Haddonfeld Today 090_2021Feb05

#090 • FEBRUARY 5 TO MARCH 5, 2021
haddonfield.today | 31
BUT GOOD NEWS FOR
HADDONFIELD, AND SENIORS.
The plaintiffs requested reinstatement of their case because the
commissioners had failed to abide by the settlement, which was spelled out
in an order entered by Judge Nan S. Famular in October 2019. The order noted
that the borough would take steps to achieve and promote age-restricted
housing on the site.
In the suit filed in March 2018, the plaintiffs called for the revised
redevelopment plan the commissioners adopted in February 2018 to be
set aside, and for the original (2016) Bancroft redevelopment plan to be
reinstated. The 2018 plan called for fewer design restrictions and increased
floor area per townhome – changes the developer had requested. The
Planning Board voted overwhelmingly against the developer’s requests, but
the commissioners set their objections aside and adopted the revised plan.
It is not known if the Planning Board will reschedule the postponed
hearing on the developer’s pending application soon, or wait until after Judge
Famular hears the plaintiffs’ reinstated suit, on March 3.
FUNDAMENTAL FLAWS
• The commissioners claim the development is designed for “empty nesters.”
It’s not, in any respect: site design, interior design, or unit selling price. The site
plan provides no outdoor communal areas. Some units have elevators that
serve the first and second floors, but their occupants will be forced to navigate
six or more steps to the garage. How does that make sense? For many emptynesters,
a purchase price of $550,00+ will be upsizing, not downsizing.
• The area of impervious coverage is so great that the developer is proposing
to defile adjacent County-owned open space parkland by constructing a
pipe to discharge stormwater into the Cooper River. Obtaining approval for
this will be a major hurdle, as it appears to violate new NJ Department of
Environmental Protection regulations protecting a 300-foot riparian zone.
Also, it appears to violate DEP Green Acres rules which prohibit using parkland
for private development.
Right-sized, right-priced flats that meet the wants and needs of downsizing
seniors is the obvious answer. If only the commissioners could admit it.
Please help HERD fund its legal efforts to require the Commissioners
to act responsibly! Donate at GoFundMe.com – search for “Bancroft
Ordinance” – or mail a check payable to HERD to PO Box 60, Haddonfield.
Thank you!
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