Introduced: January 25, 2021
Public Hearing: February 8, 2021
Status: Adopted

Ordinance Approving Redevelopment Plan - 525 Route 515, Block 413 Lot 10

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq. (the “Redevelopment Law”), sets forth the procedures for the Township of Vernon (“Township”) to determine whether certain properties are areas in need of redevelopment, along with the development and effectuation of a redevelopment plan for such properties; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 17-169, the Township Council directed the Township Land Use Board (“Land Use Board”) to undertake an investigation to determine whether properties in a proposed redevelopment area, a portion of the area which is commonly referred to as the Town Center Zone (“TC Zone”) and adjacent parcels, is a non-condemnation redevelopment area within the meaning of the Redevelopment Law (“Redevelopment Area”); and

WHEREAS, the Land Use Board adopted a resolution undertaking an investigation of the TC Zone and whether it or any portion constitutes an area in need of redevelopment pursuant to the Redevelopment Law; and

WHEREAS, the Land Use Board authorized Jessica Caldwell, P.P., A.I.C.P. of J. Caldwell & Associates (“Caldwell”) to prepare an investigative report of the TC Zone to determine if the TC Zone or any parcels within the TC Zone should be declared an area in need of redevelopment; and

WHEREAS, on April 11, 2018, the Land Use Board held a public hearing to consider the findings of Caldwell’s investigative report of the TC Zone, at which time the Land Use Board determined that the Redevelopment Area satisfied the statutory criteria to be designated as an area in need of redevelopment in accordance with the Redevelopment Law; and

WHEREAS, the Land Use Board recommended that the Township Council designate the Redevelopment Area as an area in need of redevelopment and adopted a memorializing resolution at its April 11, 2018, meeting; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council thereafter adopted Resolution No. 18-135 at its public meeting on April 23, 2018, designating the Redevelopment Area as an area as in need of redevelopment pursuant to Redevelopment Law; and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 18-35 was transmitted to the Commissioner of the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs, and the area in need of redevelopment designation became effective on or about May 10, 2018; and

WHEREAS, on January 27, 2020, the Township Council, pursuant to the Redevelopment Law, adopted Resolution No. 20-74, directed the Land Use Board to consider and arrange for the preparation of a redevelopment plan to govern the Town Center Zone and to submit such redevelopment plan to the Township Council for its consideration and adoption; and

WHEREAS, at a meeting held on January 13, 2021, the 525 Route 515 Redevelopment Plan for Block 413, Lot 10 dated January 4, 2021, (“Redevelopment Plan”), was presented to the Land Use Board; and

WHEREAS, at its January 13, 2021, meeting the Land Use Board reviewed the proposed Redevelopment Plan and heard public comment regarding same; and

WHEREAS, on January 13, 2021, the Land Use Board issued its report concerning the Redevelopment Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Land Use Board’s January 13, 2021, report determined that no provisions in the Redevelopment Plan are inconsistent with the Township’s Master Plan and recommended three changes to the Redevelopment Plan; and

WHEREAS, Caldwell has revised the Redevelopment Plan to incorporate the recommendations made in the Land Use Board's January 13, 2021, report.

WHEREAS, the Township Council has reviewed and carefully considered the Redevelopment Plan and has found it to be satisfactory and now desires to adopt this Ordinance formally adopting the aforesaid Redevelopment Plan; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, as follows:

Section 1. The 525 Route 515 Redevelopment Plan for Block 413, Lot 10 dated January 14, 2021, a copy of which is annexed hereto and made a part of this Ordinance, is adopted in accordance with the Redevelopment Law.

Section 2. This Ordinance constitutes an amendment to the zoning district map included in the Township’s zoning ordinance.

Section 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

Section 4. If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to such section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision and the remainder of this Ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective.

Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect upon (i) filing with the Sussex County Planning Board in accordance with the Municipal Land Use Law; and (ii) adoption and publication in the manner required by New Jersey law.