Draft_October 2025_West Orange_HEFSP_with Appendices

Township of West Orange October 2025 Essex County, New Jersey Draft Housing Element and Fair Share Plan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 2025, a developer approached the Township to discuss the potential of utilizing the site for a mixed use residential and commercial building. The Township proposes to rezone the site to permit the development of a total of 60 rental units which includes 12 affordable rental units. Further, the Township will claim 6 bonus credits, at a ratio of 0.5 bonus credits per 1 unit, as the proposed units meet the COAH criteria described below: “A unit of low- or moderate-income housing constructed on land that is or was previously developed and utilized for retail, office, or commercial space.” The site is appropriate for multi-family low- and moderate-income housing as it is available, approvable, developable, and suitable: • Available: The site has no easements or title issues preventing its development. • Suitable: The site borders residential neighborhoods and is located along a roadway with commercial and recreational assets. Further, it is located in proximity to The West multifamily development, which was completed in 2023. Its development is consistent with the goals and strategies outlined in the State Plan. The site is located within the Metropolitan Planning Area (PA 1). Further, the site’s proximity to Northfield Avenue offers access to employment and service establishments. • Developable: The site falls within sewer and public water service areas, and has access to appropriate public streets with frontage on Northfield Avenue. While a portion of the site is constrained by flood hazard areas and steep slopes, the proposed development will be concentrated within the unconstrained areas of the site. • Approvable: The site will be rezoned to accommodate a 60-unit inclusionary multifamily development with a 20% affordable set aside. This will create a total of 12 affordable units on the site. 93