U.F. considers kicking bonus density to the curb
Developers may no longer get option of clustering projects
BY JANE MEGGITT
Staff Writer

UPPER FREEHOLD - The Township Committee will ask the Planning Board to eliminate the 35 percent bonus density cluster option from the township's master plan.

Mayor Stephen Fleischacker, who also serves on the Planning Board, said he will make the recommendation at the next Planning Board meeting.

The cluster option has been in effect since 2003, when the Planning Board voted to go from 2-acre to 3-acre zoning. The option allows developers with a minimum of 50 acres to gain a greater density of development if they cluster homes on smaller tracts while preserving the remainder of the parcel they are building on.

Committeeman Robert Faber said he has spoken to many residents who would like to see the bonus density element disappear. He asked that the governing body make a resolution that would remove it from township zoning.

Committeeman Stephen Alexander said he brought up the subject last year and agreed that he would like to see the Township Committee send such a resolution to the Planning Board.

Deputy Mayor William Miscoski, who served on the Planning Board at the time the bonus density/cluster option was passed, said he thinks there is nothing wrong with the current 3-acre zoning in town. However, he agreed that there is now a need to do away with the bonus density.

Fleischacker said since it is obvious that the majority of the Township Committee wants to remove the bonus density, he would let the Planning Board know what the governing body is considering.

Miscoski considered it a good idea, since it respects the authority of the Planning Board.

Alexander said the Planning Board must understand that the Township Committee has the ultimate authority on the issue.