The Jackson Township Council voted 4-0 on Tuesday night to override a mayoral veto, solidifying the passage of an ordinance aimed at curbing high-density residential development within the town’s Highway Commercial Mixed-Use (HCMU) Zone.
Ordinance 33-24, which amends the municipal land use code, will significantly reduce the number of homes developers can construct per acre by shifting the calculation method from “gross acreage” to “net acreage.” The change means developers will only be able to build on land deemed usable, limiting housing density to four homes per usable acre.
The ordinance is expected to cut approximately 800 housing units from the Adventure Crossing development, a sprawling project that contains large portions of unusable land and commercial zones.
“This ordinance is crucial for ensuring that developments don’t overwhelm our infrastructure,” Council President Jennifer Kuhn said following the vote. “Our residents deserve responsible growth that protects the character of our town and doesn’t lead to overcrowding.”
“Overdevelopment is something that we take seriously and are taking steps to address,” Councilman Mordy Burnstein said. “This ordinance gives us the tools we need to limit the impact of new projects on our schools, roads, and public services. It’s about making sure that our growth is sustainable.”
The council’s decision to override the mayor’s veto marks the first time such an action has been taken in Jackson’s history.
The new ordinance will apply to all future developments within the HCMU Zone, setting a precedent for more controlled, measured growth in the township.