Lakewood Township has passed the first reading of an ordinance establishing a “School Overlay Zone,” aimed at managing the ongoing population growth and increased demand for public and private schools. The ordinance, adopted by the Township Committee on Thursday night, introduces new standards to guide the construction of schools and associated residential development, particularly in the rapidly developing southwest portion of the township.
As Lakewood’s population continues to expand, the need for more schools has become increasingly urgent. Schools are currently permitted in most zoning districts within the township, but the ad-hoc construction of educational facilities has begun to strain infrastructure, especially with respect to traffic flow. The new School Overlay Zone is intended to address these challenges by facilitating orderly development in designated areas, ensuring that schools, homes for staff and students, and infrastructure such as roadways and utilities are built in a coordinated fashion.
The ordinance specifies that the School Overlay Zone will cover several blocks in the southwest region, bordered by the Jackson Township/Lakewood Township line and other key roads. The goal is to support the construction of schools and dormitories, while also allowing for limited residential development for staff and administrative personnel.
Among the ordinance’s key provisions:
- Unified Development: The ordinance mandates that infrastructure for the zone be developed in a unified manner, discouraging piecemeal construction.
- Road Development: New north-south streets, including Franklin Boulevard and Newport Road, will be constructed to ensure safe and adequate access to schools and residences.
- Permitted Uses: Public and private schools, dormitories, and associated residential development are allowed within the zone, alongside recreation and athletic facilities.
- Bulk Standards: The ordinance establishes minimum lot sizes, setbacks, and building height limits, including a 3-acre minimum lot area for school properties and a maximum building height of 65 feet.
- Infrastructure Requirements: All schools must have access to public roadways with at least 30 feet of paved surface and be connected to potable water and sanitary sewer systems.
In addition to school construction, the zone allows for limited residential development, primarily aimed at housing school staff and faculty. Residential density is capped at one duplex per acre, and the housing must be located either on the school property or nearby.
What’s the maximum density of the residential apartments?
It seems to me that a lot of apartments could be built in a 65 feet high building.
I don’t see how this ordinance will make things any better.
“The ad-hoc construction of educational facilities has begun to strain infrastructure, especially with respect to traffic flow.”
If the solution to this problem would be to limit school construction to only one area of town that has wider roads and better traffic flow, I would understand.
However, their “solution” is to now allow 65 feet high residential apartment buildings (which could contain 75 apartments for 75 elementary school teachers) in addition to the school – on a narrow 30 feet wide road. That is narrower than Oak and Vine roads which are 32 feet wide.
In addition, this new ordinance does not prohibit schools from getting built anywhere else in town, so it doesn’t solve the problem it claims exists.
I’m scratching my head over how this is a “solution.”
This is a solution for the people behind the scenes that control the local government.
Not a solution for people who live in lakewood
The proposal to build roads only 30 feet wide, despite typical residential roads being 32 feet, raises questions about how effectively these roads will accommodate the increased traffic from both the schools and the new residential developments.
Moreover, the lack of specified parking requirements for the proposed residential apartments and the potential for high-density development in an already congested area raises concerns about the overall impact on local infrastructure and quality of life.
Someone please tell these smelly ass Jews to stop buying up land and having more kids. Lakewood is a complete mess.
You’re turning this place into a slum ,ghetto,why does there need to be a school or a synagogue on every corner
IT’S TOO MUCH! Where is the Environmental Protection Agency? Too much land is being desecrated for more homes, schools and businesses. To many “accidental” fires are happening to have it be unseen and not investigated. When I drive thru Lakewood my children and I find is disheartening that places locations that used to have trees or foliage are not construction sites. What is that environmental agency going to protect the wildlife that once resided in these locations? Where are the animal rights activists to stick up for the wildlife? Lakewood needs to protect it’s self instead of letting man/woman destroy its land for human ideologies. Lakewood Government needs to have these rules and regulations set before “it’s people” grow Lakewood into a crowded congested mess. Limits have to be set.
Also are these schools and residential locations available for ALL Lakewood residents regardless of beliefs? Shall every Lakewood resident and soon to be Lakewood resident be allowed to attend these locations? Lakewood could use more schools for ALL Lakewood children to receive the best education that they can obtain. Education equality for all would be a beautiful addition to Lakewood School’s. Lakewood should look into equality across the board not categories of denominations nor religious beliefs. If their is a committee dedicated to the inclusion of all in Lakewood, I would love to give a few solutions or ideas that may have Lakewood be a melting pot of people and inclusivity.
Darryl,
What’s your question exactly? Do you have a child which you want to send to private school? If you do, then go ahead and apply. Like what’s the big deal..
Thank you Lakewood alerts for posting.
What an absolute sham!
30 foot wide roads are extremely narrow, that’s besides the fact that this is contradicting a planning board requirement of widening Newport Ave to a full 32 feet- which has yet to materialize.
Also you better make sure no one parks on the streets, imagine Hatzaloh having to get down the street and busses can’t even pass by.