Lacey Adjusts Zoning Laws Ahead Of 'Lofts At Lacey' Hearing

LACEY, NJ — Ahead of a public hearing on the controversial Lofts at Lacey project, the Lacey Township Committee has adjusted the language in the township's zoning laws.

This adjustment was introduced at a 9 a.m. committee meeting on June 23.

The Lofts at Lacey hearing, a controversial 270-unit condominium project, was originally set for May before being pushed back to June where it was again pushed and will now be heard in July. There will be a special planning board meeting on July 28.

The adjustment made was to correct a typographical error. The township code says a multi-family dwelling has a maximum five acre tract. However, the township's Master Plan from 2012 says a minimum five acre tract. The code will be adjusted to replace "maximum" with "minimum."

Mayor Mark Dykoff spoke to address what he called "a lot of misinformation." As this ordinance was introduced at the meeting, he encouraged residents to come to the next committee meeting on July 14 where this adjustment will be open for public comment. Dykoff said the committee would be able to answer more questions at that time.

Resident Kevin Flynn voiced his opposition to the development, specifically against Lofts at Lacey. "I know we can't stop people from developing," he said, but complained that developers do not follow Lacey Township laws, instead requiring numerous waivers.

Dykoff explained that while the board could deny these projects, they would just appeal to the state, so the township has to allow certain variances. Throughout the meeting, officials emphasized that the project was first introduced almost 20 years ago and has gone through different forms ever since.

"We can fight it," Dykoff said, but the township would be taken to court.

Committeeman Steven Kennis, who also sits on the zoning board, said that the board could deny it every time and get sued every time.

"Is that a wise use of taxpayer money?" Kennis said.

Flynn expressed concerns about the infrastructure in town being unable to handle the amount of cars the condominiums would bring.

"This has become little Bricktown," Flynn said, noting that it is already difficult to drive in some areas of town.

Dykoff said that the board could not deny based on traffic or school impacts. Also, he added that he wanted to see Route 9 widened, but it is a state road, and did not believe it would happen. "That is what we need," Dykoff said.