Township of Voorhees

The agenda for the regular meeting included a second reading on Ordinance No. 1-26, which amends the Township's Schedule of Fees for 2026. It also featured first readings for Ordinance No. 2-26, amending the code regarding the Economic Development Committee, and Ordinance No. 3-26, adopting the amended form for filing Tort Claims notices. Several resolutions were scheduled for approval, covering amendments to tax collector/assessor records, authorizing prior year budget transfers, approving change orders, accepting performance and maintenance bonds, authorizing the acceptance of a State grant under the FY2026 Safe and Secure Communities Program, approving a Developer's Agreement, authorizing the award of a contract for Affordable Housing Administrative Agent Services, and accepting multiple resignations from the Economic Development Department and Fire Department. The agenda also reserved time for public comment on resolutions and concluded with an executive session.

This Housing Element and Fair Share Plan for Voorhees Township details the municipality's strategy to meet its affordable housing obligations from 1987 to 2035. It addresses present and prospective low- and moderate-income housing needs, including a rehabilitation share and obligations for prior, third, and fourth rounds. The plan outlines compliance mechanisms such as existing inclusionary and supportive housing, along with proposed affordable family rental developments at 600 Centennial Boulevard and Laurel Oak Road. Key focus areas include housing administration, development fee ordinances, trust fund management, and affirmative marketing to ensure a realistic opportunity for affordable housing provision.

The meeting extensively reviewed the Voorhees Township Housing Element and Fair Share Plan 2025 concerning the fourth round of affordable housing obligations, spanning 2025 to 2035. The plan proposes meeting the 181-unit obligation through two developments: 120 units at 600 Centennial Blvd (which will also earn 45 bonus credits for redeveloping industrial space) and 60 units on the overflow parking lot behind the AMC theater off Laurel Oak Rd, which is requesting $500,000 from the affordable housing fund. The plan was approved, and a resolution memorializing this approval was adopted. In New Business, the board addressed an application (PC#25-008) for FPS Rink, L.P. at 601 Laurel Oak Rd, involving a site plan waiver for an updated, smaller pylon sign and various improvements including curb, sidewalk, and the installation of a 75 sq ft concrete pad to facilitate vendor concessions and food delivery. The board approved the site plan waiver with conditions related to the board engineer's review letter.

The new business primarily involved application PC#25-015 from First Harvest Credit Union, seeking site plan waiver approval to install a digital LED copy display on an existing freestanding sign at 6 Berlin Road. The applicant requested variances to allow the sign to display non-commercial public safety messages and community information, in addition to time and temperature, potentially after business hours. Discussion covered the content of messages, compliance with township ordinances, security measures, trash and recycling schedules, delivery procedures, and landscaping maintenance, including resealing/restriping the parking lot. The Board Engineer recommended allowing community messaging after hours for safety purposes. A key condition for approval included submission to the Camden County Planning Board and inspection of ADA compliance. The Board approved the Site Plan Waiver with several conditions attached.

The meeting commenced with the Chairperson calling the session to order and confirming compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. A resolution concerning FPS Rink, L.P. for a Site Plan Waiver at 601 Laurel Oak Rd was memorialized. In New Business, the board heard testimony regarding an extension of approvals for Dean Development Associates for the property at 122 Route 73. The applicant's attorney and engineer detailed the prolonged waiting period for required approval from NJDOT, noting that recent correspondence involved minor or administrative items and that the process has taken over two years. The board subsequently approved the third and final extension of approval for this property, extending validity through August 25, 2026. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.