More Retail May Come To Route 33 In Howell Under Revised Uses

HOWELL, NJ — The Township Council recently revised several land use ordinances affecting zoning of areas within the township, including along Route 33 that can allow for more retail development there.

Matthew Howard, director of Land Use and Planning, said the council has been updating the land use element of the Master Plan since May and has finished various revisions to land use ordinances. The township advised residents on Facebook that a new zoning map is now available.

"The biggest change is along Route 33," Howard said. The town is creating a Highway Development 4 Zone that includes retail uses, as well as warehousing and other facilities, he said.

The area stretches from Yellowbrook Road off of Route 33 west toward Freehold, he said.

Currently there are agricultural uses and industrial, but limited retail development.

The changes, he said, are a "common sense approach" to adjust for future retail needs in the area.

The newest version of the zoning map can be found here.

"The Township Council now wishes to change the zoning designation of several parcels to Highway Development 4 (HD-4) in order to create a commercial zoning district along Route 33 and to provide appropriate and complimentary permitted, accessory and conditional uses within that zone," the ordinance said. This ordinance rezones several parcels within the Township of Howell from other various zoning designations to Highway Development 4 (HD-4), according to a past agenda.