At its Monday, January 22, meeting, the Township Council passed several resolutions and introduced three ordinances, including two for overlay districts that would pave the way for 280 housing units to be built in town.
At the start of the meeting, the Council also acknowledged Muslim Heritage Month and the Livingston League ofWomen Voters with proclamations. Resident Josh Commer also shared information about a recent trip to Israel he took with his son, Adam, details of which may be seen in a separate article in this edition of the Tribune.
Housing Ordinances Introduced
An ordinance was introduced to adopt the 170-106.2 RIAO-2 Residential Inclusionary Adult Overlay District. The 3.23 acre district is located at the comer of West Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Miracle Way (block 101, lot 2).
The ordinance would permit 120 age restricted residential units, to be owned or leased, with 20 percent of the total (24 units) set aside as affordable to low and moderate income households. The head of each residential unit must be at least 55 years old, and no person under 19 will be permitted to live in the units for more than 90 days per year.
Additionally, the Council introduced the 170-104.15 R-5S Residence Overlay District. The 10.08 district is located on the other side of Miracle Way, along WestMt. Pleasant Avenue (block 100, lots 15 and 16).
The ordinance would permit 160 residential units, to be owned or leased, with 20 percent of the total (32 units) set aside as affordable to low and moderate income households. The units would be for a multifamily residential use.
B oth of these ordinances will have second hearings during the February 26 meeting, as it needs to be referred to the Planning Board.
Re-Inspection Fees The Council also introduced an ordinance to amend the township code to establish re-inspection fees for any limited food establishment, public eating establishment or food establishment identified in Section D (1), D (2) or D (3). The first reinspection will be $75 and subsequent re-inspections will be $150.
This ordinance will have a second hearing during the February 5 meeting.
Ordinance Passes
An ordinance was passed to approve a right of way easement with Jersey Central Power and Light to install utility lines to service a cellular tower that is being built at the Circle Firehouse (block 5700, lot 2). According to the ordinance, the tower will generate “significant revenues” for the township.
Audit
The Council passed a resolution certifying the annual audit for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2022.
A 2022 corrective action plan was also prepared by CFO Ann Cucci and approved by the Council.
Aspire Tax Credit
A resolution of support was passed for the Aspire Tax Credit program for 39 West Northfield Road (block 4801, lot 9). The resolution states that the project will bring over $40 million in capital investment to Livingston and “will help create significant construction jobs throughout the development process, along with new full-time medical jobs, including doctors and nurses, following construction.”
TheAspire program is a gap financing tool used by the state to support commercial, mixed use, and residential real estate development projects.
Green Acres
The Council also requested a Green Acres grant for $2,388,332.45 for assistance in the acquisition and development of lands for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes. Previously, the town received a Green Acres grant for $4,450,000 from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Sports Fees
A resolution was passed to establish various fees for new programs within the Department of Senior, Youth, and Leisure Services. Livingston Jr. Lancers football fees are set at $325; Livingston Jr. Lancers cheerleading at $185; and Livingston Flag Football at $150. The programs used to be run by parents, but will now be run by the town.
Contracts
A $95,165 emergency contract was issued to JDV Process Equipment Corporation for the purchase and installation of a new positive displacement blower and the rebuilding of the existing positive displacement blower for the anaerobic digester primary tank at the Water Pollution Control Facility. The contract was considered an emergent need because it is necessary “to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.”
A contract was awarded to Topology NJ for professional planning services on an as needed basis for the preparation of redevelopment plans and overall planning services. Fees for services provided on applications before the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment will be charged to applicants through escrow.
A$120,000 contract was awarded toAntonelli Kantor Rivera for township attorney services. The contract is a combination of retainer fees and hourly services. Additionally, a $50,000 contract was given to the firm for affordable housing counsel.
Each of the Council members praised township attorney Jarrid Kantor, who has been in the position for several years.
