Moorestown Focuses On Affordable Housing With Hearing Looming

MOORESTOWN, NJ — After months of the coronavirus pandemic taking center stage, Moorestown Council returned to a familiar topic in recent weeks: affordable housing.

Moorestown’s next compliance hearing will take place at the end of November, and the township took a couple of steps to prepare for that hearing during Monday night’s council meeting, Mayor Nicole Gillespie said.

Council introduced a proposed ordinance concerning the acquisition of 307 Harper Drive. In November, council approved the re-zoning of 307 Harper Drive to allow for the construction of a 76-unit complex that includes 75 affordable units.

The 3.12 acre site will include a mix of townhouses and multiple dwellings on three acres of land. In December, council approved the purchase of the property so construction can begin.
However, in order to ensure there is adequate space for the construction on Harper Drive, the township has entered into a contract to acquire an additional 0.56 acres of land near the site, on Route 38.

It also acquired a 60-foot wide strip of Lot 4 adjacent to the boundary between Lots 3 and 4. In March, the planning board approved the township's application for a minor subdivision to permit a lot line adjustment of the boundaries between Lots 3 and 4.

Council approved a proposal on introduction that shows it will also be acquiring the 60-foot strip on Monday night.

The Harper Drive site will be developed by Pennrose, the third site that was considered for that project. It is on the corner of Harper Drive and East Gate Drive.

The township had been exploring options for another site known as the Miles Technology Site, but was unable to reach a deal. The Harper Drive site offers more public transportation options, closer access to shopping restaurants and employers and other "amenities that will benefit future residents," township officials said.

Council also authorized a pair of consent agenda resolutions that call for the mayor to purchase land on Centerton Road from Parkers Bend Retirement Company and enter into a contract with Community Investment Strategies to turn the existing property into a 100 percent senior housing community.