Old Bridge Township, NJ Planning Board
Sundays tracks every public Planning Board meeting in Old Bridge Township, NJ and summarizes what was decided — master-plan re-examinations, redevelopment areas, rezonings and land-use ordinances. Land-use items are kept off the weekly Sundays email (they're a specialist read), but every one is archived here and verified against the official meeting record. 35 items on file; most recent September 5, 2026.
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Consistency Review — Ordinance amending Chapter 250 (Land Development), including Article 7A and new Section 250-58.7 (Inclusionary Housing Zoning District)
The Board conducted a consistency review for an ordinance amending Chapter 250 of the Township Code (Land Development), including changes to 250-37 and creation of 250-58.7 for an inclusionary housing zoning district. The ordinance was described as part of the housing plan and needed for the September 15 deadline. The Board found it consistent with the Master Plan by unanimous vote.
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Request for Extension of Time — Regency Village LLC (35-2024P)
The Board considered and approved a request for an extension of time for Regency Village LLC under application 35-2024P. The motion passed unanimously.
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Board Q&A on Adoption Process, Court Review, Spreadsheet/Unit Status, and Future Rounds
Board members asked procedural and substantive questions about why the plan was being voted on again, how court approval works, how many units were already built/approved, and how future rounds are calculated. The professionals explained the court compliance process, the role of the special adjudicator, and that the plan’s credits reduce new construction needs and may help in future rounds.
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Mayor’s Remarks on Amended Housing Plan and Development Strategy
Mayor Walker supported the amended housing plan, stating it resulted in fewer total units while earning more credits through bonus provisions. The Mayor described changes at Khubnian and Mil Creek and emphasized the Rotary Senior Housing credit update as the biggest change, producing about 200 surplus credits to carry forward.
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Application 6-2026P — Anita Semi Bellic (R-20 Zone), Block 12261, Lot 88.13 (access easement subdivision/dedication to township)
The Board heard Application 6-2026P regarding an access easement and subdivision-related approvals tied to a settlement agreement. The applicant proposed transferring/dedicating the existing gravel access easement interest to the Township. The Board closed public comment with no speakers and approved the application by unanimous vote.
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First reading: ordinance amending 2021 redevelopment plan for 200 Lawrence Parkway (Former Senior Center)
The council introduced FR3 on first reading to amend the 2021 redevelopment plan for 200 Lawrence Parkway (Former Senior Center). A public hearing was set for September 15, 2026, and the matter was referred to the Planning Board.
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First reading: ordinance amending Chapter 250 (Old Bridge Land Development Ordinance), Article 7A (Inclusionary Housing Districts)
The council introduced FR2 on first reading to amend Chapter 250 of the township code (Old Bridge Land Development Ordinance), amending Article 7A on inclusionary housing districts. A public hearing was set for September 15, 2026.
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Redevelopment plan discussion: amendment for portions of lots 9.11 and 11.11 (Mannino Park Track redevelopment area)
Representatives for the property owner and a professional planner presented a proposal to amend the Mannino Park Track redevelopment plan to include a 12.26-acre wooded property at Jake Brown Road/Route 516 for two light industrial flex buildings (approx. 46,000 and 65,000 sq. ft.), with about 51% remaining green space. Council discussed traffic, access, aesthetics, and process steps.
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Council comments (closing remarks and announcements)
Council members thanked residents for participation, discussed data center ordinance context and limits of municipal authority, praised the America’s 250th celebration and drone show, noted upcoming events (Saltwater Day and Old Bridge Day), addressed flooding response, traffic speeding concerns, volunteer programs, and other community issues including a storage unit project approved through litigation.
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Public comment period (general topics): town halls, taxes/revaluation, traffic calming, flooding from construction, development/taxes/open space, volunteer incentives, and data center policy concerns
Council opened a general public comment period. Residents requested regular town hall-style meetings; raised concerns about recent tax increases and upcoming revaluation; requested traffic calming on Gordon Road; reported repeated flooding tied to a nearby construction site and blocked drainage easement; discussed broader overdevelopment and PILOT impacts; urged incentives for volunteer firefighters; asked about energy consortium savings; and urged additional data center safeguards beyond the adopted ordinance.
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Second reading and adoption: Amend Chapter 250 (Land Development) to add definition of data centers and prohibit data centers in zoning districts
Council held the public hearing and adopted Ordinance H3 amending land development code definitions to add “data centers” and designate data centers as a prohibited use in zoning districts. Extensive public comment addressed limits of municipal authority, redevelopment plan exceptions, litigation risk, transparency concerns, and requests for state-level action. Council adopted an amendment broadening the definition and then adopted the ordinance as amended.
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Public Comment Period — Application 60-2025P (Michelle Avenue)
Public comment was opened during the hearing on Application 60-2025P. Two members of the public spoke: one supported cleanup and improvement of the rear area, and another urged that Steamboat Landing Road not be vacated to preserve public access to tidal water. The public portion was then closed.
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Public Comment Period — Application 01-2026P (Homes Back LLC)
A public comment period was opened for Application 01-2026P (Homes Back LLC). No members of the public spoke, and the public portion was closed.
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Elizabeth NJ LLC — Board Action on Resolution
The Board considered Resolution 13-2026P for Elizabeth NJ LLC and approved it by unanimous roll-call vote.
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Council member comments (announcements, safety reminders, data center ordinance discussion, community recognitions)
Council members offered closing comments including congratulations to graduates, holiday safety reminders, community event announcements, and discussion of the data center ordinance and limits of municipal authority. Comments also included recognition of sports achievements, parking enforcement issues near a school, and encouragement to adopt pets.
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Public comment period (open topics): sidewalks/parking, data center ordinance, truck traffic and speeding, development impacts, agenda access, surveillance cameras, and code enforcement
During public comment, residents raised concerns and requests on multiple topics: redevelopment and school impacts; sidewalk and parking issues; data center ordinance language and broader mitigation measures; truck traffic and speeding (including Phillips Drive and White Oak Lane); code enforcement at a residential property; agenda access; proposed ban on Flock cameras; and concerns about warehouse/industrial development and community impacts.
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First reading: Ordinance amending Chapter 250 (Land Development) to add definition of data centers and prohibit data centers in zoning districts
Council introduced on first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 250 of the land development code to add a definition of “data centers” and designate data centers as a prohibited use in zoning districts within Old Bridge Township. A public hearing was set for July 21, 2026. One abstention was recorded.
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Resolution Authorizing Township Planner to Conduct Preliminary Investigation for Non-Condemnation Redevelopment Area Designation (NJSA 40:12-1)
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the Township Planner to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether certain properties qualify for designation as an area in need of non-condemnation redevelopment under NJSA 40:12-1. The Planner described the effort as tied to transit-oriented development and a potential transit village designation near a shopping center and major bus facilities.
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Resolution: Walmart Real Estate Business Trust
The Board acted on a resolution for application 53-2025P involving Walmart Real Estate Business Trust. The resolution was approved unanimously by roll call vote.
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Resolution: Wawa Inc.
The Board acted on Resolution 0-2026P regarding Wawa Inc. The resolution was approved by unanimous roll call vote.
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Consistency Review: Ordinance Amending Township Code to Prohibit Data Centers
The Board conducted a consistency review of an ordinance introduced by Council to prohibit data centers in the Township, including adding definitions and adding data centers to prohibited uses. The Township Planner stated the ordinance was inconsistent with the Master Plan and described existing approvals and litigation involving data center proposals.
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Council member comments
Council members and the Mayor offered closing remarks on meeting tone, community issues, projects, and events, including the data center ordinance drafting vote, open space, grants, and upcoming concerts and celebrations.
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Public comment period (end of meeting) — data centers, meeting decorum, Pride Month, open space, taxes/warehouses, pipeline, healthcare, and other concerns
During the public comment period, residents and attendees addressed the data center ban effort, criticized meeting conduct and tone, requested Pride Month recognition, discussed open space and taxes, raised concerns about warehouses and tax abatements, urged opposition to the NES pipeline, and raised other community issues.
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Discussion item: Data centers; motion to draft ordinance to ban data centers
Council held an extended discussion on data centers, including AI-related power and water demands, existing zoning allowances, and legal considerations. Council voted to direct the legal department to draft an ordinance banning data centers; the vote was not unanimous.
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First reading: Ordinance adopting Trekton Square redevelopment plan and amending Township zoning map
Council introduced Ordinance FR1 on first reading to adopt the Trekton Square redevelopment plan and amend the Township zoning map, and set the public hearing for June 23, 2026.
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Consistency Review Moved to Later in Agenda
The Chair noted that the consistency review item would be moved to the bottom of the agenda and addressed after the application hearing.
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Swearing-in of Witness (Applicant Testimony to Follow)
Before testimony began on the application, the Board swore in the first witness who indicated he would be giving testimony.
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General Public Comment (Post-Carry) — Environmental Protection and Waterways
During general public comment after the applications were carried, a resident spoke about growing up in Old Bridge and exploring the woods and ecosystem near Deep Run, urging protection of waterways and expressing concern about loss of land due to development.
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403 Tytown LLC — Carried to October 22, 2026
The Board stated that the 403 Tytown LLC application would also be carried to October 22, 2026, with the same notice understanding: it remains on that date unless rescheduled earlier with new notice.
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Public Participation in Zoning Matters
The meeting included an open public portion for comments on the Community Bible Fellowship Church application. However, no members of the public provided feedback during this session, and the public portion was closed without additional input.
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Procedural Clarifications and Legal Framework
The planning board clarified its legal responsibilities and limitations in reviewing the warehouse application, emphasizing adherence to zoning regulations and redevelopment plans. The session also addressed procedural issues, including adjournments and public engagement.
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Public Comments on Housing Plan and Governance
Public comments during the meeting raised concerns about the feasibility of certain housing projects and the fairness of the proposed housing obligations. Developers and residents also voiced opinions on zoning, density, and environmental impacts, ensuring diverse perspectives were considered in the planning process.
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Amendment to Land Development Code Regarding Accessory Buildings
The council discussed amendments to the township’s land development ordinance, particularly regulations concerning accessory buildings on corner lots. The ordinance aims to clarify rules and ensure safety and compliance.
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Swearing in of Professionals and Planner Arrival
Professionals, including the board planner and zoning officer, were sworn in to testify on applications, ensuring procedural adherence.
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Public Concerns on Housing and Zoning Issues
Residents raised concerns about transparency and compliance in housing and warehouse development projects, citing incomplete applications and unmet deadlines.