Moorestown Re-Sets Zoning For Former Pennrose Site

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A saga that began nearly two years ago with a developer suing residents so it can move forward with an affordable housing project appears to be coming to an end. Moorestown Council gave final approval to a proposed ordinance to re-set the zoning for what had been a proposed affordable housing complex off Route 38 Monday night.

Council had to have it re-zoned to pave the way for Pennrose to build a 76-unit affordable housing complex in the area. However, Pennrose needed to have a restrictive covenant invalidated to move forward with the plan, and filed a lawsuit against the residents to do so.

Proceedings dragged on for the next several months, leaving the project in limbo and prompting council to call on the judge to make a decision nearly a year into the lawsuit.

Ultimately, the judge ruled Pennrose couldn't move forward with the project at the Route 38 site. Following that ruling, the residents requested council re-zone the area immediately, before another developer could move in with another affordable housing proposal.

Council approved the proposed ordinance to do just that on Monday night, along with an accompanying resolution that explained why the proposal was inconsistent with the township’s master plan.

It needed such a resolution to do so in the first place, and needed one on Monday. Ultimately, the area will conform once again, officials said.

Earlier this month, council approved a resolution to authorize a memorandum of understanding that would establish the parameters of a continuing relationship between the township and Pennrose.

As part of the agreement, Pennrose would end its litigation, end its efforts to move forward with the project and support the township as far as its plans to satisfy its affordable housing obligation.

In exchange, the township intends to work with Pennrose on its 76-unit affordable housing development at the corner of Harper Drive and East Gate Drive, near the Moorestown Mall. Read more here: Moorestown Set For Affordable Housing Site Near The Moorestown Mall

A more formal agreement between Moorestown and Pennrose will be prepared and will be the subject of a future council meeting, officials said.