By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN – Property that was identified years ago as a location for affordable housing in Manalapan has been removed from the municipality’s affordable housing plan.
On March 8, members of the Township Committee adopted an ordinance that amended Manalapan’s zoning map and removed two lots on Cannonero Boulevard from being considered as a site for affordable housing.
Cannonero Boulevard runs from Millhurst Road into the Four Seasons adult community.
No residents commented on the ordinance when given the opportunity to do so.
Deputy Mayor Jack McNaboe, Committeewoman Mary Ann Musich, Committeeman David Kane and Committeeman Kevin Uniglicht voted to adopt the ordinance.
Mayor Susan Cohen stepped down from the dais on this matter. Cohen has said that she does not participate in matters having to do with affordable housing because she works for an individual who owns land in Manalapan that could be used for affordable housing.
The parcels on Cannonero Boulevard will be placed in Manalapan’s Public Use zone, according to the ordinance.
Affordable housing is housing that is sold or rented at below market rates to individuals who have a low or moderate income as defined by the federal government.
According to the ordinance, the two lots on Cannonero Boulevard were intended to be used for an inclusionary affordable housing development.
Inclusionary housing is a development that is built with little or no public subsidy, according to the state Department of Community Affairs website.
Municipal officials determined there were other properties in Manalapan which were better suited for inclusionary development, according to the ordinance. The alternative site for an inclusionary development is on Route 33 near the Knob Hill residential development.
