Christopher DeWire

The Frenchtown For All Ages Action Plan outlines comprehensive strategies to enhance the livability of Frenchtown for all residents, enabling them to thrive and age with dignity. Key focus areas include improving communications, addressing housing challenges, strengthening community connections and volunteer networks, and upgrading infrastructure such as sidewalks and parking. The plan aims to increase civic engagement, service availability, and supportive local policies to create a more inclusive and age-friendly environment, guided by the AARP's eight domains of livability.

The board conducted its annual reorganization, including the appointment of board officers and professional staff. Public hearings were held regarding the adoption of the Master Plan and Development Regulations Reexamination, the Amended 2025 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, and the 2026 Master Plan Amendment, all of which were subsequently adopted. Additionally, the board discussed updates to the Sign Ordinance, received reports from the Age Friendly and Affordable Housing committees, and conducted a completeness review for a variance application for 23 Sixth Street.

The board conducted a public hearing for a variance application at 23 Sixth Street to construct a home addition, including a new bedroom, bathroom, laundry area, and pantry, to facilitate aging in place. The board granted the c(1) variance approval subject to conditions, including tree replacement and sound enclosures for new heat pumps. Additionally, the board determined that Ordinances 949, 950, 951, and 952 were consistent with the Master Plan. Other discussions included updates on the Age Friendly Frenchtown action plan, affordable housing deadlines, and reports regarding the Safe Routes to School project, snow removal efforts, and membership changes on the Environmental Commission.

The agenda includes several routine items under the consent agenda, such as the approval of the claims register, authorization for a shared service agreement for street sweeping, submission of the 2026 energy aggregation program participation form, EEOC compliance certification, tax sale redemptions, grant applications to ANJEC and the Fargo Family Foundation, professional planning services, and age-friendly initiative. Additionally, the Council will review ordinances regarding filming permits, 2026 salary and wages for municipal employees, and improvements for Creek Road. The meeting also covers the introduction of the 2026 municipal budget, approval for the 2026 Farmland Ride, and an executive session to discuss attorney-client privilege matters.

This document is a Program Settlement Recommendation concerning the Borough of Frenchtown's Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. It outlines a settlement reached to address the Borough's affordable housing obligations, including present, prior, third (1999-2025), and fourth round (2025-2035) needs. The plan details mechanisms to satisfy these obligations, such as rehabilitation programs, inclusionary zoning, and amendments to the Frenchtown Village Center Redevelopment Plan, ensuring compliance with the New Jersey Fair Housing Act and Mount Laurel doctrine.