MORRISTOWN — The Town Council approved the introduction of an amended ordinance limiting the size of new buildings, a decision that went against a Planning Board recommendation for higher maximum heights that was also on the agenda Tuesday night.
The measure, which passed 6-0 with Councilwoman Toshiba Foster absent, is scheduled for Planning Board review July 27 and a public hearing Aug. 8. If adopted, it would mark the first changes to the town's land development ordinance in five years.
The ordinance advanced by the council caps new developments on Blachley Place as well as areas on the outskirts of town at three stories, while the Planning Board had recommended a four-story maximum for Blachley.
The council did not vote on the Planning Board's ordinance because it approved the initial plan listed on the agenda first.
Council members previously voted on revisions to Morristown's land development code in April following a presentation by town planner Phil Abramson. But the governing body failed to adopt the ordinance by its original advertised date of May 9, forcing a re-introduction Tuesday and giving proponents of a lower height restriction another opportunity.
Residents address concerns
The council's vote followed a public comment section in which residents expressed support for the more stringent three-story limit around Blachley Place, a small stretch of road near the downtown railroad station that connects Morris and Elm streets.
Those who spoke also outlined concerns about the impact further development may have on the town overall.
Ken Hoffman, who has lived on nearby Hill Street for more than 50 years, highlighted the importance of keeping the historic nature of Morristown. He warned that increasing maximum building heights would lead to higher property values and, in turn, the demolition of older buildings to construct new developments.
Rich Modzeleski, another Hill Street resident, noted a traffic increase on Morris Street in recent years that he believes will only get worse with projects like the M Station redevelopment near the train station.
"Why support more congestion? Why more parking issues? Why potentially change the character of a convenient shopping (area) and diverse neighborhood simply to satisfy desires of increased density?" Modzeleski said. "I guess the question is, when will it end?"
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Developers oppose zoning changes
Attorney Frank Vitolo − representing development companies Scotto Properties, JPM Washington LLC, and Olnick and Fisher − said the lower limits in the zoning amendment will "eliminate tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars" in value for the town as developers invest their money elsewhere.
The Olnick and Fisher group, which owns Headquarters Plaza, has long discussed plans to "camouflage" the adjacent parking garage by hiding it behind a taller building, Vitolo said. With the recommended zoning changes limiting new buildings to five stories, the company would be unable to go through with its plans.
Vitolo urged the council to meet with Headquarters officials for a compromise allowing them to build around the garage "while still recognizing the concerns that everyone here has about height."
Councilman: height limits 'a good first step'
Councilman Robert Iannaccone, who cast the lone vote against the April ordinance, said Tuesday the updated measure is "a good first step" as Morristown officials continue to weigh the pros and cons of development. He told the speakers to "keep talking to us" on matters such as the historic value of properties to ensure that is maintained.
"I think that has gotten away from us, to a certain extent," Iannaccone said, "and I think your efforts tonight kind of have pulled that back for us and you've raised that awareness back to this council."
Kyle Morel is a local reporter covering Morris and Sussex counties.
Email: kmorel@njherald.com; Twitter: @KMorelNJH
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