The Livingston Planning Board, at its conference meeting on Tuesday evening, November 16, discussed two zoning-related matters referred to the Board by the Township Council.Inclusionary ZoneThe Council requested a review of an ordinance to establish a new inclusionary development zone, designated as the “R-5L Residence Overlay District,” to determine whether it is consistent with the township’s master plan. The ordinance, which concerns lots located on more than three acres of land along Passaic Avenue and Volker Lane, has been discussed during Council meetings for several months. It has been amended several times, and the latest iteration was re-introduced at the Council’s November 8 meeting.The purpose of the ordinance is to permit inclusionary multi-family residential development of not more than 72 units, including a 20 percent set-aside of affordable units in the district. Inclusionary zoning requires a given share of new construction to be affordable housing. The latest amendments involve changes in building roof height and provisions for “green” or sustainable construction.Members agreed unanimously that the amended ordinance is consistent with the township’s master plan.Redevelopment ResolutionAt its November 8 meeting, the Council referred to the Board a resolution authorizing the Board to conduct a preliminary investigation of block 5900, lots 39, 40, and 41, and block 5901, lot 1, for determination as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment. The properties are located along Old Road where Route 10 meets Eisenhower Parkway. The parcel includes a building that once housed a Masonic Lodge and, prior to that, Olivet Chapel; an adjacent house; and a building housing a limousine business.The Board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.Cancer Center Hearing Dec. 7The Board will next meet on Tuesday evening, December 7. On the agenda is an application by Saint Barnabas Medical Center for preliminary and final major site plan approval for a new Cancer Center on the hospital’s main campus on Old Short Hills Road. The parcel in question is the former site of a day care facility and playground. The plans call for the demolition of the existing building and removal of the current parking area, and construction of a new Cancer Center building and adjoining parking garage. Proposed site improvements include a new signalized intersection at Old Short Hills Road.
