BAYSHORE REGIONAL WATERSHED COUNCIL

At the 1/9/07 KBC meeting there was a short discussion of the powers of the Redevelopment Plan relative to the existing 1989 Keyport Master Plan. Designation of an area in need of Rehabilitation enables the use of Redevelopment powers (without eminent domain) for that area. The NJ State Smart Growth web site provides the following counsel on this issue: "The redevelopment plan is a unique and powerful planning tool because it combines the vision of a master plan with the authority of a zoning ordinance. In essence, the redevelopment plan is a master plan with teeth. " If crafted correctly, with a clearly enunciated vision of the future development of the area, and with an understanding of the practical realities of the real estate marketplace, ..."

The existing 1989 Keyport Master Plan and Zoning Ordinances define the present vision and set of boundary conditions for the future development relative to land-use, densities and building height. The designation of the entire Keyport Borough as an "area in need of Rehabilitation" enables the application of a different vision and set of boundary conditions for the future developments relative to land-use, densities and building height.

Just what is this new vision/plan for the entire Borough and what issues with the existing Master Plan are going to be resolved? Are members of the Keyport Borough Council aligned on this new vision ?

Re: Historical Multifamily Development Issues

Since 2002, five major development projects submitted to the KUPB and/or discussed with the KBC have been initially for high-density, mid-rise, apartment/condo flats. Based on the existing Keyport Zoning and the present Keyport Master Plan, these projects (listed below) all require multiple use-variances.

Woodmont - First Street, 44 units, flats, 330-foot long mid-rise building

Kara Homes - Beers Street, 54 units, flats, 3 mid-rise buildings

Longview Ventures - E Front Street, 49 units, flats, mid-rise building

Browns Point Marina - Broadway. 92 units, mid-rise apartment building

Manchester LLC - Maple Place, 65 units, mixture of flats & duplexes, mid-rise buildings

The first three projects have gone through multiple versions extended over a long period of time to obtain use-variances from the KUPB for townhouses projects at significantly reduced densities. A fundamental issue for Keyport residents is rather the new Rehabilitation-Redevelopment powers will be used to block the above types of projects at the door or will they be used to facilitate developers obtain quick approval of high-density, mid-rise, multi-family units as in-fill projects in all parts of Keyport.

This 1/16/07 Special KBC meeting regarding Rehabilitation is a must meeting for understanding the new message to be given to developers considering high-density multifamily projects for Keyport.

Re: Bulkhead and Pier

The Borough administrator indicated that replacement of the Keyport pier will occur in parallel with the bulkhead work in the area of the pier. This will necessitate the closing of American Legion Drive at the Post Office end until this work is completed. The Broad Street end of American Legion Drive will remain open for access to the area behind the stores.

Re Borough Hall

The Borough administrator indicated that he will be making a series of roof repairs, one step at a time, in an attempt to eliminate any Borough Hall roof leaks. Survey work is being done to develop a solution for the water ponding problem caused by the sidewalk extension into the street in front of Borough Hall.