|
Developer Seeks 2,531 Homes In Jackson
By Keith Hagarty
JACKSON - Because of lateness last Monday evening, the township planning board tabled a hearing on plans to build 2,531 homes on Route 526 and 527, the largest housing development project in Jackson history.
The project would span from West Commodore Blvd. to West Fish Road to Jackson Mills-Freehold Road.
Instead of spending only a half hour to begin listening to initial testimony on the project known as Jackson Mews, the board agreed to hold off starting the hearings until a final schedule is drafted at the board's July 9 annual organization meeting. A tentative date of July 16 is the most likely option for the first hearing.
The developer, Mitch Leigh, is seeking approval from the board to construct 1,332 townhouses, 790 condominiums and 384 garden style apartments to be designated as affordable housing. The total building time of the development is expected to be over a six- to 15-year period.
Plans have already drawn in opposition from several residents in town, including the community-activist organization known as The Concerned Citizens of Jackson. The group believes the project would negatively impact the surrounding area in regards to traffic and an adverse environmental impact, as well as placing an even heavier burden on the school system.
"West Commodore Blvd., Cedar Swamp Road and Freehold-Jackson Mills Road will be backed up at every traffic light each morning, evening and all weekend long," the group states on their website in opposition to the project. "This kind of growth will demand more traffic lights for this area."
West Fish Road and Indiero Road will be used as shortcuts and become overcrowded with traffic if Jackson Mews is approved, the group contends.
| 
