Politics & Government
More Land Needed For Moorestown To Move On Affordable Development
Moorestown needs to acquire one more piece of land as the long journey to complete a 76-unit complex can get underway.
MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown must acquire one more piece of land before it moves on a high profile affordable housing development near the mall. Council unanimously approved a proposal on introduction to re-zone land near a proposed complex at 307 Harper Road last week.
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, according to the proposed ordinance posted on the township's website.
Find out what's happening in Moorestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The township has an application pending before the planning board to subdivide the lot, so that the portion it wishes to acquire can be consolidated into the Harper Drive property. That portion must be re-zoned to fit in with the zoning on the Harper Drive site.
It is the latest step in a long process to begin work on the housing complex. The project was initially set for a site off Route 38, but Pennrose had to file a lawsuit against homeowners in the area to have a restrictive covenant invalidated. A judge in the case ruled that the township could pursue an alternative site because Pennrose failed to show that the restrictive covenant prevents the realistic opportunity for the development of affordable housing in the township.
Find out what's happening in Moorestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The township’s second choice was to set up on The Miles Technology Site on Route 38. After they were unable to come to a deal with the owners, the township landed on the Harper Drive site. The project goes toward the township’s affordable housing obligation.
The public hearing and final vote on the proposal is set for the March 23 council meeting at town hall, 111 West Second Street.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
