Upper Envisions ‘Walkable’ Marmora Town Center

PETERSBURG – With a public hearing the Upper Township Committee took its final step, and unanimously approved a zoning amendment that would have a positive impact on future developments in Marmora.

The zoning changes which grew from a recent re-examination of the township’s master plan have two aims.

First, it establishes the framework for Marmora to become a town center, with a planned combination of residential and commercial uses. In some cases, the zoning would allow for residential units above retail stores as done in some other municipalities.

The ordinance is also part of a settlement agreement reached this spring with the Fair Share Housing Center setting the guidelines for the municipality’s affordable housing obligation.

That agreement was reached earlier this year and approved by a judge, which means the township is up to date on its obligations under the state’s Fair Housing Act.

The idea of a town center has been under discussion over the last 10 years. It was originally powered by a proposal for a large-scale commercial development. That proposed development never got off the ground, a victim of the 2008 economic downturn. However, a different vision for new zoning for Marmora continued to be developed.

They included the creation of a walkable downtown, with a mix of residential and commercial uses and parking behind the stores. As part of the settlement with the Fair Share Housing Center, 20 percent of the new residential units would be earmarked as affordable housing, with the associated increase in commercial tax ratables helping the township offset the increased costs of services residential development requires.

Marmora is already an established commercial hub, with a large commercial development anchored by a host of commercial businesses including a supermarket, banks, hardware store, restaurants, a pharmacy, a full-service convenience store and other commercial properties.

The new vision for Marmora becoming a town center is expected to draw more businesses to the area.

The only person to comment at the public hearing was Blanche Adams, a resident and president of the Upper Township Business Association. Adams praised the zoning amendment and voiced the association’s support of the township’s vision of mixed use in the town center.

“It’s a great vision. I can’t wait to see it come to fruition,” Adams said. ”We recognize that anything that brings businesses to the township is a great thing for the existing businesses. It acts like a multiplier, so the more people who come to town for a business; the better it is for all of us here.”

To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.