JACKSON, N.J. — The Jackson Township Council voted unanimously on Thursday to override Mayor Michael Reina’s veto of Ordinance 33-24, a measure designed to address concerns about residential overdevelopment in the growing township.
The 4-0 vote displayed the solidarity of ongoing efforts by the Jackson council leaders to balance economic growth with infrastructure limitations.
Ordinance 33-24, which amends the municipal land use code, will significantly reduce the number of homes developers can construct per acre by shifting the calculation method from “gross acreage” to “net acreage.”
The ordinance, which sought to modify zoning regulations, was introduced in response to community concerns over increased housing density and its potential to strain local roads and resources.
Council President Jennifer Kuhn emphasized that the ordinance would not impact already-approved plans, including Adventure Crossings. This large mixed-use development was promised as an entertainment destination center with a medical center, hotels, sports facilities, a convention hall, restaurants, and commercial retail space, with over 500 approved homes.
“Let me be clear: our goal is not to harm anyone or hinder progress. On the contrary, we welcome the applicant, Adventure Crossings, along with its approved medical center and proposed hotels, as these projects bring valuable economic benefits to our community,” Council President Kuhn said. “It is important to note that Adventure Crossings has already received approval to construct over 500 homes and has submitted plans for an additional 465 townhomes. These submissions were made before this ordinance was even considered.”
“Addressing the issue of overdevelopment and the increased traffic that comes with it is a commitment I made to our residents. As a member of the Township Council, I am dedicated to working for you, the people of this community,” said Councilman Nino Borrelli. “My continued support for Ordinance 33-24 is a direct reflection of that commitment. It is a step toward managing growth responsibly and ensuring that the needs and concerns of our residents remain our top priority.”
“To clarify, t”he current approvals for Adventure Crossings remain intact, and we continue to welcome the associated tax ratables that these developments will bring,” Kuhn said.
Adventure Crossings has also submitted plans for an additional 465 townhomes, which were proposed before the introduction of the ordinance.
Despite concerns about residential density, officials expressed optimism about the economic benefits the development would bring, including tax revenue from commercial properties.
Councilman Steven Chisolm said he voted to override the veto because he wanted to make sure the project was built to the specifications promised by the developer and approved by the Jackson Planning Board.
“Addressing the issue of overdevelopment and the increased traffic that comes with it is a commitment I made to our residents. As a member of the Township Council, I am dedicated to working for you, the people of this community,” Councilman Chisolm said. “My continued support for Ordinance 33-24 is a direct reflection of that commitment. It is a step toward managing growth responsibly and ensuring that the needs and concerns of our residents remain our top priority.”
“This ordinance acts as a safeguard for the future. If there are any changes to the project moving forward, the residents of Jackson will remain protected,” Kuhn said.
The ordinance does not prevent the developer from submitting minor site changes or even submitting entirely new project plans to be built, but it would require the developer to submit those changes and applications for review and approval before the zoning or planning board.
The council members agreed that this ordinance did not restrict the developer’s rights to build on the property and to ensure the construction at the site is in order with the approvals granted previously by the township planning board.