We, the undersigned, ask that the planning officials of East Windsor, reconsider the current plan to build Fair-Share and Luxury Housing Units at 641 N Main, site of the historic former Zaitz Dairy Farm. This project is expected to bring in over 600 residents to a small tract of land,  add to local traffic, impact local water drainage systems, and eliminate an important and valuable part of our agricultural heritage.

Lack of information on the project, especially lack of Planning Board minutes during the 5-month period when it was discussed,  means that local residents who will be most affected by the development were not aware of the plans. Therefore, they have not had an opportunity for proper input. But developer’s documents have raised questions that still need to be answered, and suggest that the impacts will be major. 

Therefore we are asking that East Windsor officials do the following:
- Hold a well publicized public forum explaining why other sites, such as unused land in the southeast corner of the township around Airport Road and Etra Road—or the vacant land across the street from 641 N Main—could not be used for the same purposes of creating Fair Share Housing.

The facts :

1--Kaplan is going to build a complex of 411 units on 641 N Main, under the direction of East Windsor Township. One group of units will be called Aramath (for below-market-housing, 295 units). The other will be called Camelot (luxury units for people 55+, 116 units). The plan as announced by Kaplan is attached.  Given the total number of bedrooms, there will be over 600 residents added to this small property. These will be in 15 3-story buildings.
2—The imposition of this many people right next to a small, two-lane road (Main Street) can be expected to add significant traffic and noise pollution to both Hightstown and East Windsor.  

3—Resurfacing water-absorbent soil with concrete surfaces will mean significant impact to water drainage systems next door to the Wyckoff’s.Mill Community, which already suffers major water runoff problems during heavy storms.

4.  Although EW has a legal obligation to build Fair Share Housing for low-income families, there are alternative sites for this project. Further, the luxury units are not required by law.  It should be possible to cut back on the scale of this project.

5.  In its Master Plan, which is supposed to guide its Planning Board in its decision, states that preservation of green space and farmland is a priority for EW.  Implementing this project and eliminating one of the last historic farmland in the township directly contradicts this goal. There are statements from the NJ Government’s office pointing to the importance of preserving our farmland.

6. (Less significant) Both common and uncommon wildlife now depend on this tract for breeding and their lifecycle. 

For more detail on the history of this development write to smatson12@comcast.net. Demand more transparency from East Windsor planning officials - and more concern for green spaces and the environment in the greater community!