Developer drops plans to build 4,500 homes Posted by the Asbury Park

Press on 04/2/07

BY KIRK MOORE

TOMS RIVER BUREAU

BERKELEY - Developers K. Hovnanian have decided to drop their bid to

build 4,500 new homes in the heart of Bayville, ending years of legal

>manuevering between the company, township and environmental activists.

 K. Hovnanian originally proposed 1,600 homes when the company first

approached Berkeley land-use planners about six years ago. But under

pressure from the environmental group Save Barnegat Bay, political

sentiment in town turned against the proposal.

The company resorted to a "builder's remedy'' lawsuit, arguing that

its plans should move forward to address an alleged deficiency in

Berkeley's supply of affordable housing. Last January a state Superior

Court judge agreed with the township's contention that it had

fulfilled its affordable housing obligations under state law.

Mayor Jason Varano said the township has already been in discussions

with the Trust for Public Land and Save Barnegat Bay about obtaining

funding to buy the K. Hovnanian site as public open space.

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