Montgomery Planning Board Advances Affordable Housing Plan, Reviews Promenade Signage

Nicholas Mistretta

Montgomery Township, N.J. — The Montgomery Township Planning Board held a lengthy and substantive meeting on March 9, advancing a key affordable housing initiative while also reviewing signage and site plan details for the long-anticipated Montgomery Promenade development.

Affordable Housing Plan Adopted
The board’s most significant action of the evening was the adoption of the amended Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, a critical component of the township’s state-mandated affordable housing obligations.

Planning Director Lori Savron outlined that the revised plan shifts strategy away from new construction and instead focuses on extending affordability controls on existing housing units. The approach includes developments such as Pike Run, Montgomery Glen, and McKinley Commons, where deed restrictions will ensure units remain available to low- and moderate-income households.

Planning consultant Michael Sullivan described the strategy as “sound planning,” emphasizing that preserving existing units avoids additional strain on infrastructure, limits environmental impact, and maintains the township’s existing development footprint.

The plan generates 275 affordable housing credits, exceeding the township’s requirement and creating a modest surplus for future flexibility. Board members unanimously approved the plan following a public hearing, with no public opposition voiced.

Princeton Orthopaedics Application Carried
An application from Princeton Orthopaedics seeking amended site plan approval for signage was carried to the March 23 meeting, with no further notice required.

Montgomery Promenade Signage and Model Home Proposal
The board then turned to a detailed review of signage and site plan amendments for the Montgomery Promenade development, including a proposed model home and temporary parking arrangement.

Representatives for the applicant outlined plans for:

• A model home sales center with appointment-only visits
• A temporary off-street parking lot, citing safety benefits over on-street parking
• A comprehensive signage package for both residential and commercial components

Board members conducted an extensive, page-by-page review of signage proposals, identifying numerous variances related to sign height, size, and quantity. While many elements exceeded ordinance limits, the board generally found the designs consistent with the scale and architecture of the development.

After discussion and adjustments—including the removal of certain oversized temporary signs and time limits on model home signage—the board approved the application with conditions.

Public Comments Highlight Communication Concerns
Several residents from Route 518 spoke during public comment, expressing continued support for the project while raising concerns about communication from the developer.

Residents cited issues including:

• Lack of advance notice for construction activities
• Concerns about fencing placement and property boundaries
• Need for clearer timelines on infrastructure work, including sewer connections

Mayor Neena Singh acknowledged the concerns, calling the communication gap “concerning” and urging improved coordination moving forward. The applicant’s attorney also apologized and committed to better engagement with neighbors.

Additional Discussion: Lighting and Environmental Impact
Board members also raised concerns about lighting impacts, particularly regarding “dark skies” and effects on wildlife. While the applicant indicated lighting would meet safety and tenant requirements, officials encouraged continued consideration of environmental impacts.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com