Edison Council 'kicks' Amboy Avenue zoning change 'down the road'

EDISON - Residents of the Clara Barton neighborhood will have to wait to see what happens to plans aimed at reducing the height of new construction along Amboy Avenue.

An ordinance making that change has been put on hold by the Township Council.

Council members have tabled the introduction of an ordinance amending the Amboy Avenue Redevelopment Plan that called for the elimination of four-story buildings after questions were raised about the apparent last-minute presentation of the ordinance as well as the impact any change would have on parking, density, the business community and affordable housing.

Clara Barton residents have repeatedly asked the Council to repeal the 2016 Amboy Avenue Redevelopment Plan which created a commercial corridor overlay district that allowed mixed-use retail/office development, with a height of four stories in the district. The proposed ordinance called for restricting the maximum height of 35 feet, which is 10 feet less than four stories.

Councilwoman Margot Harris opposed the council's rush to table the ordinance.

"I'm upset, I'm angry, I'm disappointed about this," said Harris, who along with other council members, received dozens of emails in support of the ordinance. "I think what the residents of Clara Barton are looking for is to get on base. They have been quite vocal about this. I think they are happy to start with this if we need to amend this down the road, so be it, but they have spoken loudly and forcefully that they want to get on base."

Councilman Ajay Patil said tabling the ordinance kicks the issue down the road. He said the Council should start with something and later make modifications.

Harris and Patil were the only two who voted against postponing the ordinance.

Councilman John Poyner said the proposed ordinance does not address the parking issue, design guidelines or the setback guidelines.

He added the ordinance also doesn't address the population density which he believes is the underlying issue. He also said the ordinance doesn't provide a clear vision of what Amboy Avenue is and what it could be.

Poyner proposed a revised ordinance with suggestions he'd like to see considered and asked that the ordinance be delayed a month to consider the recommendations which he feels would not be a detriment to the neighborhood.

Poyner said he's not trying to make things perfect, but rather to address the existing issues.

"I'm OK with tabling this. I understand it's going to make my neighbors unhappy but if I'm going to sit up here and look to actually tackle the issues that face Amboy Avenue, I'm not going to do it half-ass," Poyner said.

Councilman Asaf Shmuel, who joined the council this year, said he's heard more about Amboy Avenue than any other topic during his first six months in office.

Shmuel said there are many holes in the proposed ordinance and it doesn't do justice to the Clara Barton and Edison residents to vote on it in the current form. He'd like to see some of Poyner's suggestions incorporated into a new ordinance.

Earlier: Edison may cut down size of new construction along Amboy Avenue

Councilman Joseph Coyle said he's been trying to make Amboy Avenue better for the past 35 years. He said investors have been aware of the current four-story building height limit but not much has been done.

Coyle, who also serves as president of the Edison Chamber of Commerce, said it would not be fair to vote on the ordinance without input from the business community. He advocated for a meeting with all people who have an interest in the Clara Barton community.

He also said he's concerned about the impact the ordinance would have on affordable housing, adding it's not fair to not include four-story buildings as a component of affordable housing. He wants to see a discussion about the pros and cons so the town can encourage investment on the block.

"I believe in taking our time and doing it right. I want it to be good but I do feel there needs to be work done," added Council President Nishith Patel, who wants to see parking and design standards also addressed. "I don't mind if we wait an extra month and get this done right."

Email: srussell@gannettnj.com

Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Edison Council 'kicks' Amboy Avenue zoning change 'down the road'