Morris Habitat Testifies at Zoning Board

Morris Habitat for Humanity and the Summit Affordable Housing Corporation had their first round of testimony in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustments Monday night.

Richard Poole, representing the Summit Affordable Housing Corporation, first testified to show the need for affordable housing in East Summit and why the property at 39 Morris Ave. was chosen. Many people were there to question the caliber of the search, wondering if the committees overlooked vacant lots or lots that already had multi-family housing for sale.

“We frankly just don’t chase properties,” Poole responded. He also mentioned that there were very clear guidelines developed for choosing properties. They must be for sale, must be clear of any environmental issues, and the seller must be willing to be subjected to a slow close, among other things.

Poole also said that he sits on a committee directly related to this project with the mayor and three city council members, so they are fully aware of the selection process as well.

Another question, posed by city resident Monica Zarate, was regarding taxes. She is concerned that since there will be more children in the area that taxes may rise. Poole responded that homeowners (even though they will have zero percent interest mortgages) would pay property taxes – and the proposed units will generate more tax revenue than the house that currently sits on the property.

He also said that a study of applicants showed that approximately three or four school age children would reside in the homes, even though the application process has not yet started. Those numbers are subject to change.

Residents are also particularly concerned with the possible increase of traffic due to the proposed units. Poole reiterated that Morris Habitat approached the Summit Police Department to see if a traffic study was needed, and it was deemed unnecessary.

Alfred Stewart, the engineer on the project, reviewed the floor plan with the board and spoke about the several variances that would be needed to start construction.

A variance just to allow six families to live in the units will be needed, as well as several others that are currently listed. The current plans have the units (and the attached porch) sitting 17 feet from the curb, where a 25 feet setback is required by the board. The plan also shows 59.3 percent lot coverage where 45 percent is allowed, and 22.7 percent building coverage where only 20 percent is permissible.

Stewart also said that the required aisle width in a driveway is 23 feet, but the proposed plans only have 20 feet shown to make room for shrubbery and to cut back on construction costs. There will also be no garages for any of the units, which are required in that particular zone.

The board was concerned with garbage and recycling pick-up, and if there would be enough room for larger vehicles to turnaround inside the parking area. Curbside pick-up was said to be required.

The last person to testify on Morris Habitat’s behalf was Bruce Katona, the project’s planner. He mainly spoke about the variances and the plan’s positive attributes, even after being asked to speak about the possible negative effects of construction.

Katona focused on a court case that deemed affordable housing projects to be inherently beneficial, and that should be enough to pass the variances through the zoning board, a comment that was quickly refuted by George MacLean, the board chairman.

MacLean mentioned that the argument would not pass through many of the variances and that much more needs to be done before testimony resumes at the next meeting on Dec. 7.