Pennrose Can't Proceed With Housing Project In Moorestown: Judge

MOORESTOWN, NJ - Judge Ronald Bookbinder has ruled that Pennrose can’t move forward with a proposed affordable housing development off Route 38, township officials confirmed Monday night. The ruling, which came during a hearing Monday afternoon, paves the way for the township to move forward with an affordable housing complex at The Miles Technology Site.

Moorestown identified The Miles Technology Site as an alternative site last month, in response to a ruling by Bookbinder. Pennrose had filed a lawsuit to have a restrictive covenant invalidated so it can begin work on what was to be a 75-unit affordable housing project. The ruling has not yet been made public.

The Miles Technology Site is located on Route 38. A developer suggested the site in April. A vacant commercial building is currently located on the property. The owner of that property has been trying to sell or otherwise repurpose the site.

The township has been in discussion with the owner to purchase the site, which is on the market for $3 million. Resident Fred Sutherland pointed out that the township will also have to demolish the current building and build a new one during public comment at Monday night’s council meeting at town hall.

Councilman Mike Locatell said he believes The Pennrose Site was a better site for the township, as The Miles Site will cost the tax payers more money, costs the township an additional six units of affordable housing and the change in zoning costs the township a tax ratable. The Pennrose Site was also in a better position than The Miles Site to make the tax credit deadline of Sept. 12.

Sutherland had asked about The Maybury Site, which had been designated handpicked for affordable housing at a time when there were no other houses in the area.

Township officials said they chose The Miles Technology Site because it is situated near public transportation and job opportunities, and it is eligible to compete for federal tax benefits. Maybury is limited because there is a protected plant species in the area, and the site doesn’t qualify for federal tax benefits due to lack of public transportation.

A date for the township’s next compliance hearing for its affordable housing settlement has not yet been set. Earlier this month, Moorestown Council voted to amend the settlement agreement it previously reached with the Fair Share Housing Council.

The settlement agreement and the township’s housing plan have to be aligned by the next compliance hearing. Council members said the Planning Board is expected to discuss the matter at its July 11 meeting, although the official agenda has not yet been set.