At its meeting on Monday, March 11, the Livingston Township Council introduced two housing ordinances, and passed and tabled separate ordinances related to structures on privately owned property.Brightview OrdinancesAn ordinance was introduced to authorize a sale agreement between Brightview Livingston Urban Renewal and the township, for a portion of its 357 South Livingston Avenue (block 3100, lot 55 in the tax map) property that includes the town’s skate park. The proceeds of the sale are expected to cover the cost of a new skate park, to be located elsewhere in town.Brightview plans to build a 150unit senior living facility on approximately 160,000 gross square feet of land. The property, 321 South Livingston Avenue, is the current home of the West Essex YMCA, which will soon move to a new location across the street, the former site of the Grace Lutheran Church. The strip of land being sold is expected to be used for parking.Also introduced was the approval of an application for a long-term tax exemption - also known as a payment in lieu of taxes, or a PILOT - and authorization of the execution of a financial agreement with Brightview Livingston Urban Renewal in relation to the 150-unit facility. The termination date on the PILOT is 35 years after its passage.The ordinances were introduced by unanimous 3-0 votes. Deputy Mayor Ed Meinhardt and Mayor Al Anthony recused themselves from the vote, due to conflicts of interest related to the YMCA.The Council members that could speak noted that moving forward with the Brightview Project was a “wise decision” for Livingston, as it would ensure the West Essex YMCA stays in town, creates affordable housing, and generates additional revenue producing properties in town. The Grace Lutheran Church and West Essex YMCA were not tax-paying properties in their current locations, but the town will receive revenue from the parcels once the new buildings are constructed, according to the Council.Both of these ordinances, in some form, were discussed at length during several meetings in 2023, though they never passed at that time. They will both have a second hearing on March 25.Deer Fence OrdinancePassed was an ordinance amending the township code regarding materials on “deer fences.” Under the ordinance, a deer fence, which may not be taller than 96 inches at its highest point, may now be constructed of black chain link as well as the previously approved black polypropylene mesh. The size of ...
