PETERSBURG – The Upper Township Committee meeting Sept. 23 included discussion of an ordinance to authorize the transfer of land owned by the municipality to Habitat for Humanity, Cape May County, a non-profit organization.
As a result of questions and concerns raised by affected residents during public comment, committee agreed to postpone the ordinance’s adoption until its Oct. 15 meeting, pending expanded information to share with the public.
The land is located on East Pacific Avenue and comprises two lots, which are earmarked for two individual homes that would satisfy, in part, the municipality’s obligations to provide affordable housing.
Engineer Paul Dietrich briefed the gathering on details associated with Habitat for Humanity projects: “In exchange for getting a house at a discounted price, the prospective owner(s) needs to qualify for a mortgage, which Habitat for Humanity holds, be employed, have a solid credit score, invest their own ‘sweat equity’ in the property by helping to build it, pay property taxes and participate in counseling on homeownership and maintenance.”
Dietrich added that Habitat for Humanity looks for variety in the homes they build, so even though both lots are on the same street, each dwelling would be aesthetically different. He also said that each structure is “stick-built” and no mobile or trailer home is permitted.
Mayor Richard Palombo noted, “We’ve worked with Habitat in the past. They are well known to us and do a great job here in the county. They are dedicated and have a great track record with a long history of experience locally and, in fact, throughout the country.
“What is built must follow our strict building and zoning codes. If we don’t provide this type of affordable housing and meet our obligations under the state Fair Share Plan, the township could be subject to what is known as ‘builder’s remedy suit,’ meaning we might open ourselves up to high-density housing that could make our school budget escalate. One project that was proposed entailed a 400-unit compound.”
Responding to a question from a resident, Palombo said there was no need to bid out the project, which Solicitor Daniel Young said was per state law.
Resident Joseph Fenton, who lives on the same block as the lots, opened public comment by asking a series of questions about the nature of Habitat for Humanity’s due diligence, supervision and overall bona fides of the homes to be built.
Another Pacific Avenue property owner stressed that the street was too narrow to accommodate new sidewalks. He added that the lots are home to abundant and beautiful vegetation and wildlife, and asked if the municipality surveyed the area as to how to preserve and protect the natural resources.
Palombo took note of residents’ input and made a motion that the public hearing on the ordinance be continued until Oct. 15, which committee approved. At that time, township administration would be prepared with an accurate survey of the block, as to its width, and provide additional information about the preservation of the trees and wildlife, which calls the lots home.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
