TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE APPROVES POST OFFICE REDEVELOPMENT CHANGES DESPITE PUBLIC OPPOSITION

The Township Committee gave initial approval Tuesday night to changes in the Maplewood Village post office redevelopment that would allow a height increase, an exemption from low-income housing requirements in exchange for cash, and other modifications.

In a 5-0 vote, the TC approved an ordinance on first reading that allows the changes to the plans being proposed by JMF Properties, which is set to replace the post office with a retail/housing mix. The Township is still negotiating a price for the land, which the township owns and currently leases to the postal service for $75,000 per year.

The changes include an increase in height restrictions in some areas from 45 feet to 52 feet, while also offering an exemption to the policy requiring that 10% of housing units be set aside for affordable housing. Instead, JMF will contribute $100,000 to a housing-related fund.

Several residents spoke during the meeting with concern about the changes and the overall "fast-tracking" of the project.