Route 202 Senior Townhouse Plan Increases Number Of Units In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — More units are being added to the proposal to tear down a largely vacant office complex on Route 202 and build 131 age-restricted townhomes at 131 Morristown Road in Bernards Township.

Morristown Road LLC's application returned to the zoning board with revised plans at the July 16 meeting.

The plan would raise the total to 131 homes, including 26 affordable units, in an age-restricted community for residents 55 and older called The Estates of Basking Ridge.

The application seeks preliminary and final site plan approval, bulk variances and D variances for use and F under zoning matter ZB25-040.

The site sits along Route 202 near the Interstate 287 interchange, bordered by residential and recreational uses to the northwest, professional uses to the northeast, and I-287 to the south.

Site engineer Josh Weary said the latest proposal calls for 131 units, up from 119, with 105 market rate units and 26 affordable units. He also said the number of buildings was reduced from 43 to 42.

Weary testified that the project now proposes 424 parking spaces, including six ADA spaces and three EV charging spaces, along with 118 surface spaces for affordable units and visitors.

He also described shorter driveways, the removal of a dog park in favor of passive recreation space with sidewalks and benches, and a reduction in impervious coverage from 448,944 square feet to 437,814 square feet.

Traffic testimony came from Corey Chase of Dynamic Traffic, who said his office last revised its impact study July 2.

Chase said the study projected "just over 60 trips in and out" during peak hours and described that as about one trip per minute.

He also testified that the New Jersey Department of Transportation responded Jan. 12 that no new access permit would be required and that the redevelopment would not generate a significant increase in traffic.

The board also heard testimony about homeowners association operations and the property’s recent office leasing history before ending for the night.

The hearing was carried to the Sept. 17 special meeting at 7:30 p.m.

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