Council Approves Release of Habitat Funds

A last ditch attempt by opponents to squelch the six-unit Habitat for Humanity project slated to be built at 39 Morris Avenue.

The Common Council approved a resolution to release funds previously pledged from the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help fund the project, which was approved by the Summit Zoning Board of Adjustment in January. Summit contributed $530,000 to the project which totals more than $1 million.

But what some considered a mere formality re-opened the tensions of the East Summit neighborhood, pitting friends against one another.

"This is a crucial time for our wounded Summit," said longtime resident Jeanne Dillon. "This is your chance to show a caring spirit."

But many said the issue for them isn't about whether to build affordable housing, it's about where.

"This issue is not about income or race or who will live in this house," said John Staunton. "It' s about density."

Bob Sheehan, president of the East Summit Association agreed.

"It's poor planning and it's an over-sized project going on a 1/3 of an acre," he said.

Staunton said he wishes Habitat would build projects in Summit more like what it's known for, single or two-family homes.

"I think it's time to go back to the drawing board and find homes that make sense," he said.

Richard Poole, president of the Summit Affordable Housing Corporation, said more than 200 people have expressed interest in these units, families coming from a circle around Summit including from Union Township to Morristown.

Councilman Rich Madden said his concern is none of the above: it's safety.

Madden says the only egress for cars to exit the property is on Morris Avenue, near an already congested intersection at Morris Avenue and Orchard Street.

"I share the concerns of the people of East Summit who elected me," he said.

But in the end it came down to process.

"I don't think it's council's position to second guess a land use board," Council President Dave Bomgaars said, calling the efforts of the opposition a "back door appeal."

"Agree or disagree ... I also think there's a process here that council needs to honor," he said.