9.13 TOWNSHIP of WEST WINDSOR This Section Presents the Jurisdictional Annex for the Township of West Windsor

Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

9.13 TOWNSHIP OF WEST WINDSOR This section presents the jurisdictional annex for the Township of West Windsor.

9.13.1 HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN POINT OF CONTACT The following individuals have been identified as the hazard mitigation plan’s primary and alternate points of contact.

Primary Point of Contact Alternate Point of Contact Chief Joseph Pica, Police/Emergency Management James Yates, Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Management Coordinator 20 Municipal Drive, P.O. Box 38, West Windsor, NJ 08550 20 Municipal Drive, P.O. Box 38, West Windsor, NJ 08550 (609) 799-8735 (609) 799-1222 [email protected] [email protected]

9.13.2 MUNICIPAL PROFILE The Township of West Windsor is located in eastern Mercer County and encompasses an area of 26.3 square miles. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the Township had a population of 27,165. The Township was established on February 9, 1797 and incorporated on February 21, 1798 as one of New Jersey’s initial group of 104 municipalities. The Township of West Windsor is bordered to the north by Princeton and Middlesex County (Plainsboro Township); to the east by Middlesex County (Plainsboro and Cranbury Townships) and East Windsor Township; to the south by Robbinsville and Hamilton Townships; and to the east by Lawrence Township. There are several bodies of water found within the Township: Duck Pond Run (Lower), Stony Brook, Delaware and Raritan Canal, Duck Pond Run, Little Bear Brook, Millstone River, Bear Brook, Miry Run, Assunpink Creek, Shipetaukin Creek, Mercer County Park Lake, Grovers and Mill Pond.

Princeton Junction is an unincorporated, census-designated place located within the Township. There are other unincorporated communities in the Township which includes: Berrien City, Clarksville, Dutch Neck, Edinburg, Edinburg Park, Golf View Manor, Grover's Mill, Millstone, Old Mill Farms, Penns Neck, Port Mercer, Post Corner, Princeton Colonial Park,[citation needed] Princeton Estates, Princeton Ivy East and Sherbrook Estates. A portion of Princeton University covers 400 acres south of Lake Carnegie in the Township.

Growth/Development Trends The following table summarizes recent residential/commercial development since 2011 to present and any known or anticipated major residential/commercial development and major infrastructure development that has been identified in the next five years within the municipality. Refer to the map in Section 9.13.9 of this annex which illustrates the hazard areas along with the location of potential new development.

Table 9.13-1. Growth and Development

Property or Type Known Development (e.g. Res., # of Units / Address and/or Block & Hazard Description/Status of Name Comm.) Structures Lot Zone(s) Development Recent Development from 2011 to Present West Windsor Res. 120 apartments Blue Jay Way Under Construction Gardens Carnegie Center 121,500 sq. ft. Comm. B: 7.13; L: 12.03 and 12.04 Under Construction West office building Princeton Junction 33,000 sq. ft. Comm. Jamie Brooks Lane Under Construction Commons office building

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-1 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Property or Type Known Development (e.g. Res., # of Units / Address and/or Block & Hazard Description/Status of Name Comm.) Structures Lot Zone(s) Development One building Marketfair/Re- Comm. and one 3535 US-1 Under Construction Tenanting outdoor space Institute for Islamic 30,900 sq. ft. 379 Princeton Hightstown # Under Construction Studies (mosque) building 12 2,915 sq. ft. PNC Bank Comm. 4201 Quakerbridge Rd Under Construction building Known or Anticipated Development in the Next Five (5) Years 220 Bear Creek Senior apartments; 92 Amended preliminary/final Res. 291 Village Rd E Living assisted living site plan approval granted units Preliminary major Princeton Research Res. 16 homes 50 Princeton Hightstown Rd subdivision approval Lands granted 64 bed d(1) use variance approved; Alzheimer / d(4) variance & Artis Senior Living Res. Block 6, Lot 64 dementia preliminary/final site plan facility approval granted Windsor Business 26,466 sq. ft. preliminary/final site plan Comm. Princeton Hightstown Road Park West office building approval granted 140,000 sq. ft. Phase II – final site plan Princeton Overlook Comm. 100 Overlook Center office building approval granted 6,000 sq. ft. 295 Princeton Highstown preliminary/final site plan Rite Aid Phase II Comm. building Road approval granted Sarnoff 3,000,000 sq. General development plan Comm. 201 Washington Rd Corporation ft. center approval granted P.J. Metro Office 97,024 sq. ft. preliminary/final site plan Comm. Block 57, Lot 79.01 Park, Phase II office building approval granted Carnegie Center II 5 office Preliminary site plan Comm. 302 Carnegie Center (east side) buildings approval granted Carnegie Center III 814,800 sq. ft. General development plan Comm. 302 Carnegie Center (west side) office building approval granted Res. & 16 apartments; 64 Princeton Hightstown preliminary/final site plan Windsor Plaza Comm. 1 retail space Road pending West Windsor 186,606 sq. ft. General development plan Comm. Commerce Center office building approval granted Princeton Preliminary/final site plan International 5,265 sq. ft. Block 7.13, Lots 10 & 35; Comm. & bulk variances approval Trading & office building 3639 granted Consulting Ltd. 20 apartments; Ellsworth Realty Block 5, Lots 20, 20.01-20.04, d-1; preliminary/final site Res. two retail Assoc. 62 and 76 plan approval granted spaces 29,414 sq. ft. preliminary/final site plan Aqueduct Assoc. Comm. office building pending 40 apartments, 72 apartments, 51 townhouses, Preliminary/final major Toll Brothers – Res. & one retail space Block 10, Lot 8.01 subdivision and site plan Maneely Comm. (20,000 sq. ft.), pending and 192 corporate suites d-1; d-2; c-1; minor subdivision; Tri-State Petro Comm. Two buildings 351 Hightstown Road preliminary/final site plan approval granted D(4) variance; c bulk Wegman’s Food 10,800 sq. ft. Comm. 240 Nassau Park Blvd variance; preliminary/final Market building site plan approval granted

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-2 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Property or Type Known Development (e.g. Res., # of Units / Address and/or Block & Hazard Description/Status of Name Comm.) Structures Lot Zone(s) Development Princeton Arms 37,600 sq. ft. Amended preliminary/final Comm. 301 Carnegie Center Center building site plan approval granted Mack Cali 749,410 sq. ft. Preliminary/final site plan Comm. 650 College Road East (Palladium) mixed use dev. approval granted 164 hotel Hilton Garden Inn Preliminary/final site plan Comm. rooms; one U.S. Route 1 & Office Park approval granted office building 15,590 sq. ft. Eden Institute Preliminary/final site plan educational Eden Institute Foundation Foundation approval granted space 114 townhouses, 40 garden apartments, 24 WWM Properties Res. & Southfield Road and Route condominium d-1 use variance pending West LLC Comm. 571 units, 8,252 sq. ft. day care, 18,801 sq. ft. retail 5,605 sq. ft. d-1 use variance; d-4 3717 Route #1 LLC Comm. 3717 Route #1 office variance pending * Only location-specific hazard zones or vulnerabilities identified.

9.13.3 NATURAL HAZARD EVENT HISTORY SPECIFIC TO THE MUNICIPALITY Mercer County has a history of natural and non-natural hazard events as detailed in Volume I, Section 5.0 of this plan. A summary of historical events is provided in each of the hazard profiles and includes a chronology of events that have affected the County and its municipalities. For the purpose of this plan update, events that have occurred in the County from 2008 to present were summarized to indicate the range and impact of hazard events in the community.

Information regarding specific damages at the municipal level, is presented in the table below. This summary is based on reference material or local sources. For further details on these and additional events, refer to Volume I, Section 5.0 of this plan.

Table 9.13-2. Hazard Event History

FEMA Date(s) of Declaration # County Event Event Type (If Applicable) Designated? Summary of Damages/Losses March 13, High Wind N/A N/A Tree damage 2010 March 12 – Severe Storms April 15, DR-1897 Yes Roads flooded, DPW, Police, Emergency Services O/T and Flooding 2010 Severe Winter February 4, Storm and DR-1954 Yes Yes, DPW, Police, Emergency Services O/T 2011 Snowstorm Various roads in the Township were closed for several days; a shelter was opened. Gravers Mill Dam sustained damage. Many homes in the Township August 26 – Hurricane sustained various level of flood damage from flooded September 5, DR-4021 Yes Irene basements to significant flood water damage. There 2011 was overtime for DPW, police and emergency services which included debris removal, assistance at shelter and damages to public infrastructure.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-3 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

FEMA Date(s) of Declaration # County Event Event Type (If Applicable) Designated? Summary of Damages/Losses Roads were closed due to downed trees and utility lines; reception center was opened. There were homes October 26 – Hurricane damaged by downed trees in the Township. Public November 8, DR-4086 Yes Sandy assistance was requested for overtime (DPW, police, 2012 emergency services) which included debris removal and assistance at shelter.

9.13.4 HAZARD VULNERABILITIES AND RANKING The hazard profiles in Section 5.0 of this plan have detailed information regarding each plan participant’s vulnerability to the identified hazards. The risk ranking methodology is presented in Section 5.3. However, each municipality had the opportunity to adjust the final ranking based on municipal feedback. The following summarizes the hazard vulnerabilities and their ranking in the Township of West Windsor. For additional vulnerability information relevant to this jurisdiction, refer to Section 5.0.

Hazard Risk/Vulnerability Risk Ranking The table below summarizes the hazard risk/vulnerability rankings of potential hazards for the Township of West Windsor.

Table 9.13-3. Hazard Risk/Vulnerability Risk Ranking

Risk Ranking Probability Score Estimate of Potential Dollar Losses to of (Probability x Hazard Hazard type Structures Vulnerable to the Hazard a, c Occurrence Impact) Ranking b Dam Failure Damage estimate not available Occasional 24 High* Drought Damage estimate not available Frequent 30 Medium 100-Year MRP: $0 Earthquake 500-Year MRP: $5,940,020 Occasional 12 Low 2,500-Year MRP: $102,787,662 Flood 1% Annual Chance: $308,074,568 Frequent 27 Medium Exposed to Landslide- Geologic $3,721,956,792 Occasional 24 Medium Susceptible Areas: 100-year MRP: $6,799,514 Hurricane 500-year MRP: $47,343,666 Frequent 48 High Annualized: $371,320 Nor'Easter Damage estimate not available Frequent 48 High 100-Year MRP: $6,799,514 Severe Weather 500-year MRP: $47,343,666 Frequent 48 High Annualized: $371,320 Severe Winter 1% of GBS: $80,386,821 Frequent 51 High Weather 5% of GBS: $401,934,105 Estimated Value in the Wildfire Extreme, Very High, and $42,131,874 Frequent 18 Medium High Hazard Areas: Disease Damage estimate not available Frequent 36 High Outbreak Hazardous Damage estimate not available Frequent 42 High Materials Notes: GBS = General building stock; MRP = Mean return period. *The hazard ranking for dam failure was changed due to the location of high hazard dams in the Township. a. The general building stock valuation is based on the custom inventory generated for the County utilizing improved value.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-4 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

b. High = Total hazard priority risk ranking score of 31 and above Medium = Total hazard priority risk ranking of 20-30+ Low = Total hazard risk ranking below 20 c. Refer to Section 5.1 for further details on the loss methodology. Loss estimates for the severe storm and severe winter storm hazards are structural values only and do not include the estimated value of contents. Loss estimates for the flood and earthquake hazards represent both structure and contents. Potential flood loss estimates were generated using Hazus-MH and the 2012 FEMA DFIRM for the 1-percent annual chance event. For the geologic and wildfire hazards, the improved value and estimated contents of buildings located within the identified hazard zones is provided.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Summary The following table summarizes the NFIP statistics for the Township of West Windsor.

Table 9.13-4. NFIP Summary

# Severe # Policies in # Rep. Rep. Loss 1% Flood # Claims Total Loss Loss Prop. Prop. Boundary Municipality # Policies (1) (Losses) (1) Payments (2) (1) (1) (3) West Windsor 164 61 $3,672,584 8 0 57 Township Source: FEMA Region 2, 2015 (1) Policies, claims, repetitive loss and severe repetitive loss statistics provided by FEMA Region 2, and are current as of 02/28/15. The total number of repetitive loss properties does not include the severe repetitive loss properties. The number of claims represents claims closed by 02/28/15. (2) Total building and content losses from the claims file provided by FEMA Region 2. (3) The policies inside and outside of the flood zones is based on the latitude and longitude provided by FEMA Region 2 in the policy file. Notes: FEMA noted that where there is more than one entry for a property, there may be more than one policy in force or more than one GIS possibility. A zero percentage denotes less than 1/100th percentage and not zero damages or vulnerability as may be the case. Number of policies and claims and claims total exclude properties located outside County boundary, based on provided latitude and longitude.

Critical Facilities The table below presents the number of critical facilities, by type, in the community located in the effective FEMA flood zones (1% and 0.2% annual chance boundaries).

Table 9.13-5. Potential Flood Losses to Critical Facilities

1% Annual Chance 0.2% Annual Chance

Municipality Park Park East Windsor Township 0 1 Source: Mercer County; FEMA, 2012

Other Vulnerabilities Identified by Municipality According to the 2016 preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS), low-lying areas are subject to flooding in the Township of West Windsor (FEMA 2016).

The hazard profiles in Section 5.0 of this plan have detailed information regarding each plan participant’s vulnerability to the identified hazards. Further, mitigation projects have been identified that may more specifically detail vulnerabilities in the community. There are no additional vulnerabilities identified at this time.

9.13.5 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT This section identifies the following capabilities of the local jurisdiction:

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-5 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

 Planning and regulatory capability  Administrative and technical capability  Fiscal capability  Education/Outreach and Community classification  Self-Assessment of Capability  National Flood Insurance Program  Integration of Mitigation Planning into Existing and Future Planning Mechanisms

Planning and Regulatory Capability The table below summarizes the regulatory tools that are available to the Township of West Windsor.

Table 9.13-6. Planning and Regulatory Tools

Do you have this? (Yes/No) If Yes, date Authority Code Citation and Comments Tool / Program of adoption (local, county, Dept. /Agency (Code Chapter, name of plan, (code, ordinance, plan) or update state, federal) Responsible explanation of authority, etc.) Planning Capability Yes Community Master Plan Local Master Plan (August 2010) Development Yes 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Capital Improvements Plan Local Administration (2016-2021) Program (CIP) Part of Conservation Plan Element Floodplain Management / Yes Community Local and Stormwater Management Plan Basin Plan (6-18-08) Development Element of Master Plan Stormwater Management Yes Community Local Element of Master Plan Plan (August 2010) Development Yes Community Open Space Plan Local Element of Master Plan (August 2010) Development Stream Corridor Yes Community Part of Conservation Plan Element Local, State Management Plan (6-18-08) Development of Master Plan Watershed Management or Yes Community Part of Conservation Plan Element Local, State Protection Plan (6-18-08) Development of Master Plan Yes Community Part of Land Use Element of Economic Development Plan Local (August 2010) Development Master Plan Comprehensive Emergency Yes Emergency Local, State Federal Regulations Management Plan 2013 Management Yes Emergency Emergency Operation Plan Local/State Federal Regulations 2013 Management Yes Emergency Post-Disaster Recovery Plan Local/State Federal Regulations 2013 Management Yes Local, county, Community Transportation Plan Circulation Element of Master Plan 2-27-2008 state Development Strategic Recovery Planning No Report Yes Community Other Plans: Local Chapter 150 9-20-2010 Development Regulatory Capability

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-6 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Table 9.13-6. Planning and Regulatory Tools

Do you have this? (Yes/No) If Yes, date Authority Code Citation and Comments Tool / Program of adoption (local, county, Dept. /Agency (Code Chapter, name of plan, (code, ordinance, plan) or update state, federal) Responsible explanation of authority, etc.) State Uniform Construction Code Community Building Code Yes State & Local Act (N.J.S. 52:27D-119 et seq.), Development Chapter 63 Community Chapter 200: Land Use Ordinance Zoning Ordinance Yes Local (12-4-09) Development Part 4 Zoning Chapter 200: Land Use Ordinance Community Part 2 Subdivision Subdivision Ordinance Yes Local & County Development 200-38 through 200-68 Part 3 Subdivision and Site Plan Chapter 200: Land Use Ordinance, NFIP Flood Damage Federal, State, Community Part 6 Flood Damage and Yes Prevention Ordinance Local Development Prevention 200-270 through 200-290 NFIP: Cumulative Community No Local Chapter 200-4 Substantial Damages Development One foot of elevation, Chapter 200: Land Use Ordinance, Community NFIP: Freeboard Yes State, Local Part 6 Flood Damage and Development Prevention 200-270 through 200-290 Growth Management No Ordinances Chapter 200: Land Use Ordinance Site Plan Review Community Part 1 Site Plan Procedures Yes (6-15-04) Local Requirements Development 200-1 thru 200-37 Part 3 Subdivision and Site Plan Chapter 200: Land Use Ordinance Stormwater Management Community 200-99 thru 200-111.1 Yes Local Ordinance Development Part 3 Subdivision and Site Plan, Chapter 150 Stony Brook Municipal Separate Storm Regional Yes Local Chapter 131, Chapter 133 Sewer System (MS4) Sewerage Authority Natural Hazard Ordinance No Post-Disaster Recovery No Ordinance Real Estate Disclosure No Requirement Community Other [Special Purpose Development, Section 200-149 WWT LUO, Ordinances (i.e., sensitive Yes Local Emergency Chapter 9 areas, steep slope)] Management

Administrative and Technical Capability The table below summarizes potential staff and personnel resources available to the Township of West Windsor.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-7 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Table 9.13-7. Administrative and Technical Capabilities

Is this in place? (Yes or Resources No) Department/ Agency/Position Administrative Capability Planning Board Yes Community Development Mitigation Planning Committee No Environmental Board/Commission Yes Community Development, Environmental Commission Open Space Board/Committee No Economic Development Commission/Committee No Maintenance Programs to Reduce Risk No Hopewell Township, Stony Brook Regional Sewerage Mutual Aid Agreements Yes Authority Technical/Staffing Capability Planner(s) or Engineer(s) with knowledge of land Yes Community Development (Planning & Engineering) development and land management practices Engineer(s) or Professional(s) trained in construction Community Development (Code Enforcement & Yes practices related to buildings and/or infrastructure Engineering) Planners or engineers with an understanding of natural Yes Community Development (Planning & Engineering) hazards NFIP Floodplain Administrator Yes Community Development Director Surveyor(s) No Personnel skilled or trained in GIS and/or Hazus-MH Yes Community Development (Engineering) applications Scientist familiar with natural hazards No Emergency Manager Yes Office of Emergency Management Grant Writer(s) No Staff with expertise or training in benefit/cost analysis No Professionals trained in conducting damage assessments No

Fiscal Capability The table below summarizes financial resources available to the Township of West Windsor.

Table 9.13-8. Fiscal Capabilities

Accessible or Eligible to Use Financial Resources (Yes/No/Don’t Know) Community development Block Grants (CDBG, CDBG-DR) Yes Capital Improvements Project Funding Yes Authority to Levy Taxes for specific purposes Yes User fees for water, sewer, gas or electric service Yes – sewer Impact Fees for homebuyers or developers of new development/ homes Yes Stormwater Utility Fee No Incur debt through general obligation bonds Yes Incur debt through special tax bonds No Incur debt through private activity bonds No Withhold public expenditures in hazard-prone areas No Other Federal or State Funding Programs Yes

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-8 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Table 9.13-8. Fiscal Capabilities

Accessible or Eligible to Use Financial Resources (Yes/No/Don’t Know) Open Space Acquisition Funding Programs Yes Other N/A

Education/Outreach and Community Classifications The table below summarizes education/outreach programs the community participates in and the classifications for community program available to the Township of West Windsor.

Table 9.13-9. Education/Outreach and Community Classifications

Do you have/participate Classification Date Classified Program in this? (Yes/No) (if applicable) (if applicable) Community Rating System (CRS) No NP NP Building Code Effectiveness Grading Yes Unknown Schedule (BCEGS) Public Protection (ISO Fire Protection Yes Unknown Classes 1 to 10) Storm Ready No NP NP Firewise No NP NP Disaster/Safety Programs in/for Schools Yes Organizations with Mitigation Focus No (advocacy group, non-government) Public Education Program/Outreach No (through website, social media) Public-Private Partnerships No N/A = Not applicable; NP = Not participating

The classifications listed above relate to the community’s ability to provide effective services to lessen its vulnerability to the hazards identified. These classifications can be viewed as a gauge of the community’s capabilities in all phases of emergency management (preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation) and are used as an underwriting parameter for determining the costs of various forms of insurance. The CRS class applies to flood insurance while the BCEGS and Public Protection classifications apply to standard property insurance. CRS classifications range on a scale of 1 to 10 with class 1 being the best possible classification, and class 10 representing no classification benefit. Firewise classifications include a higher classification when the subject property is located beyond 1000 feet of a creditable fire hydrant and is within 5 road miles of a recognized Fire Station.

Criteria for classification credits are outlined in the following documents:

 The Community Rating System Coordinators Manual  The Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule  The ISO Mitigation online ISO’s Public Protection website at http://www.isomitigation.com/ppc/0000/ppc0001.html  The National Weather Service Storm Ready website at http://www.weather.gov/stormready/howto.htm  The National Firewise Communities website at http://firewise.org/

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-9 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Self-Assessment of Capability The table below provides an approximate measure of the Township of West Windsor’s capability to work in a hazard-mitigation capacity and/or effectively implement hazard mitigation strategies to reduce hazard vulnerabilities.

Table 9.13-10. Self-Assessment of Capability

Degree of Hazard Mitigation Capability Limited (If limited, what are Area your obstacles?) Moderate High Planning and Regulatory Capability X Administrative and Technical Capability X Fiscal Capability X Community Political Capability X Community Resiliency Capability X Capability to Integrate Mitigation into X Municipal Processes and Activities.

National Flood Insurance Program

NFIP Floodplain Administrator (FPA) M. Patricia Ward, Director of Community Development

Flood Vulnerability Summary The Community Development Department does not maintain lists/inventories of properties that have been damaged by flooding. If a structure is damaged to cause a code compliance issue, the Department alerts Code Enforcement to send out inspectors. Two homes in the Township have been elevated and the Department of Community Development assisted the property owners with the process.

Resources The Community Development department consists of Land Use, Engineering and Code Enforcement. All three divisions assist the municipal floodplain administrator when needed and are all involved with the program in the Township. NFIP administration services provided by the Department includes permit review and inspections. However, education or outreach to the community regarding flood hazards/risk or flood risk reduction is not provided to the municipality. The FPA indicated that there are barriers to running an effective floodplain management program in the Township that includes staff time and funding. The FPA also stated that they do not feel adequately supported or trained to fulfill her role as the municipal FPA and that she would consider training if it were offered.

Compliance History The Township is currently in good standing with the NFIP; however, it is unknown as to when the most recent compliance audit was conducted.

Regulatory The Township’s flood damage and prevention ordinance meets the minimum set by FEMA and the State of New Jersey. The Township has other local ordinances, plans and programs in place that support floodplain management.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-10 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Community Rating System The Township is not part of the Community Rating System.

Integration of Hazard Mitigation into Existing and Future Planning Mechanisms For a community to succeed in reducing long-term risk, hazard mitigation must be integrated into the day-to- day local government operations. As part of this planning effort, each community was surveyed to obtain a better understanding of their community’s progress in plan integration. A summary is provided below. In addition, the community identified specific integration activities that will be incorporated into municipal procedures.

Planning West Windsor Township participates in planning initiatives, as opportunities arise and as funding permits. This allows the community to develop comprehensive regional and local guidelines to ensure appropriate development, strategizing, and enhancement of the Township to benefit residents and local businesses.

The West Windsor Master Plan was updated and revised in August 2010. The Master Plan has several goals that integrate well with hazard mitigation, including the following:

 Achieve a desirable balance of non-residential, residential, open space and agricultural uses.  Maintain strict performance standards for residential uses wherever the Residential Site Improvement Standards do not govern for the development of industrial, office, research or commercial uses such that development compatible with the environment will be assured and negative impacts on individual sites and community infrastructure will be minimized.  Ensure the provision of adequate and appropriate wastewater treatment, water supply, and stormwater utilities systems to protect the public health, welfare and the natural environment in a cost effective manner in keeping with the intent of the Township Land Use Plan.  To preserve the maximum amount of open space for the future.  To develop adequate open space and recreation facilities to meet the needs of West Windsor Township now and in the future.  To preserve and enhance the cultural and ecological environment for the inhabitants of West Windsor Township.  The overall goal of the Conservation Element is to preserve and maintain the ecological, historic, visual, agricultural and scenic resources of the Township, preserve the environment and maintain and enhance the overall quality of life for Township residents.

The Master Plan also has several other relevant plans and guidance documents included as part of its update. For instance, the Land Use Plan Element, the Utilities Plan Element, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Element, the Conservation Plan Element, the Stormwater Management Plan Element, the Sustainability Plan, and the Community Forestry Management and Street Tree Master Plan all coordinate with long term hazard management and disaster prevention policies. Additionally, the Master Plan contains a specific section demonstrating its relationship to other municipal and County plans.

The Township’s Wastewater Management Plan, a municipal chapter of the County’s Wastewater Management Plan, complies with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections and regulates locations and methods for wastewater disposal throughout the Township. It also considers the impacts of areas designated as environmentally sensitive, such as wetlands and stream corridors. This document provides the Township a resource for determining capacity, demand, and needs in regards to wastewater treatment.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-11 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Regulatory and Enforcement (Ordinances) The Township has multiple codes and ordinances pertaining to the mitigation of hazards. These ordinances include the establishment of several key boards, councils, and departments; the Uniform Construction Codes; Fire Prevention regulations; Sewage Disposal Systems; Sewers; Solid Waste, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SP3); and Land Use regulations. The Land Use regulations contain additional codes on site plan reviews, subdivisions, and flood damage and prevention.

The municipal Code and ordinances are available on the Township website: http://ecode360.com/WE1666?needHash=true.

Operational and Administration The Township of West Windsor has established a Planning Board, Board of Health, Emergency Management Council, Agricultural Advisory Board, Environmental Commission, Shade Tree Commission, Site Plan Review Advisory Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment, all of which support land use decisions and public health/safety, as well as ensure compliance with regulations, codes, and the Master Plan.

The Township is governed by a Mayor and five-member Council, as well as other municipal officials. The Township has eight departments (and appropriate divisions and offices) which oversee the successful operations of the community. The Department of Public Works, Office of Emergency Management/Department of Public Safety, and Department of Community Development all play pivotal roles in maintaining a prepared and resilient jurisdiction.

Funding The Township’s operating budget contains minimal provisions for expected repairs like snow removal and infrastructure repair after a storm or natural disaster. When possible, the Township applies for State and Federal grant funds. The 2016 budget contains line items for Sustainable Jersey Small Grant, BPU-Office Clean Energy Efficiency, DWI Grants, and Clean Communities Grant, among others.

In addition, the Township allocates funding for capital improvement projects, many of which integrate with hazard mitigation. Some of the projects identified in the 2016-2021 CIP include municipal renovations and expansions to emergency services buildings (specifically the Princeton Junction Fire Station), replacement of the municipal building emergency generator, pedestrian safety improvements, road enhancements, and a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.

Education and Outreach Township of West Windsor staff attend trainings and classes sponsored by Mercer County Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management, Mercer County Planning Department, or by state and federal agencies, as able and in order to meet all professional requirements.

The Township’s website regularly posts information regarding upcoming community events and important municipal decisions. The website also includes links to information on the EAB concern, the Township Office of Emergency Management, Sustainable Jersey, upcoming road repairs, maps, and public health concerns. The West Windsor Twp NJ Government Facebook page is also very active and can be a useful resource for information dissemination, with almost 1,000 likes to the page. In addition, residents also register for the Mercer County Emergency Notification System.

A screenshot of the Township website on emergency management is provided below:

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-12 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Figure 9.13-1. Township of West Windsor Office of Emergency Management Webpage

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-13 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

9.13.7 MITIGATION STRATEGY AND PRIORITIZATION This section discusses past mitigations actions and status, describes proposed hazard mitigation initiatives, and prioritization.

Past Mitigation Initiative Status The following table indicates progress on the community’s mitigation strategy identified in the 2011 Plan. Actions that are carried forward as part of this plan update are included in the following subsection in its own table with prioritization. Previous actions that are now on-going programs and capabilities are indicated as such in the following table and may also be found under ‘Capability Assessment’ presented previously in this annex.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-14 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Table 9.13-11. Past Mitigation Initiative Status

Description of Status 1. Please describe what was accomplished and indicate % complete. Status Description of Next Step(s) (In 2. If there was no progress, indicate what progress, obstacles/delays encountered? Next Step 1. If including action in the 2016 No 3. If there was progress, how is/was the action (Include in HMP, revise/reword to be more specific (as appropriate). Responsible progress, being funded (e.g., FEMA HMGP grant, local 2016 HMP, 2011 Mitigation Action Party Complete) budget)? Discontinue) 2. If discontinue, explain why Hardening of shelter at Mercer No Progress 1.0% Discontinue There is currently no interest for County Community College School Board 2.No funding this project at this time; therefore, located on Old Trenton Road to Administrator 3.No interest this action will not be included in FEMA 361 Standards. the 2016 HMP update. Emergency backup generator for No Progress 1.0% Discontinue There is currently no interest for shelter at Mercer County OEM 2.No Funding this project at this time; therefore, Community College located on Coordinator 3.No Interest this action will not be included in Old Trenton Road. the 2016 HMP update. Emergency backup generator for No Progress 1.0% Include in 2016 need for operations EMS Emergency Medical Services 2.Funding needed HMP Commander facility located on Everett Drive. 3.Funding needed Retrofit impact resistant windows No Progress 1.0% Discontinue Due to lack of funding, this project and shutters on Police Department 2.no funding will not be included in the 2016 and Emergency Operations Center Police Chief 3.no funding HMP update. building located on Municipal Drive. No Progress 1.0% Discontinue There is currently no interest for Hardening of alternate Emergency OEM 2.no funding this project at this time; therefore, Operations Center located on Coordinator 3.no interest this action will not be included in South Mill Road. the 2016 HMP update. No Progress 1.0% Discontinue There is currently no interest for Emergency backup generator for OEM 2.no funding this project at this time; therefore, shelter at Grover Middle School Coordinator 3.no interest this action will not be included in located on Village Road East. the 2016 HMP update. Emergency backup power No Progress 1.0% Discontinue There is currently no interest for generator shelter at Maurice Hawk 2.no funding this project at this time; therefore, Fire Chief Elementary School at Clarksville 3.no interest this action will not be included in Road. the 2016 HMP update. Develop "All Hazards" public No Progress 1.0% Discontinue There is currently no interest for education and outreach program OEM 2.no funding this project at this time; therefore, for hazard mitigation and Coordinator 3.no interest this action will not be included in preparedness. the 2016 HMP update. OEM = Office of Emergency Management.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-15 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Completed Mitigation Initiatives not Identified in the Previous Mitigation Strategy The Township of West Windsor developed an Emerald Ash Borer (EAP) mitigation project after the confirmation of its existence within the jurisdiction. This management plan, developed through the collaboration of the Shade Tree Commission and the Township Landscape Architect, comprises a financial management component and public education component.

Proposed Hazard Mitigation Initiatives for the Plan Update The County hosted a mitigation action workshop in November 2015 where the following FEMA publications were provided to all plan participants to use as a resource as part of the municipal comprehensive review of all possible activities and mitigation measures to address their hazards: FEMA 551 ‘Selecting Appropriate Mitigation Measures for Floodprone Structures’ (March 2007) and FEMA ‘Mitigation Ideas – A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards’ (January 2013). In December 2015, the Township participated in a second workshop led by FEMA Region 2 and NJOEM and was provided the results to the risk assessment to further assist with the identification of mitigation actions.

Table 9.13-12 summarizes the comprehensive-range of specific mitigation initiatives the Township would like to pursue in the future to reduce the effects of hazards. Some of these initiatives may be previous actions carried forward for this plan update. These initiatives are dependent upon available funding (grants and local match availability) and may be modified or omitted at any time based on the occurrence of new hazard events and changes in municipal priorities. Both the four FEMA mitigation action categories and the six CRS mitigation action categories are listed in the table below to further demonstrate the wide-range of activities and mitigation measures selected.

As discussed in Section 6, 14 evaluation/prioritization criteria are used to complete the prioritization of mitigation initiatives. For each new mitigation action, a numeric rank is assigned (-1, 0, or 1) for each of the 14 evaluation criteria to assist with prioritizing your actions as ‘High’, ‘Medium’, or ‘Low.’ Table 9.13-13 summarizes the evaluation of each mitigation initiative, listed by Action Number.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-16 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Table 9.13-12. Proposed Hazard Mitigation Initiatives y r

Applies to o n g e o

New y e i v r t t i o a t

and/or Lead and Sources a g C a g

i i e t Existing Hazard(s) Goals Support Estimated Estimated of S t t i i a R n Mitigation Initiative Structures* Mitigated Met Agencies Benefits Cost Funding Timeline Priority I M C C The Township will encourage West consideration of low occupancy, Medium to Municipal LPR, PR, Windsor- N/A All All Township Low Ongoing Medium low-density zoning in hazard areas High Budget EAP PI 1 where practical. West Incorporate hazard resistant Medium to Municipal LPR, PR, Windsor- construction standards into the N/A All All Township Low Ongoing Medium High Budget EAP PI 2 design and location of projects. Purchase and install a generator at West the Township critical facilities: HMGP Medium to Short Term / Windsor-  Municipal building Existing All 1, 2, 6 Township High with local High SIP PP High DOF 3  Fire and Emergency cost share Services building Support the mitigation of vulnerable structures via retrofit (e.g. elevation, flood-proofing) or acquisition/relocation to protect structures from future damage, with repetitive loss and severe repetitive loss properties as a priority when applicable. Phase 1: Identify appropriate candidates and determine most cost-effective mitigation option (in progress). Phase 2: Work with the property owners to implement selected action based on available funding and local match availability. FEMA Mitigation Ongoing West Flood, Engineering Grant (outreach and Windsor- Severe via NFIP Programs specific project 4 Weather FPA with and identification); See above. Existing Wildfire, All NJOEM, High High local High SIP PP Long term DOF Severe FEMA budget (or (specific project Winter support property application and Weather owner) implementation) for cost share Notes: Not all acronyms and abbreviations defined below are included in the table. *Does this mitigation initiative reduce the effects of hazards on new and/or existing buildings and/or infrastructure? Not applicable (N/A) is inserted if this does not apply.

Acronyms and Abbreviations: Potential FEMA HMA Funding Sources: Timeline: CAV Community Assistance Visit FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program Short 1 to 5 years CRS Community Rating System HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Long Term 5 years or greater DPW Department of Public Works PDM Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program OG On-going program FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency RFC Repetitive Flood Claims Grant Program DOF Depending on funding FPA Floodplain Administrator (discontinued) HMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance SRL Severe Repetitive Loss Grant Program N/A Not applicable (discontinued) NFIP National Flood Insurance Program OEM Office of Emergency Management

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-17 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Costs: Benefits: Where actual project costs have been reasonably estimated: Where possible, an estimate of project benefits (per FEMA’s benefit calculation methodology) Low < $10,000 has been evaluated against the project costs, and is presented as: Medium $10,000 to $100,000 Low= < $10,000 High > $100,000 Medium $10,000 to $100,000 High > $100,000 Where actual project costs cannot reasonably be established at this time: Low Possible to fund under existing budget. Project is part of, or can be part Where numerical project benefits cannot reasonably be established at this time: of an existing on-going program. Low Long-term benefits of the project are difficult to quantify in the short term. Medium Could budget for under existing work plan, but would require a Medium Project will have a long-term impact on the reduction of risk exposure to reapportionment of the budget or a budget amendment, or the cost of life and property, or project will provide an immediate reduction in the risk the project would have to be spread over multiple years. exposure to property. High Would require an increase in revenue via an alternative source (i.e., High Project will have an immediate impact on the reduction of risk exposure to bonds, grants, fee increases) to implement. Existing funding levels are life and property. not adequate to cover the costs of the proposed project.

Mitigation Category:  Local Plans and Regulations (LPR) – These actions include government authorities, policies or codes that influence the way land and buildings are being developed and built.  Structure and Infrastructure Project (SIP)- These actions involve modifying existing structures and infrastructure to protect them from a hazard or remove them from a hazard area. This could apply to public or private structures as well as critical facilities and infrastructure. This type of action also involves projects to construct manmade structures to reduce the impact of hazards.  Natural Systems Protection (NSP) – These are actions that minimize damage and losses, and also preserve or restore the functions of natural systems.  Education and Awareness Programs (EAP) – These are actions to inform and educate citizens, elected officials, and property owners about hazards and potential ways to mitigate them. These actions may also include participation in national programs, such as StormReady and Firewise Communities CRS Category:  Preventative Measures (PR) - Government, administrative or regulatory actions, or processes that influence the way land and buildings are developed and built. Examples include planning and zoning, floodplain local laws, capital improvement programs, open space preservation, and storm water management regulations.  Property Protection (PP) - These actions include public activities to reduce hazard losses or actions that involve (1) modification of existing buildings or structures to protect them from a hazard or (2) removal of the structures from the hazard area. Examples include acquisition, elevation, relocation, structural retrofits, storm shutters, and shatter-resistant glass.  Public Information (PI) - Actions to inform and educate citizens, elected officials, and property owners about hazards and potential ways to mitigate them. Such actions include outreach projects, real estate disclosure, hazard information centers, and educational programs for school-age children and adults.  Natural Resource Protection (NR) - Actions that minimize hazard loss and also preserve or restore the functions of natural systems. These actions include sediment and erosion control, stream corridor restoration, watershed management, forest and vegetation management, and wetland restoration and preservation.  Structural Flood Control Projects (SP) - Actions that involve the construction of structures to reduce the impact of a hazard. Such structures include dams, setback levees, floodwalls, retaining walls, and safe rooms.  Emergency Services (ES) - Actions that protect people and property during and immediately following a disaster or hazard event. Services include warning systems, emergency response services, and the protection of essential facilities

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-18 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Table 9.13-13. Summary of Prioritization of Actions

s y n s t o i e i l e n n p a v u e t i d m v t n r i m a a e t a s n y r l

h c z m t t e o m a y e

Mitigation e C l a o i s e

v t f c n i t n f a i f C i r H y i

t c c o n a - l Action / l High / l c E e n r i i l i c l r e - S a e t a t

i n e p t h t a e a i i l c j m t e

Project Mitigation c l v e Medium s g o o c h m f s u t b d g e i o r r o n o i e i Number Action/Initiative o / Low L P P C T P L F E S A M T A O O T The Township will encourage consideration of low West occupancy, low-density 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 8 Medium Windsor-1 zoning in hazard areas where practical. Incorporate hazard resistant West construction standards into 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 8 Medium Windsor-2 the design and location of projects. Purchase and install a generator at the Township critical facilities: West  Municipal building 1 1 1 1 1 0 -1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 8 High Windsor-3  Fire and Emergency Services building Support the mitigation of vulnerable structures via retrofit (e.g. elevation, flood- proofing) or West acquisition/relocation to 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 11 High Windsor-4 protect structures from future damage, with repetitive loss and severe repetitive loss properties as a priority when applicable. Note: Refer to Section 6 which contains the guidance on conducting the prioritization of mitigation actions.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-19 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

9.13.8 FUTURE NEEDS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND RISK/VULNERABILITY None at this time.

9.13.9 HAZARD AREA EXTENT AND LOCATION Hazard area extent and location maps have been generated for the Township of West Windsor that illustrate the probable areas impacted within the municipality. These maps are based on the best available data at the time of the preparation of this plan, and are considered to be adequate for planning purposes. Maps have only been generated for those hazards that can be clearly identified using mapping techniques and technologies, and for which the Township of West Windsor has significant exposure. Figure 9.13-2 and Figure 9.13-3 illustrate the hazard area extent for the municipality.

9.13.10 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS None at this time.

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-20 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Figure 9.13-2. Township of West Windsor Hazard Area Extent and Location Map 1

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-21 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Figure 9.13-3. Township of West Windsor Hazard Area Extent and Location Map 2

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-22 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Action Number: West Windsor-3 Mitigation Action/Initiative: Purchase and install a generator at Township critical facilities

Assessing the Risk

Hazard(s) addressed: All hazards that lead to power outages The municipal building and fire and emergency services building are critical Specific problem being facilities in the Township; however, they do not have backup which prevents mitigated: them from functioning properly during power outages. Evaluation of Potential Actions/Projects Purchase and install a generator at the Township critical facilities: 1.  Municipal building Actions/Projects Considered  Fire and Emergency Services building (name of project and reason for not selecting): 2. Do nothing – current problem continues 3. No other feasible options were identified

Action/Project Intended for Implementation Purchase and install a generator at the Township critical facilities: Description of Selected  Municipal building Action/Project  Fire and Emergency Services building Action/Project Category SIP

Goals/Objectives Met 1, 2, 6 Applies to existing and/or new Existing development; or not applicable Benefits (losses avoided) High

Estimated Cost Medium to High

Priority* High

Plan for Implementation Responsible/Lead Township Agency/Department Local Planning Mechanism Emergency Management, Hazard Mitigation

Potential Funding Sources HMGP with local cost share

Timeline for Completion Short Term / DOF

Reporting on Progress

Date of Status Report/ Date: Report of Progress Progress on Action/Project:

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-23 June 2016 Section 9.13: Township of West Windsor

Action Number: West Windsor-3 Mitigation Action/Initiative: Purchase and install a generator at Township critical facilities

Numeric Rank Criteria (-1, 0, 1) Provide brief rationale for numeric rank when appropriate Life Safety 1 Property Protection 1 Allow the critical facilities to function properly during power outages Cost-Effectiveness 1 Technical 1 Political 1 Legal 0 Fiscal -1 Need to seek grant funding Environmental 0 Social 1 Administrative 1 Multi-Hazard 1 All hazards that lead to power outages Timeline 0 Local Champion 1 Other Community 0 Objectives Total 8 Priority High (High/Med/Low)

DMA 2000 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update – Mercer County, New Jersey 9.13-24 June 2016