Borough of Rockaway

This document outlines the Borough of Rockaway's Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, detailing its strategy to meet affordable housing obligations for the Fourth Round (2025-2035). The plan addresses prior round compliance, present need (rehabilitation obligation), and prospective need. It focuses on leveraging bonus credits from existing projects, utilizing surplus credits from the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, and implementing zoning amendments to diversify housing options. The overarching goal is to ensure the provision of affordable housing, promote multigenerational family continuity, and maintain consistent land use regulations within the municipality.

The Downtown Redevelopment Plan for the Borough of Rockaway aims to revitalize the downtown area by promoting reinvestment, ensuring economic health, and preventing deterioration of properties. It focuses on clarifying zoning regulations, facilitating development, providing transitions to residential neighborhoods, and creating well-designed parking facilities. The plan addresses land use, density, traffic, public transportation, utilities, recreational facilities, and affordable housing options. It stimulates economic development by promoting mixed-use development, capitalizing on assets, and increasing the consumer base. The plan also enhances the character of downtown through high-quality architecture, design standards, and sustainable design elements while eradicating blight by redeveloping underutilized properties.

The Land Use Board meeting addressed several key resolutions and applications. Resolution LUB #064, concerning 21-25 Union Street, was approved, with abstentions from two members. Ordinance 10-20, regarding senior housing residency, was also approved, with one abstention. Application LUB#065, a courtesy review for a minor subdivision at 89 Academy Street, was approved after discussion of construction plans, temporary easements, and the dam's purpose. Public comments were received regarding construction timelines and the dam's necessity.

The board meeting focused on resolution LUB #061 for Pheasant Walk, LLC, concerning 121 Hibernia Ave., Block 1.02, Lot 68, which was approved. Other business included the acceptance of minutes from a prior meeting.

The meeting agenda included council reports, reports from the attorney, mayor, administrator, and clerk. A consent agenda covered various resolutions, including change orders for recreation projects, professional service awards for the Fox Lake Dam project, approval for a rail realignment project, contract awards for water main improvements and office supplies, employee leave approvals, and a safe communities program. Ordinances for supplemental bonds and tax exemptions were also on the agenda. The resolutions detailed in the document covered various aspects of the Borough's operations, including recreation, dam rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements, and administrative matters.