COURT HOUSE – A proposed residential development of 120 town houses took a step forward at the Middle Township Committee meeting Monday, April 8.

The committee authorized Mayor Christopher Leusner to sign a state Department of Environmental Protection certification about the property that is required as part of the Coastal Area Facility Review Act permit process for the development, planned for a site at Route 47 and Railroad Avenue.

Leusner reminded the public in attendance that the township’s agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center requires that the developer set aside 20% of the units as affordable housing.

The mayor said the project is in its very early stages. “Specific plans for the development will go through the township’s open and transparent process, either before the Planning or Zoning Board, and eventually back to the Township Committee,” he added.

During that process, Leusner said, the public will have ample opportunity to see the plans and comment on them.

The passage of the resolution came on a night when public comment at the committee meeting focused on the lack of affordable housing that, as one person said, leaves young couples with nowhere to live in the county.

Leusner and Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy assured the public that increasing affordable housing is a top priority for the township.

Contact the author, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.