Borough of West Cape May

The Special Meeting of the Borough of West Cape May Planning-Zoning Board, held at the Municipal Building, 732 Broadway, was called to order by Vice-Chairperson O’Neill at 6:00 PM. After reading the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975 he led all present in the flag salute.

ROLL CALL:
Members:
            Doris Jacobsen          present             Dick Rigby                present
            Art Joblin                  present             Chris Shriver             present
            Pam Kaithern            present             Chris Wood               absent
            Gary Novak              absent              Alternates:
            Kevin O’Neill           present             Mark Kulkowitz        absent
            Diane Rea                 absent              Archie Garnett          present

Also Present:               Brock Russell, Esq., Board Solicitor
                                    Ray Roberts, P.E., Board Engineer
                                    Elaine Wallace, Recording Secretary

Amended Housing Element & Fair Share Plan: Professional Planner Kendra Lelie, of Collaborative Design Associates was sworn in by Solicitor Russell. Ms. Lelie explained that the Plan was being changed because of the COAH law changes made earlier in the year and passage of the Roberts Bill in July. The changes being considered also include amendments that COAH is expects to adopt later in the month. A copy of the Amended Housing Element & Fair Share Plan is attached. Under the newest COAH regulations, the Borough is ultimately required to provide 23 affordable units, 25% of which must be rental units. The previous plan would have met some of the obligations through regional contribution agreements, but the latest COAH changes eliminated that possibility. The Borough plans to meet its obligations through credits without control, supportive needs housing, accessory apartments and rehabilitations. The newest element being proposed is supportive needs housing, which is being considered on municipally owned land on 5th Avenue and would look like a single family home, but would have up to 7 individual units. The property is within the center as identified by the state for growth.

Barbara Moray of Community Investment Strategies was sworn in by Solicitor Russell and gave a brief overview of her company, which is for-profit and setting up a non-profit aspect to access additional funding sources. Ms. Moray explained that Senator Cody, as acting Governor, set aside $200 million in a trust fund for this type of housing, which could fund 80% of the project being proposed on 5th Avenue. The housing would be for disabled individuals who meet criteria for independent living. Once the house was built, a second company would partner to run the house and provide assistance to the residents. The intention is to provide housing for disabled, multiply disabled and young residents who meet the necessary criteria for independent living, not for drug addicts or alcoholics. Next, she showed a video featuring the other housing projects, her company has built around the state.

Steve Shoch, of Kitchen and Associates of Collingswood, was sworn in by Solicitor Russell. His firm has designed and built more housing using the $200 million trust fund than any other firm. He explained that the 5th Avenue property would have one main entrance with up to 7 units opening onto the common area, the exterior would have porches and pitches to make it attractive and fit with the neighborhood. Also, another criteria of the fund is environmental sustainability, so it will be some of the best construction being built in the state.

Vice-Chairperson O’Neill opened the meeting to the public for comments and questions.

Ramsey Gyer, 5 Pond Creek Lane, was sworn in by Solicitor Russell clarified that the project being suggested would have the appearance of a single family home and provide 7 units. He asked how obligation of 23 will be met. Ms. Lelie explained that the Borough plans to use the supportive housing along with the accessory apartments, rehabilitation projects and credits without controls. She also explained how the growth share would be calculated.

Mike Bean, 400 Fow Avenue, was sworn in by Solicitor Russell and asked if all apartments over commercial properties would have to be for low or moderate income. Ms. Lelie explained that it is up to the property owner, it could be a combination of market rate and affordable.

When no one else wished to speak, Vice-Chairperson O’Neill closed the public portion.

Brock can consider motion to adopt resolution

Resolution ADM 05-08 Endorsing Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. On motion of Art Joblin, seconded by Dick Rigby, the resolution was approved unanimously on roll call vote.

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: No one from the public wished to speak.

ADJOURNMENT: On motion of Pam Kaithern, seconded by Art Joblin, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the regular meeting was adjourned at 7:11 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace
Recording Secretary

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