May 2021
www.branchburgnews.com
Branchburg Township Preps for Court-Ordered Housing
Land between Old York Road and Route 202 South has been cleared for an all-affordable housing complex. The PSE&G power switching station can be seen in the distance.
Heavy land clearing began last month along Route 22 East and Route 202 South in preparation for high density housing. Branchburg Township Administrator Greg Bonin said, “Needing to fulfill our court ordered affordable housing mandate, the township was required to permit certain housing in our community. There will be two developments
on Route 22 (eastbound). The first has been approved for approximately 480 units, with 25% being affordable housing. The second development is still in the planning stage but will have a similar unit compliment.” Bonin added that on Route 202 and Old York Road, adjacent to the Whiton Hills apartment complex, “the township is working with a
developer to construct 100 units of all affordable housing. The important factor with this development is that it is 100% affordable units and therefore will not have the 4-1 ratio of market to affordable units that is typical. This will prevent 400 more units being forced upon the township by the courts and developers.” At the April 12 Township Committee meeting Committeeman Tom Young proposed adding a “clickable map” to the township website so residents can see what developments are occurring around town. He said he has Wooded acreage along Route 22 East across from the North Branch Post fielded a bunch of calls regarding Office has been cleared for a housing project. The industrial park on Meister development, and it would be help- Avenue can be seen beyond the clearing. ful to click on the spot in question and “have a concept plan pop up, to give a sense of what’s coming.” Young mentioned the “clear cut on 22” and possible worries that the woods might be replaced by Soviet-style housing that some adjacent towns are building. “Most of the stuff we’re doing has a pretty good look and feel to it,” he said.
Branchburg Food Truck and Music Festival May 8 The Branchburg Food Truck and Music Festival will be held on Saturday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at White Oak Park. The family event will include a variety of food trucks, live music, vendors, children’s activities including pony rides, petting zoo, airbrush & glitter tattoos, inflatables, games, sand art, and spin art. Take a chance to win one of 6 electric bikes. Buy a plant for Mother’s Day at the flower sale. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a beer and sangria garden. This event is a benefit for the Rotary Club of Branchburg and its many community service projects. Come out for a fun day
and support a very worthy organization. Bring your appetite, lawn chairs, pop ups and blankets. Dogs are permitted. Beer Garden Sponsored by Lone Eagle Brewing of Flemington. The cost of admission is $5,
and free for children under 5 years old. Bring a non-perishable canned or boxed food item to help support the local food pantry. For more information visit www.justjerseyfest.com. - Submitted by Kathy Feigley, Rotary Club of Branchburg