West Orange Township_Fourth Round HEFSP_Final Draft

Township of West Orange August 2025 Essex County, New Jersey Draft Housing Element and Fair Share Plan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A recipient of LIHTC in 2018, the building was completed in 2020. All units within the building are now occupied. The site’s 30-year affordability controls began on August 23, 2018. All 55 affordable units were applied toward the Township’s Third Round obligation, in addition to 55 rental bonus credits. All associated documentation can be found in the appendix of the Township’s Courtapproved Third Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, adopted on November 17, 2020. West Essex Highlands West Essex Highlands is a 120-acre lot located in the northwestern corner of the Township adjacent to Warner Road (Lot 32 of Block 179). The site was the subject of a settlement agreement, executed by the Township and West Essex Highlands, Inc. (“WEHI”), and the West Essex Highlands Condominium Association (the “Association”) on April 23, 2020. On October 10, 2020, the Township adopted an ordinance rezoning the property to the IH-1 Inclusionary Housing District (Ordinance 2614-20). See Appendix H. An application for the site has been filed seeking Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan Approval. The Planning Board is currently holding public hearings on the application. The applicant proposes a four hundred and ninety-six (496) unit residential development across four (4) four-story buildings. Throughout the complex, there will be a minimum of 100 affordable family rental units, representing a 20% affordable set-aside. Of the site’s 100 affordable units, 12 will be one-bedroom units, 64 will be two-bedroom units, and 24 will be three-bedroom units. Affordability controls on the site will expire 30 years from the date of initial occupancy. The site is appropriate for inclusionary development, as it is available, approvable, developable, and suitable: • Available: The site has no easements or title issues preventing its development. • Suitable: The site is adjacent to compatible land uses, with established residential neighborhoods within the existing Highlands at West Essex condominium complex. The site’s development is consistent with the goals and strategies outlined in the State Plan, as it is located within

al neighborhoods within the existing Highlands at West Essex condominium complex. The site’s development is consistent with the goals and strategies outlined in the State Plan, as it is located within the Metropolitan Planning Area (PA 1). Further, the site has street access to Warner Road, which offers direct connections to Oval Road and Eagle Rock Avenue. • Developable: The site falls within the sewer and water service areas. While a portion of the site is constrained by wetlands, proposed development is concentrated within the unconstrained areas of the site. 52