate units and 26 affordable housing units.

Other lot improvements include 169 parking spaces (128 surface parking spaces within town home garages / driveways), a new curb cut entrance and cul-de-sac private drive extending from Cory Road, new retaining walls (up to 10') and a stormwater management area, along with landscaping, lighting and utility improvements.

Off-site improvements would include a new sidewalk along Cory Road, a crosswalk at Hillairy Avenue, and a pedestrian pathway connecting the subject property to the Morris Township tract pedestrian network.

Phil Abramson, the Morristown Board Planner, raised the issue of tree preservation. The site currently has healthy existing trees, which will be cut down as part of the construction, according to the applicant's proposal.

JMF/RD Morristown, LLC will be required to provide the board with a preservation plan to confirm the amount of green space on the lot as part of the appeal hearing.

The planning board has repeatedly delayed the appeal hearing, which is expected to take place on Nov. 3 over Zoom.