Patti Chacker

The agenda for the Caucus Meeting included a review and discussion of the agenda, Old Business, and New Business items. The subsequent Regular Meeting agenda featured the call to order, pledge of allegiance, invocation, roll call, proclamations, public participation period, communications, reports from the Mayor and Department Heads, and resolutions. Key resolutions authorized change orders and final payments for the Municipal Building Court Transaction Window Security Improvements Project and Park Boulevard CCMUA Direct Connection, utilization of the Omnia Cooperative Pricing Contract for IT equipment/services, amendment of a resolution related to traffic signal and pedestrian flashing systems, authorization for transfers of a Plenary Retail Consumption License, and the payment of bills. Two ordinances were introduced on first reading: one establishing a new Three Executive Campus (TECO) Overlay Zone, and another amending zoning ordinances concerning Affordable Housing Administration and controls.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment reviewed several variance and extension requests. A request for a Use and Bulk variance for an outdoor dining patio expansion at Mikado, Inc. was adjourned. The Board memorialized resolutions for a Bulk variance regarding a second-story residential addition for Andrew Mohabir and Elizabeth Boehmke, as well as a Bulk variance for a detached garage at 322 Monroe Avenue by SR Builder, LLC, which was denied. Additionally, the Board approved and memorialized a request for a second extension of major subdivision approvals for a construction project by PREIT Services, LLC.

The meeting includes the review of resolutions concerning Hampshire House and a tenant decrease denial. Additionally, the Board will discuss rent increase requests based on the Consumer Price Index for Cherry Hill Towers, Lexington House Apartments, and Colonial Apartments.

The 2025 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan serves as a blueprint for the Township of Cherry Hill to fulfill its affordable housing obligations, addressing both present and prospective needs from 1987 through 2035. The plan details strategies such as a municipal Home Improvement Program, various inclusionary development projects (e.g., VOA site, Habitat for Humanity Site, ARHAT units), and the utilization of overlay zones (e.g., Golden Triangle, PATCO, RIMU) to generate affordable units. It aims to ensure continued compliance with the Fair Housing Act and other state regulations, expanding access to affordable housing within the community through a structured and comprehensive approach.

The meeting involved several administrative reorganizational items, including the administration of Oaths of Office to new members. Key actions included the unanimous election of Sam Kates as Chairperson and Sheila Griffith as Vice-Chair. The Board unanimously approved standardized Agenda Procedures for 2026, established meeting dates and official newspapers for 2026, and appointed various professionals for the year, including the Secretary, Alternate Secretary #1, Board Planners, Solicitor, Engineer, Planning Consultant for Land Use and Development Reviews, and Conflict Solicitor. The 2023 Planning Board Bylaws were noted as still in effect. A resolution concerning South Jersey Management, LLC for a site plan conversion of a former bank building into a Dunkin coffee shop, along with associated site and signage improvements, was reviewed and memorialized.