Roseland Negotiates Reduction in Affordable Housing Requirements – TAPinto.net

ROSELAND, NJ — Mayor James R. Spango announced during the Borough Council meeting Tuesday that through negotiations the Roseland administration was able to amend the borough’s Affordable Housing obligations to eliminate the requirement of a 260-unit apartment building that would have provided 42 one- and two-bedroom affordable units.  

Instead, a senior citizen housing development will be built at the site located at 65 Livingston Avenue that will provide assisted and independent options. 

“We are always looking for alternatives to residential development that has been forced upon us the state,” Spango said. “The reduction of these 218 units greatly lessens the burden on our schools, infrastructure and traffic.”  

The 42 affordable units will still be constructed, however by eliminating the requirement for the 260-unit apartment building the borough will see a 20% reduction in their COAH obligations. In order to facilitate this change, the council passed on first reading an ordinance that amended various sections of the Roseland Borough Land Development Ordinance to create the R-13/AH-7 affordable housing district. The ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing on March 16.

Spango reported that the borough has seen an additional 20 new cases of residents testing positive for COVID-19 in February which is similar to the October count.  He confirmed that the positivity rate is declining however the numbers were “not great and residents should remain vigilant.”  Plans are underway for the borough’s celebration of Easter which will take place on March 27th.  The plan is to recreate last year’s event when the Easter Bunny was driven through every street in the borough to visit residents.

In other news, Spango confirmed that homebound seniors, as defined by state eligibility requirements, will be able to receive the COVID-19 inoculations in their homes. This program being administered by the borough’s health department and will begin in the next couple of weeks.  Information for this initiative is available on the borough’s website.  

Spango announced that resident Kathy Pigott will be conducting a mobile coat drive on Sunday Feb. 21, from 3 to 4 p.m. Donations may be dropped off at 38 Passaic Avenue and all donations will be sent to the Treehouse Carriage Charity in Newark for individuals in need.  Scarves, hats, and gloves will also be accepted. The Roseland Relief Fund is still accepting donations of food and gift cards. Spango thanked those who have donated and asked that residents continue to remember their neighbors who may need assistance.

Passed on second reading an ordinance amending allowable routes for trucks over four tons was passed unanimously. Spango confirmed this action was one step of a multi-prong plan to reduce traffic on Lincoln Street. The ordinance increases existing fines and requires a mandatory court appearance for violators. Signage will be installed notifying motorists of the changes and the borough is exploring the installation of “no-turn” signs that will prohibit turns during certain times of the day.

Councilman Chris Bardi confirmed that the municipal budget will be introduced during the March meeting. Councilwoman Michele Tolli reported that the “Sox in a Box” collection drive was “going crazy” and to date 1,800-1,900 pairs of socks have been donated.  A resident made an anonymous donation of 1,300-1,400 pairs of Calvin Klein socks that were all new for men, women, and children. The donated socks are being sent to the Sisters of Mercy in Newark and will be distributed to homeless shelters in Essex County. 

Tolli thanked the residents for their donations and noted that the project was the initiative of the Municipal Youth Alliance and the Roseland Women’s Junior Club. She confirmed that socks are the most requested items at shelters for the homeless and the drive continues through Feb. 22.

Councilwoman Jean Perrotti reported that the Roseland Volunteer Fire Department currently has 37 members, logging in 99.52 hours for emergency and non-emergency duty and conducted one meeting, two drills and responded to nine alarms during January. Perrotti welcomed Venessa D’Amato, Jay Mariano and Alissa Negri, three new additions to the Auxiliary Police department who were approved by the council under the consent agenda.  On behalf of Captain Richard Costello, Perrotti asked residents to be aware that delivery packages left on porches were being stolen and if residents are expecting deliveries it would be prudent to speak with neighbors to accept packages if you are not expected to be home during delivery.

The next caucus meeting will be held on March 3.