The project would replace a single-family home with three residential buildings on a property containing wetlands. A formal resolution of approval remains pending.
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Morris Township Planning Board approved a 14-unit residential development at 291 James Street on October 5, including three affordable homes, according to an official notice posted October 6.
The approval allows Executive West, LLC to demolish the existing improvements and construct three townhouse buildings. The board closed the public hearing and directed its attorney to prepare a written resolution for adoption at a later meeting. The notice does not provide a construction schedule.
The property is part of the township’s Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, which identifies the site as a source of three units toward the municipality’s affordable housing obligation, according to an August 31 technical review. That report describes an existing single-family house, detached garage and stone driveway on the west side of James Street.
The reviewed design places four market-rate homes in the southern building, three in the western building and seven units in the northern building. The northern building includes the three affordable units: one townhouse and two stacked flats, or apartments arranged on different floors. The technical committee reported two two-bedroom affordable units and one three-bedroom affordable unit.
The buildings are designed to be two stories. Market-rate homes would have two-car garages and driveways, while the affordable units would use surface parking. Township reviewers said the revised plan met zoning requirements without bulk variances, which are exceptions to dimensional rules such as setbacks or building size.
An Environmental Commission review identifies the property as 2.6 acres and describes wetlands in its southern and northwestern portions. The commission reported that the state Department of Environmental Protection classified wetlands there as having exceptional resource value because of documented and suitable habitat for endangered or threatened species.
The environmental review says wetlands buffer and conservation easement boundaries were adjusted in the revised plans. It also lists 15 trees proposed for removal and 64 replacement trees, compared with 28 replacements required. The commission recommended removing invasive bamboo and directing or shielding lighting to limit glare onto neighboring properties.
The review noted that a stormwater management plan was referenced in the application but had not been included in the documents provided to the commission. The board’s action notice does not detail how that issue or the commission’s recommendations were addressed in the approval.
At the same meeting, the board approved Morristown Motors, Inc. to demolish existing improvements and construct a vehicle storage lot at 173 Ridgedale Avenue. The township’s application summary describes 68 proposed inventory spaces serving the Toyota and Subaru dealerships on adjoining lots. A written approval resolution for that project also remains to be adopted.
Residents can review the James Street application and supporting reports through the township’s application page. The action notice also says maps and exhibits are available for inspection at the Engineering Department, 50 Woodland Avenue, during normal weekday business hours.