Affordable Housing: What About the Environment?

COURT HOUSE — Like it or not, it appears Middle Township is moving ahead with the proposed affordable housing projects in Rio Grande and Court House. Township officials say, “It’s a done deal.” Based on the Planning Board’s estimates, it’s only a matter of time, a few months to a year, before construction begins.
In response to the Sept. 4 Herald articles covering the Conifer affordable housing projects, the township sought to set the record straight. According to the township administration, concerned townspeople have been quick to assume the worst regarding this development and Deputy Mayor Timothy Donohue desired to dispel rumors.
“My main obligation (as I saw it) was to protect the Affordable Housing Trust Fund dollars,” Donohue said. “To use those dollars as leverage to influence the size, scope and design on the two developments in a positive way for the Township.”
From material submitted by the township: “Each community is required by law to ensure there is housing available to all income levels.” Based on a formula that considers population, number of households, and economic and land use factors, Middle Township is obliged to have 454 affordable housing units available. When complete the Rio Grande facility on Route 9 will house 112 and the Court House facility will house 48. These 160 units are the result of negotiations that began with 242 possible. Because each unit counts as two housing credits, the township will actually gain 320 housing credits. Such a development will be advantageous on a number of levels in comparison to the effect of 320 separate affordable housing homes.
“These Conifer developments are subject to all the same permitting processes that any project of this scope requires,” Donohue said. “That includes CAFRA as well as any other environmental litmus tests required by the state or federal government.”
“It is not my role to defend Conifer. But they own the land and have the right to develop it, in accordance with state and federal guidelines and in adherence with our zoning and planning processes. As far as this site being on the ‘Federal Acquisition List,’ I inquired about this list. We were told that there are thousands of properties on this wish list and that the Federal government had no plans (or funding in place) to acquire the property in the near future,” Donohue stated.
In order to secure the advanced funds already received from the state, preventing state seizure of $1.5 million allocated specifically for these projects, the township was required to pursue contracts with developers for the construction of aforementioned properties.
“Over 50 percent of Middle Township is preserved open space,” Donohue stated. “Are we now to say that nothing can be built adjacent to any open space? It’s just not realistically feasible.”
These proposed housing units are not the typical “projects,” rather facilities whereby residents must meet strict income requirements, approximately $22,000 for a single person and $34,000 for a family. They also need to be employed and pass background and credit checks. Potential residents may include entry-level police officers, teachers, healthcare professionals, skilled tradesmen as well as seniors on a fixed income. Based on the 2010 census, about 40 percent of Middle Township residents make less than $50,000 a year.
Some argued such a development could potentially burden the public services of the township, but after further analysis, based on averages from impartial organizations such as Rutgers University, approximately 62 new students would be introduced into the school system.
In comparing other towns with similar complexes there was no need to increase manpower within the police and fire departments to accommodate the development.
And, as far as taxes go, the township claims it negotiated a PILOT payment in lieu of taxes agreement that will, “Not impose undue burden on taxpayers and property owners.”
Once construction begins, signs will be placed at the sites with contact information for those interested. Names will be placed on a list and will be processed in the order received.
However, the Concerned Citizens of Middle Township say the question still exists; how will this development impact the surrounding environment? Why has no environmental impact study been done? Can it be ensured, at the very least, this will only have a neutral affect? And, if this is a “done deal,” why is the state agency, CAFRA (Coastal Area Facility Review Act), now accepting objections in writing?
Eileen Fausey, a member of Concerned Citizens for Middle Township, who helped generate a letter to the state agency as well as a petition to request a hearing and investigation, wanted to communicate their overall support for affordable housing. She, and the other members of her group, are glad such organizations as the ARC and Habitat for Humanity have successfully provided families with homes in our community. She just doesn’t believe there is a need to destroy animals and wildlife to make a profit.
“Everyone’s for providing homes to those in need, but nobody wants to destroy the environment.” Fausey’s personal belief is to honor the ground God has given. To date, she claims there have been no impact studies done and no hearing as promised with expert witnesses. Fausey has already acquired nearly 200 signatures petitioning CAFRA to visit and review this matter. “Let’s get all the facts out there, under oath,” she said. “Let them prove it’s not going to hurt or take away from the species living there.”
According to Fausey, the township has been reluctant to provide a forum for such a hearing. “Why are they objecting to us objecting? Why are they opposed to a hearing if it’s as terrific as they say? This flies in the face of any type of logic. It just doesn’t make sense. What is motivating them?”