Now we know that Chatham CAN meet the state’s affordable housing quota without sacrificing vacant, green 58 North Passaic Avenue, the Borough-owned parcel right next to Memorial Park.
Our Council can simply offer an alternative location, as the Borough’s affordable housing lawyer and planner have explained at more than one public meeting.
No matter where the Council puts those four apartments, four more families of modest means will have an opportunity to live in Chatham Borough.
The only question is whether the Council will heed the growing chorus of residents asking them to properly consider the alternatives before it’s too late.
One way to preserve 58 North Passaic Avenue is to acquire and develop instead a privately-owned property, which is projected to cost most homeowners less than we already spend on coffee or tea.
Another possibility is to repurpose a Borough-owned money pit that’s under-used and costing taxpayers a bundle to maintain.
If it turns out that replacing vacant, green 58 North Passaic Avenue with four apartments and a parking lot really IS our best bet, then so be it.
But there’s no excuse not to consider the alternatives first.
Attend the Monday, Jan. 26 Council meeting, 7:30 pm at Borough Hall, 54 Fairmount Avenue, upper level.
Too busy, cold, or icy? Zoom that Council meeting at the link shown here:
https://www.chathamborough.org/resident/calendar/mayor-council-meeting-23-1769470200
Email the Mayor & Council and ask:
Can we count on you not to sign a development contract for 58 North Passaic Avenue before giving residents a chance to consider a range of options and formally weigh in at one or more town hall meetings?
mayorcouncil@chathamborough.org
jstrickland@chathamborough.org