Middle approaches final vote on zoning changes
Proposals based on Master Plan evaluating ‘the changing character and needs of the Township’
Cape May Court House, N.J. – Middle Township’s proposed zoning changes passed a first reading on April 5. A second reading, public hearing and final vote are set for May 3.
The proposals are based on recommendations that came out of the 2020 Master Plan Reexamination Report.
Township officials reexamine the Master Plan at least once every 10 years to evaluate the municipality’s evolving needs. After consulting with municipal engineers and planners, officials proposed that select areas be rezoned “in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the community to support and encourage appropriate development within the Township,” according to the ordinance.
The Master Plan report considers factors such as density and distribution of population and land uses, housing conditions, conservation of natural resources, and changes in state, county, and municipal policies and objectives. Some the rezoning recommendations support broader redevelopment goals, such as the revitalization of Rio Grande Town Center.
“Township Committee would like to recognize the hard work of our Planning Board and land use professionals in this thoughtful review of our Master Plan,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “Our residents had several opportunities to comment on these forward-thinking zoning changes throughout the yearlong review process. We look forward to final public comments and voting on these recommendations at our May 3 Township Committee meeting.”
Here are the changes proposed for Middle Township South:
- Block 1414.01, Lot 14 located along Route 47 is a 16-acre, vacant parcel recommended to be changed from Town Residential to Town Business based on the uses adjacent to the property, and to encourage uses that fit with the surrounding commercial development.
- Block 1436.01, Lots 6, 7, 11 and 13 between Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway. This zone would be changed from Suburban Residential to Town Center to facilitate the continued growth of the Rio Grande Town Center. Including this area in the Town Center zone will support the expansion of commercial and residential development.
- Various blocks and lots at the intersection of the Garden State Parkway and the north and south sides of Route 147. It is recommended that the zone be changed from Business and Suburban Residential to Town Business to accommodate current development patterns, and to provide an opportunity for more commercial uses in the area.
Here are the changes proposed for Middle Township North:
- Block 355.01, Lot 6 located along Johnston Lane. It is recommended that the zone be changed from Residential to Town Business. Lots 6 and 7 are currently split-zoned, and the owner has requested the change.
- Block 132.01 and Block 135.02 comprise various lots along the north side of Stone Harbor Boulevard. This district would change from Rural Conservation to Coastal Development, which would be more in line with the existing residential development.
- Block 132.01, Lot 31 along the Garden State Parkway. It is recommended that the zone be changed from Rural Conservation to Town Center because of physical changes to the access road from the Parkway. The site has been approved for the development of a gas station, convenience store, and office building consistent with the type of development permitted in the Town Center zone.
- Block 127, Lots 12 through 22 located within the Easy Street subdivision. This zone is designated for a change from Town Center to Residential because it is entirely residential with no commercial uses.
- Block 99.02, Lots 115.01, 115.02, 115.03 and 115.04 (Stone Harbor Golf Club). It is recommended that the zone be changed from Suburban Residential to Residential to accommodate previously approved plans for high-intensity residential development with public sewer.
- Block 55.01, Lot 8 along Route 47. This zone is set to be changed from Business to Rural Conservation because of the residential nature of the site and surrounding areas.
