Harts Lane site again mulled for senior homes
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK - Township officials are again considering the rezoning of a portion of Harts Lane to allow for senior housing.

The zone change would affect 41 acres of land near Tices Lane, where developer M. Alfieri Co. Inc., of Edison, has proposed building 396 age-restricted condominium units. The land is currently zoned for industrial and warehouse uses.

Alfieri first requested the zone change last year, and though the Planning Board recommended it to the Township Council at that time, the council denied the request, saying the housing would be too dense. Last month, Mayor William Neary asked the council to again consider the zone change.

Neary said at the April 16 meeting that there is a need for more senior housing in the area, and that this type of development causes less strain on municipal services. In particular, it brings in residents who pay property taxes but who do not contribute children to the school system.

It was estimated last year that the age-restricted housing could bring the township property tax revenue to the tune of $2 million per year.

The land in question is largely wooded and hilly, and has not been developed because its topography is not suited for "big box" warehouses, officials said. The area is not visible from the street.

Planning Board Attorney Lawrence Sachs described the proposed rezoning as an "excellent opportunity," noting that it is a piece of property that does not fit in with the rest of the zone. He said the land has no open space value to the town.

If the land is used for senior housing, there could also be some affordable units included, he added.

"I'd encourage the council to consider this," Sachs said.

Council President Nancy Pinkin said the area already has roads and drainage, and there are existing signalized intersections on both ends of Harts Lane.

Councilwoman Catherine Diem asked how senior housing would be defined, and Township Attorney Michael Baker said it is usually defined per federal statute as housing for those 55 years of age and older, and without anyone under 18 years of age living there. He noted that there is only one such development in the township.

Councilman David Stahl recused himself from the issue because he has a working relationship with the applicant who brought the idea to the board.

No decision was made at the meeting. If the council were to rezone the property, it would have to introduce an ordinance and at a later date hold a public hearing on the issue.