The ordinance would have created a LI-5 Light Industrial district, enabling the construction of a warehouse or data center.
Patch Staff
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – An ordinance that would have allowed construction of approximately 2,700,000 square feet of industrial warehouse or distribution center space was defeated during the last council meeting.
The proposed development was planned for a 176-acre area along Ridge Road and Perrine Road. Initially, this property had been included in the township's Affordable Housing Plan for rezoning to accommodate 1,320 residential units, including 264 affordable housing units.
In 2022, however, developer Ridge Road Properties and the township agreed to switch to building warehouses instead. A fairness hearing on December 16, 2024, saw a judge rule in favor of this agreement, which included an $8 million contribution by the developer to the township's Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
The defeated ordinance would have created a LI-5 Light Industrial district, enabling the construction of a warehouse or data center. The township's Planning Board had previously voted against the ordinance before it was sent to the council.
At the April 16 meeting, residents from Ridge Road and surrounding neighborhoods attended in large numbers as the council prepared to vote.
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"Warehouses near schools, surrounded by residential area and without proper infrastructure, should not be approved," said resident Tarun Patel. "Yes, the township has housing obligations. Yes, it wants commercial tax revenue. But we cannot allow ourselves to be forced into a decision that sacrifices our neighborhood, our infrastructure, and our health in the name of compromise."
Mayor Charlie Carley acknowledged residents' concerns and mentioned ongoing litigation related to affordable housing across town. He discussed efforts to mitigate traffic impacts through developer-funded road improvements, emphasizing the need to avoid congestion near a high school and downtown Monmouth Junction.
Resident Kevin Moran argued that rezoning contradicted the township's Master Plan: "When you look at the 2001 Master Plan, commercial uses should not be scattered, but located at consolidated places so circulation and public transportation can be effectively provided. There's no way it makes sense to stick an industrial park in an area that's surrounded completely by a residential area."
The attorney for Ridge Road Properties spoke in favor of passing the ordinance, calling the process "transparent" and noting the court's decision deemed the agreement "fair."
“When the court held hearings in December in New Brunswick, many of the residents that spoke tonight were at that meeting. Many residents expressed their concerns with respect to the project, and ultimately, the judge determined, in the context of affordable housing, that the Settlement Agreement was fair and reasonable,” the attorney said.
During the final vote, Councilwoman Patricia Germain voted "no," citing her personal experience having a warehouse in her backyard. Councilwoman Archana Grover also voted "no," stating, "I live on Henderson Road, and I do not want a warehouse in my backyard."
Mayor Carley voted "yes," explaining, "I've been one of the authors of this, and so I have to own up to it." Councilman Kenneth Bierman recused himself.
The ordinance was ultimately defeated by a 2-1 vote.
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