EDISON MASTER PLAN
INTRODUCTION 1.0 Introduction
This Master Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements set forth in New Jersey Statutes Annotated 40:55D and under the direction of the Master Plan Advisory Committee. It is intended to provide a careful assessment of the existing use of land and serve as a guide for future growth and development in Edison. Edison last adopted a comprehensive Master Plan in 1989. A municipal master plan provides a vision for the future growth of a community. It analyzes statistical trends, problems and opportunities, and provides a methodology and offers recommendations to address those issues and opportunities.
The Master Plan strives to examine the rate and nature of past and present development, the future development potential under existing zoning parameters and environmental constraints, and the capacity of existing infrastructure to serve projected growth. A Land Use Plan balancing Edison’s growth potential with its growth capacity through recommended changes to Land Use and Zoning Ordinance as well as a Future Land Use map has been provided. The Future Land Use plan specifically calls for anti-sprawl initiatives based on the design principles of New Urbanism.
Numerous public meetings were held to elicit public comment and address public concern relative to land planning in Edison. The Master Plan Advisory Committee, Open Space Advisory Committee and Board of Education met on many separate occasions to discuss each individual Master Plan Element and enriched the planning process with their input. The professionals retained to prepare the Master Plan utilized this input to guide and develop the Plan.
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2.0 Regional Context
dison, located in Middlesex County, 2.2 DESCRIPTION OF PLANNING E encompasses a land area of 30.17 square miles. DISTRICTS Several major road networks including the NJ Turnpike and US Routes 1, 27, and 287 traverse Planning District 1 Edison, providing the municipality with excellent This PD includes the northern portion of Edison regional highway access. Edison is bordered on the bounded to the west by South Plainfield (Woodland north by Scotch Plains Township and Clark Avenue); to the north by Scotch Plains and Clark; Township, on the west by Piscataway Township to the south by Oak Tree Road; and, to the east by and the Borough of South Plainfield, on the Woodbridge. southwest by the Borough of Highland Park, on the south by the Raritan River, and exclusively on the Planning District 2 east by Woodbridge Township. The Borough of This PD includes the eastern portion of Edison Metuchen is located in the center. bounded by Oak Tree Road to the north; the Lehigh Valley (Conrail) Railroad to the south; Metuchen to For the purposes of this Master Plan, Edison has the west; and, Woodbridge to the east. been divided into five Planning Districts (PD’s), which are described below and depicted graphically Planning District 3 on the following map. It should be noted that these This PD includes the western portion of Edison districts have been determined for purposes of south of Oak Tree Road from Grove Avenue to the presentation in this report and are not intended to South Plainfield border and extending south to the serve as criteria for basing zoning district Northeast Corridor transit rail line. modifications. The PD’s herein have been created due to the size and scale of Edison and the desire Planning District 4 to provide manageable graphics easily interpreted This PD includes the south-central portion of by the average reader. Each PD was created Edison, bounded by the Northeast Corridor transit utilizing three basic parameters: rail line to the north; Route 1 to the south; Highland Park to the west; and, Metuchen to the east. 2.1 CRITERIA FOR PLANNING DISTRICTS Planning District 5 This PD includes the southern portion of Edison 1. Configuration of Census Tracts for ease of from the Raritan River waterfront north to the census data manipulation; Lehigh Valley (Conrail) Railroad. PD five, which 2. A balance of population and/or land area is bisected by the NJ Turnpike, is bound by Route 1 among the districts; and, and Metuchen to the west. The municipal 3. Recognition of prominent physical boundary of Woodbridge Township forms the boundaries such as railroad rights-of-way eastern border of this PD. and major roadways.
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REGIONAL CONTEXT
The following table identifies the Census Tract designations associated with each PD.
TABLE 2.1-1 Census Tracts By Planning District
PLANNING CENSUS TRACTS ( 2000) DISTRICT One 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 Two 14.16 14.17 19.01 19.02 19.03 Three 14.14 14.15 15.03 15.04 Four 15.02 16.00 17.01 17.02 Five 18.03 18.04 18.05 18.06
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REGIONAL CONTEXT
Planning District Boundaries Map
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3.0 Goals & Objectives
COMMUNITY VISION centers including but not limited to Amboy Avenue, the Revlon Property, the Ford The following goals and objectives have been Property, the Jackson Avenue identified to guide future growth, development and Redevelopment Area, and the Seaport redevelopment and create a vision for Edison. The Village. goals and objectives have been prepared under the assumption that they will have a positive influence LAND USE on the future direction of Edison and shape policies guiding land use decisions and development Encourage Edison to develop as an urban/suburban practices. The individual elements of this municipality with a balanced mix of institutional, comprehensive Master Plan will provide a careful commercial and industrial land uses and housing and in-depth analysis of land use issues and the types predicated on the design principles of New furtherance of the herein stated goals and Urbanism along with ample community facilities objectives. Said elements have been enriched and and recreational amenities while preserving the validated by public comment and review by the riverfront landscape and other natural resources of Planning Board. Edison.
♦ Encourage the preservation of distinct, ♦ Provide for future growth and development cohesive neighborhoods. of Edison’s ratable base, including but not limited to the Raritan Center Industrial ♦ Encourage well designed, anti-sprawl land Park, Heller Industrial Park, Jackson development that is consistent with Avenue Redevelopment Area, Ford established neighborhoods and land use Property, Revlon Property, Route 1 and patterns while preserving the community’s Route 27 corridors and the Seaport Village. suburban and urban landscapes which make Edison a unique and desirable place to both ♦ Analyze existing land use patterns and live and work. underlying zoning and make recommendations for changes where ♦ Consistent with recommendations in the incongruous land uses directly abut one State Development and Redevelopment another. Plan for Metropolitan Planning Areas, capitalize on opportunities for ♦ Continue efforts to develop Clara Barton’s redevelopment. downtown by developing a relationship between the downtown to the Clara Barton ♦ Encourage new development consistent neighborhood and encouraging small with the scale of established land uses while business development and streetscape and preserving the character and developed façade improvement programs along nature of existing neighborhoods and Amboy Avenue. proximate land uses at densities which consider available vacant land. ♦ Develop a mixed-use civic center central to Edison. ♦ Encourage the continued development of existing and potential business corridors and
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GOALS & OBJECTIVES
conforming land uses and variance requests ♦ In accordance with State Plan policies and and to encourage residents and taxpayers to procedures, encourage future development make improvements to their dwellings. to occur at appropriate locations and intensity in accordance with transportation CIRCULATION and environmental capacities and anti- sprawl initiatives. ♦ Develop a safe and efficient circulation system capitalizing on Edison’s excellent ♦ Discourage deviations from established land regional highway access and multi-modal use patterns that would permit incompatible transportation system. and/or conflicting land uses being developed adjacent to one another; where ♦ Improve on Edison’s existing transit appropriate amend zoning to prohibit systems to develop an enhanced multi- incongruous land uses. modal system capitalizing on intra- municipal transit including Edison Light ♦ Where new development is proposed on Transit, passenger and freight ferry service, raw, undeveloped land, an effort should be the ongoing Transit Study, and Bicycle made to preserve mature specimen trees and Master Plan. other significant on-site vegetation through ordinance amendments targeted at tree ♦ Review problem and congested preservation. intersections and make specific recommendations in the Circulation ♦ Through Ordinance amendments, encourage Element of the Edison Comprehensive co-location of wireless communication Master Plan for signal timing changes as facilities in order to reduce both the number well as new signal installation in of Use Variance requests and the number of conjunction with County and State plans. new wireless carrier structures. When new towers are constructed, every effort should ♦ Synchronize traffic signals throughout be made to camouflage the proposed Edison in order to facilitate traffic flow and structure. reduce pollution from stop and start traffic.
♦ Maintain and continually update a list of ♦ As industrial park development continues to known DEP contaminated sites and increase, plan alternate truck routes to encourage the Planning and Zoning Board alleviate congestion on local Edison to closely monitor applications submitted roadways. for development on those sites. ♦ Expand the “rails to trails” program on the ♦ Review the zoning ordinance, particularly abandoned Conrail Railroad right-of-ways. in the RB Zone, which has historically maintained the highest number of bulk ♦ Designate and take meaningful steps to variances (1999 and 2000 respectively), and develop pedestrian corridors and bikeways provide standards that are consistent with linking municipal and County recreational established and anticipated land use patterns and community facilities. in order to reduce the degree of non-
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GOALS & OBJECTIVES
♦ Rehabilitate older housing stock and ♦ Catalog the existing sidewalk network and encourage participation in the Community work towards the development of a Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded comprehensive sidewalk system. housing rehabilitation program.
♦ Seek NJDOT grants and maximum use of ♦ Encourage all neighborhoods, existing and State and federal programs under TEA-21 proposed, to embrace an active street tree to fund transportation improvements. planting and maintenance program.
HOUSING ♦ Continue to meet Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) Fair Share housing ♦ Encourage the development of creative obligation. senior citizen housing options such as assisted living and active adult market HISTORIC PRESERVATION housing to accommodate an aging population. Amend the zoning ordinance Preserve the integrity of historically significant where appropriate to permit by right a properties that are symbols of the rich history and variety of senior citizen housing options. positive image of Edison.
♦ Plan a variety of housing types meeting the ♦ Incorporate the Historical Preservation needs of young professionals to become a Commission’s recommended list of fifty- significant part of the housing stock in six (56) Historic Landmarks and Edison. Historically Significant sites in the Historic Preservation Element of the ♦ Discourage the construction of isolated Comprehensive Master Plan. housing developments separated from employment and shopping thereby ♦ Review the Middlesex County Cultural & increasing reliance on the automobile and Heritage Commission resource inventory contributing to sprawl. and update and amend where appropriate
♦ Maintain and encourage diversity in the ♦ Create development standards to retain the type and character of available housing history and integrity of landmarks and promoting an opportunity for varied other noteworthy sites and buildings residential communities. designated by the Historic Preservation Commission. ♦ Provide housing opportunities for all groups, family sizes and income levels. ♦ Restore the Edison Memorial Tower and Menlo Park lab site. ♦ Encourage clustering housing options in appropriately zoned locations and at ♦ Consider development of a new museum at reasonable densities in order to conserve Edison State Park. energy and open space and make use of available infrastructure. ♦ Amend the zoning ordinance to require developers and redevelopers to consider
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GOALS & OBJECTIVES
archaeological as well as historical reviews. ♦ Improve, enhance and expand where appropriate existing community facilities ♦ Encourage local events celebrating the rich including the Stelton-Drwal Community history and culture that is unique to Edison, Center, Minnie B. Veal Community Center for example, celebrating Edison as the as well as the Senior Citizens Center. birthplace of recorded sound. ♦ Expand the Edison Animal Shelter to a COMMUNITY FACILITIES capacity sufficient to make said shelter a no kill shelter. ♦ Provide for a range of quality public services such as schools, libraries, UTILITIES recreational facilities, facilities for the performing arts, public safety/emergency Maximize the use of existing utility systems and services and ensure the adequacy of same encourage expansion to areas identified for future to accommodate existing and future growth and development. populations. ♦ Continue to upgrade aging infrastructure. ♦ Provide and preserve a quality public education system that can accommodate an ♦ Upgrade existing infrastructure including expanding residential population. retention/detention basins and underground systems in the older, established areas. ♦ Construct a new main library in a central location, in a state of the art library facility ♦ Continue to implement the providing ample space and adequate recommendations in the 2000 Drainage parking as fifty-five (55) percent of Investigation Report. Edison’s residents take advantage of the free library system. ♦ Prepare new storm water management ordinances pursuant to NJDEP rules, ♦ Provide additional recreational facilities regulations and standards. and open space to meet a growing and changing population. ♦ Ensure that all developers of all sites including, but not limited to, the Ford ♦ Designate on the Community Facilities Property, the Revlon Property and the map those locations where facilities exist Seaport Village demonstrate adequate for populations with special needs. capacity of all utility systems.
♦ Petition for the development of a Post ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Office in North Edison. Continue to promote economic prosperity and ♦ Explore the need for new community sound fiscal planning through a strong ratable base. centers in various neighborhoods of the municipality, including, but not limited to ♦ Plan for future development in Edison’s Clara Barton. existing and proposed industrial parks.
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GOALS & OBJECTIVES
and develop an aggressive schedule to ♦ Pursue Smart Growth grant funding acquire open space parcels that do not opportunities to support and enhance conflict with the sites recommended for Edison’s proactive revitalization initiatives. development activity in the Future Land Use Plan. ♦ Plan for the development of a mixed-use civic center in a location central to Edison. ♦ Continue to work towards the preservation of approximately 2000 acres of open space ♦ Create a Seaport Village along the Raritan in Edison. Riverfront balancing economic development and environmental ♦ Update and maintain a list of municipally preservation. owned recreational sites and open space parcels. ♦ Conduct a study of abandoned and underutilized properties along the Route 1 ♦ Address design standards regarding critical and Route 27 corridors. areas by drafting a zoning ordinance regulating sloped properties. ♦ Where appropriate, designate additional areas or parcels in need of Redevelopment ♦ Encourage the development of additional in accordance with the New Jersey Local parkland to accommodate a growing Redevelopment and Housing Law, residential population. particularly along the Route 1 and Route 27 corridors. ♦ Expand the rails to trails program linking public open spaces and recreational sites ♦ Balance competing interests of economic with community facilities. development and traffic congestion. ♦ Institute and encourage creative methods for ♦ Encourage development and financing the acquisition and preservation implementation of the Jackson Avenue of open spaces. Redevelopment plan creating a senior citizen community with strong ties to the ♦ Limit the permitted disturbance of natural Amboy Avenue neighborhood business features, including tree clearance and the district. vistas along the waterfront.
CONSERVATION & OPEN SPACE ♦ Participate in the State’s community forestry program and develop a tree Through public and private endeavors, preserve conservation plan. A “no net loss of trees” environmentally sensitive areas including stream policy should be adopted for all new corridors, wetland areas, woodlands and other construction so that the number of trees cut environmentally sensitive lands and waters. down are equally replaced.
♦ Integrate and continually update the 1999 ♦ Consider the adoption of a scenic corridor Open Space and Recreation Plan in the ordinance to protect the scenic vistas and Conservation Element of the Master Plan view sheds unique to Edison.
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4.0 Existing Land Use
dison, located in Middlesex County, of the future change in the MPA will occur in the E encompasses a land area of 30.17 square miles. form of redevelopment. Several major road networks including US Routes 1, 27, and 287, and the New Jersey Turnpike DELINEATION CRITERIA traverse Edison providing the municipality with excellent regional highway access. Edison is Local conditions may require flexible application bordered on the north by Scotch Plains Township of the criteria to achieve the Policy Objectives of and Clark Township, on the west by Piscataway this Planning Area. The following criteria are Township and the Borough of South Plainfield, on intended as a general guide for delineating the the southwest by the Borough of Highland Park, on MPA. the south by the Raritan River, and exclusively on the east by Woodbridge Township. The Borough 1. Density of more than 1,000 people per of Metuchen is located in the center of Edison, with square mile; and Edison completely surrounding the Borough. 2. Existing public water and sewer systems, or Edison boasts a unique landscape, exhibiting both physical accessibility to those systems, and urban and suburban residential land use patterns. access to public transit systems; and Further, Edison is host to the Raritan Center, a 3. Land area greater than one square mile; and large complex developed with a mix of office, flex 4. A population of not less than 25,000 people; space and industrial uses. Beyond the corporate or parks and industrial centers, Edison is home to an 5. Areas that are totally surrounded by land extensive amount of waterfront property along the areas that meet the criteria of a Metropolitan Raritan River. These varying land use patterns Planning Area are geographically make Edison a desirable place in which to live and interrelated with the Metropolitan Planning work, evidenced by Edison’s Year 2000 Census Area and meet the intent of this Planning population of 97,687 persons which represents a Area. 10.2 percent increase during the past decade (1990- 2000). INTENT
4.1 NEW JERSEY STATE In the MPA, the State’s Plan intentions are to: DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT PLAN ♦ Provide for much of the state’s future redevelopment; The New Jersey State Development and ♦ Revitalize cities and towns; Redevelopment Plan classifies Edison ♦ Promote growth in compact forms; predominantly within Planning Area 1, the ♦ Stabilize older suburbs; Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA). The MPA ♦ Redesign areas of sprawl; and includes many communities that could be ♦ Protect the character of existing stable categorized as cities, and communities in this communities. planning area often have strong ties to, or are influenced by major metropolitan centers. Most of These goals will be met by strategies to upgrade or the communities in the MPA are fully developed, replace aging infrastructure; retain and expand or almost fully developed, with little vacant land employment opportunities; upgrade and expand available for new development. Therefore, much housing to attract a balanced residential population;
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EXISTING LAND USE restore or stabilize a threatened environmental base R-AA district above, however, minimum lot size is through brownfields redevelopment and twenty thousand (20,000) square feet or metropolitan park and greenway enhancement; and approximately one-half (1/2) acre. manage traffic effectively and create greater opportunities for public transportation connections R-BB Residential District within the Metropolitan Planning Area and between the Metropolitan Planning Area, suburban Permitted uses in this district are consistent with employment centers and the Philadelphia and New R-A district above, however, minimum lot size is York areas. The Future Land Use Plan in this ten thousand (10,000) square feet or approximately Master Plan furthers State Plan goals and objectives one-quarter (1/4) acre. by recommending mixed-use land development predicated on the design principles of New R-B Residential District Urbanism. Permitted uses in this district are consistent with 4.2 EXISTING ZONING R-BB district above, however, minimum lot size is seventy-five hundred (7,500) square feet. The existing land use plan identifies land uses as they are presently developed regardless of the Also permitted in the R-B District are planned unit respective zoning. The existing land use plan was developments (PUD), which are subject to, but not prepared by reviewing aerial photographs and limited to, the following standards and conducting extensive fieldwork to verify land uses. requirements: Commercial use is permitted, including restaurants, banks, drugstores, clothing Approximately ninety-six (96) percent of the and shoe stores. Also, mid-rise residential buildable land in Edison has been developed with a structures, townhouses, and apartments are mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses. permitted within the planned unit development. The following districts identified in Section 86-4 of the Edison Zoning Ordinance govern land use. The R-A-th, R-BB-th and zoning districts are numerous and the consolidation R-B-th Residential Districts or elimination of certain districts may have merit. Townhouse dwellings are the only permitted use in R-AA Residential District these zones. The minimum lot size is set at twenty- five (25) acres. A density of 4 dwelling units per Permitted uses in this district include single-family acre in the R-A-th, 5 dwelling units per acre in the detached homes, churches, synagogues or other R-BB-th and 10 dwelling units per acre in the places of worship, including parish houses and R-B-th district is permitted. school buildings. Also permitted are private nonprofit schools approved by the State of New L-R Residential District Jersey, as well as private golf courses. Minimum lot size is forty thousand (40,000) square feet or Permitted uses include single-family detached approximately one (1) acre. houses, townhouses, and multifamily dwellings and apartment houses, all subject to differing R-A and R-A (PRD) Residential Districts regulations.
Permitted uses in this district are consistent with
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EXISTING LAND USE
The minimum lot requirement is listed as five (5) eating or drinking establishments; and private acres and applies to townhouse projects. However, schools conducted for profit. Minimum lot size is for multifamily dwellings (garden apartments), the five (5) acres area of the lot must be no less than three (3) acres, with one exception if a zone boundary line passes O-S, O-S-1, and O-S-2 Office-Service Districts through a three (3) acre lot, making it smaller, the land may be approved for garden apartment Permitted uses in these districts include medical, development. dentistry, and other related professional services; businesses and professional offices and banks; L-B Local Business District single-family detached dwellings. In the O-S and O-S-1 Districts only, barbershops, beauty shops, Permitted land uses in this district are stores, shops retail sales of books, stationary, arts, crafts, and similar commercial uses selling food, apparel, antiques and photography, and sales and supplies of clothing, household appliances and furnishings. recreational equipment. Also permitted are businesses, offices, banks, beauty shops, restaurants, hardware stores, Minimum lot requirements for the O-S district are bakeries, churches, synagogues, and other places of set at 20,000 square feet. In the O-S-1 and O-S-2 worship, and registered fraternal clubs and districts, minimum lot size is 7,500 square feet. organizations on a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet. OSR-C Open Space/Recreation Conservation District G-B and G-BH General Business Districts This zone is intended to preserve the lands that are Permitted uses in these zones include, but are not identified as open space, recreational facilities or limited to, retail and wholesale household and environmentally sensitive, specifically all federal, business supplies, stores, shops and similar state, county, municipal and private parks with commercial uses selling food, apparel, clothing, inherent recreational facilities. No buildings or household appliances and furnishings. Also structures are permitted except for offices, locker permitted are car dealerships, restaurants, motels, rooms, concession stands and equipment storage theaters and recreational facilities, offices, banks, sheds to service sport and recreational facilities. churches, synagogues and other places of worship, Also permitted are buildings to house centers for as well as commercial schools on a minimum lot studying, learning, record keeping, and gathering size of 10,000 and 20,000 square feet respectively. information on wildlife, ecology, and natural resources of the surrounding area. P-B Planned Business District G-C Golf Course – Natural Resource Permitted uses in the P-B zone include, but are not Preservation District limited to, retail and wholesale household and business supplies; electrical, heating, plumbing and The permitted use of this district is for golf courses, refrigeration equipment and services; businesses providing standards and regulations for existing and professional offices; indoor theaters and facilities within the community. recreational sporting facilities; motels, nursing homes, newspaper offices; drugstores, clothing, furniture, and appliance stores; restaurants and
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EXISTING LAND USE
R-I Restricted Industrial District indoor tennis courts, skating rinks, health clubs or similar uses. Permitted uses include offices for executive, administrative, professional and business purposes, ROL Research, Office, and Laboratory District scientific research laboratories, as well as structures housing the fabrication and assembly of products, Permitted uses include offices for executive, and processing and printing facilities for finished administrative and professional purposes, products and materials. Also permitted are educational and technical training institutions and commercial recreational uses limited to tennis, schools, banks and insurance offices. Limited retail racquetball and swimming facilities. Minimum 2 businesses are also permitted, including restaurants, acre lot size. clothing and shoe shops, drugstores, travel agencies, book and stationary stores, etc. Also R-I-1 Restricted Industrial District allowed are communications offices and studios, as well as scientific and research laboratories, indoor Permitted uses include offices for executive, theaters, tennis courts, health spas, motels and administrative, professional and business purposes, hotels. Minimum lot size is 100,000 square feet or scientific research laboratories for nonhazardous, approximately 2.5 acres. nontoxic substances, as well as mechanical assembly of technological and electronic E-I Educational-Institutional District equipment. Also permitted is the finishing and assembly of products made from previously Permitted uses in this district include public or prepared or refined materials, and warehousing parochial schools, nonprofit and commercial facilities for such products of nontoxic substances. schools, college, seminary, academy or similar Electrical equipment and appliances, heating, educational institutions approved by the New cooling and plumbing equipment and service Jersey Board of Education. Also permitted are businesses are allowed. Craftsman’s or hospitals, health centers, nursing home, or medical contractor’s shops are permitted, along with indoor office buildings, institutions for children, the aged operated agricultural uses, and indoor tennis courts, or handicapped, as well as professional, business, handball courts, gymnasiums and dance studios. medical and dental offices, and clinics. Minimum 2 acre lot size. T-C Township Center District L-I Light Industrial District In this district, commercial uses limited to Permitted uses include offices for executive, restaurants, health spas, indoor recreation centers, administrative, professional and business purposes, department stores, gift shops, banks, clothing and scientific research laboratories, and the shoe shops, and drugstores are permitted. Also manufacturing, processing, finishing, fabrication allowed are motels and hotels, with some and assembly of products. Also permitted are retail regulations; office buildings, administrative and sale and warehousing, distribution facilities, executive or judicial offices; television and radio electrical equipment and appliances, heating, studios; civic, cultural, educational or religious cooling and plumbing equipment and service uses; and public bus stations. businesses, and packaging and bottling plants. Craftsman’s or contractor’s shops are permitted, along with newspaper and printing establishments,
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EXISTING LAND USE
U-R Urban Renewal District of total acreage devoted to industrial land use. The Existing Land Use Maps for each Planning District The use, development and regulations shall be the identified in Section 2 are located at the end of this standards and uses set forth in the urban renewal Section. plan for UR-11 and UR-61. TABLE 4.3-1 AAR Amboy Avenue Revitalization Zone 1987 Land Use By Parcel
The purpose of this zone is to encourage PARCELS PERCENT revitalization of the downtown neighborhood OF TOTAL commercial district. Specific building design criteria for this section of Amboy Avenue between 1- Vacant Land 2,088 8.7% the limits of the New Jersey Turnpike and US 2 - Residential 20,941 86.9% Highway Route 1 are provided which include buildings placed along the street line. 3a - Farm Regular 5 -
3b - Farm Qualified 13 - AHOZ Affordable Housing Overlay Zone 4a -Commercial 655 2.7% This is an overlay zone that permits affordable 4b - Industrial 305 1.3% housing in accordance with Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) requirements. 4c - Apartments 86 0.4%
4.3 EXISTING LAND USE BY PARCEL & ACREAGE TABLE 4.3-2 2003 Land Use By Parcel Edison is a unique community with well- established patterns of development. Tables 4.1-1 through 4.1-3 below depict the distribution of land PARCELS PERCENT use in Edison. The tables identify land use OF TOTAL designations by the number of parcels (based on tax 1- Vacant Land 1,213 4.28% codes) as well as total acreage for individual land uses. In addition to existing land use patterns, 2 - Residential 24,239 85.8% Edison maintains several areas designated as areas 3a - Farm Regular - - in need of redevelopment, including the Jackson Avenue area. 3b - Farm Qualified 3 .01% 4a -Commercial 817 2.87% Land uses in Edison designated by parcel type indicate that the majority of land is developed with 4b - Industrial 317 1.12% residential parcels (87.52 percent). The acreage 4c - Apartments 78 0.27% analysis echoes this pattern with slightly over fifty (50) percent of the total land area devoted to residential land use. Percentage wise based on total acreage, the second greatest concentration of land development is industrial, with sixteen (16) percent
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EXISTING LAND USE
TABLE 4.3-3 vacant parcels along the South Plainfield border, 2003 Land Use By Acreage several of which are identified for preservation in the Future Land Use Plan. Few vacant parcels PROPERTY ACREAGE PERCENT remain in PD 4, with the most sizable pieces being CLASSIFICATION OF TOTAL the undeveloped portion of the Revlon tract and the parcel directly abutting Interstate 287. 1 - Vacant Land 2,123 9.13% Consequently, future development in this PD will 2 - Residential 11,693 50.31% be focused on redevelopment and is addressed in the Future Land Use Plan. PD 5 maintains the 3b - Farm 38 0.16% largest amount of vacant, developable land, 4a -Commercial 1,424 6.13% particularly along the Raritan River waterfront and in Raritan Center. Any future development in this 4b - Industrial 3,743 16.10% PD should be consistent with the recommendations 4c - Apartments 711 3.10% identified in the Future Land Use Plan. 5a - Railroad 48 0.21% The Mayor and Council have proactively worked 5b - Railroad 62 0.27% towards preservation of open space and vacant 15a - Public School 368 1.59% land, having adopted a dedicated open space tax and effected the preparation of an Open Space Plan. 15b - Other School 571 2.55% The continued preservation of open space is 15c - Public Property 1,628 6.80% strongly recommended and will be addressed in further detail in the Conservation Element. 15d - Charitable 185 0.79% 15e - Cemetery 3 0.01% COMMERCIAL LAND
15f - Miscellaneous 594 2.55% Commercial land uses account for approximately GRAND TOTAL 23,241 100.00% three (3) percent of parcels on the tax roll. The top commercial land uses can be further broken down as follows: warehouse, manufacturing, apartment, VACANT LAND office, and retail.
During the period from 1987 to 2003, Edison Warehousing uses represent the largest commercial realized a 41.9 percent drop in the number of sector, both in terms of parcel size and acreage. vacant parcels. In 1987, 2088 vacant parcels The dominant presence of warehousing uses can be existed in Edison. This number has significantly attributed to the Raritan Center and Heller decreased, with a loss of 875 vacant parcels, for a Industrial Park. total of 1,213 vacant parcels counted in the year 2003. The balance of the land area in Edison is Commercial land uses in PD 1 are concentrated developed. primarily along Inman Avenue and Oak Tree Road in the form of strip commercial development. PD 2 PD 1 is primarily developed, excepting a few has a higher concentration of commercial land, vacant parcels along the northern municipal border. with the Menlo Park Mall on Route 1 located in PD 2 is also primarily developed and has little this district. Oak Tree Road in PD 2 is also noteworthy undevelopable land. PD 3 has several characterized by strip mall development and there
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EXISTING LAND USE is a considerable amount of professional office Metuchen Golf and Country Club, including the development off of Middlesex Avenue. PD 3 is Stelton neighborhood. PD 4 has only a few multi- traversed by Route 287; there is little commercial family developments, with the majority of the land in this district to the north or east of Route residential land in this district developed with 287. South and west of Route 287; however, is the compact, tight residential communities including Heller Industrial Park, the largest commercial area Piscatawaytown. PD 5 maintains the least amount in this PD and one of the largest ratables in Edison. of residential land in Edison, and the residential PD 4 is traversed by both Route 1 and Route 27 and neighborhoods that are in PD 5 are located between therefore has the greatest frequency of retail the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 1, including a highway development in Edison. Commercial land portion of the Clara Barton neighborhood. area in PD 4 is concentrated along the commercial highways and there are a number of professional PUBLIC LAND offices on Route 27. Commercial land use in PD 5 consists predominantly of warehousing uses Public uses typically include lands owned by the contained in the Raritan Center. The northbound municipality including schools and libraries, utility side of Route 1 is also in PD 5, and there is some substations, fire houses and Emergency Medical isolated retail commercial development in this Service (EMS) buildings, parklands and any other location. lands under local, county or state jurisdiction. Quasi-public land uses are typically civic RESIDENTIAL LAND institutions such as churches, synagogues and private schools. Edison hosts nine private schools The predominant land use in Edison is residential. identified in greater detail in the Community Edison has been a leader in residential building Facilities Element. It is clear from the existing land permit activity in Middlesex County. Edison is use plan, Community Facilities Plan (see developed with residential communities of varying Community Facilities/Utilities Element) as well as densities, including larger lot single-family municipal tax records that significant portions of residential zones in North Edison as well as higher lands are devoted to public and quasi-public density multi-family projects developed at New schools. The municipal complex is located in PD 4 Durham and Talmadge Road. PD 1, located north and the US Post Office is located in PD 5. of Oak Tree Pond Road contains the lowest density single family residential development, but also has multi-family and housing authority projects. PD 2 has tighter, more compact single family residential neighborhoods, including Menlo Park and part of Clara Barton, however, there are several multi- family and townhouse projects, specifically along Oak Tree Road, Parsonage Road and the Woodbridge border. PD 3, which is traversed by 287, maintains very little single family development south of 287. Bordering both sides of 287 are several multi-family residential developments. North and east of 287, however, PD 3 has several single family developments surrounding the Woodside Swim Club and the
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Existing Land Use Map 1
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Existing Land Use Map 2
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Existing Land Use Map 3
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Existing Land Use Map 4
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Existing Land Use Map 5
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5.0 Future Land Use Plan
he Future Land Use Plan seeks to promote efficient manner reducing reliance on the T Master Plan objectives and policies that are automobile. Recognizing multi-modal intended to protect existing residential transportation systems as an integral part of the neighborhoods, create pedestrian friendly success of New Urbanism, the municipality has neighborhoods, and promote economic implemented a pilot bus project, Edison Light development in targeted areas and in areas in need Transit (ELT), a shuttle to the Edison Train station. of redevelopment. A New Urbanist process The need for such a service is further supported by balances development with preserving and the analysis of mass-transit ridership in the enhancing quality of life. The process must Circulation Element of this Master Plan. The ELT identify where growth is to occur and how it should program has realized steadily increasing ridership take place as well as where valuable environmental since its inception, achieving ridership numbers as resources should be preserved. This element of the high as three hundred (300) passenger trips daily. Master Plan seeks to embrace the process of New This represents approximately one hundred fifty Urbanism by identifying those locations where (150) vehicles kept off the highways. growth is appropriate, and provides a vision for future development in those areas. Future land development should have a specific physical design proposal that encourages a compact Dependence on the automobile and highway community. This can be achieved through a oriented development such as strip malls isolated housing unit mix in close physical proximity to from residential neighborhoods characterize employment and shopping centers. For the concept suburban sprawl. The continuation of this type of of New Urbanism to be successful, reliance on the development in Edison is discouraged. The automobile must be diminished in favor of mass common landscape of “cookie cutter” subdivisions transportation systems and walkable, pedestrian accessible to shopping and employment centers friendly, mixed use communities. only by the automobile is functionally obsolete. Future planning and development in Edison must Beyond the physical concept of New Urbanism, embrace the principles of New Urbanism if the Edison seeks to incorporate the social goals of this pattern of suburban sprawl is to be reversed. concept through encouraging public involvement in the design process. If compact, sustainable It is recognized that without minimizing reliance on communities are to be achieved, the public must be the single occupancy automobile, sprawl is involved. The use of design workshops and inevitable and the hallmark of New Urbanism will participatory planning will marry the physical and not be achieved. Consequently, Edison social goals of New Urbanism and foster sound commissioned a study to develop and implement planning. traditional and non-traditional transit services throughout the municipality. The study will With Edison’s location at the crossroads of New analyze transportation problems facing Edison and Jersey and proximity to almost every major identify solutions incorporating the existing Edison roadway in the area, there is a well established senior bus system and the New Jersey Transit network of highways within and surrounding the existing mass transit system. The end result of the municipality. This presents a unique opportunity study will include recommendations for the for Edison to focus redevelopment efforts along application of intermodal transit technologies such major highway corridors where mass transit as buses, ferries and light rail to move riders in an opportunities exist. Edison is traversed by two (2)
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FUTURE LAND USE PLAN major commercial arterial roadways, Route 1 and of New Jersey. Route 27. Redevelopment and growth opportunities should be focused here to showcase Where appropriate, recommendations have been Edison’s commitment to New Urbanism. made for changes to existing zoning in order to encourage land use development that is consistent Fighting sprawl and encouraging development and with the principles of New Urbanism. redevelopment of our urban and older suburban centers is among the state of New Jersey’s top Future developments must also evaluate the priorities. To change the pattern of suburban existing infrastructure systems and must include sprawl, the state has directed the Department of but not be limited to adding/upgrading or Environmental Protection (DEP) and all state contributing to all impacted infrastructure systems, agencies to accomplish three central objectives: as identified in the Middlesex County Growth Management Plan and Section 5.2 of this Master 1. Promote and accelerate growth in already Plan. Those systems are as follows: developed urban and suburban areas, or other areas identified through sound planning; ♦Water supply systems 2. Make developed areas more appealing places to ♦Sanitary sewer systems live - with healthier air, cleaner water, and more ♦Stormwater systems parks and open space; and 3. Reduce the rate at which our forests, open ♦Recreational facilities space, farmland and other undeveloped areas ♦Affordable housing are being lost to development. ♦Road systems
♦School systems
The state will also use non-regulatory programs to sustain and to enhance the quality of life for Part of the Future Land Use Plan preparation residents and businesses in these areas. Smart included a review of the annual reports prepared by growth areas include Metropolitan Planning Areas, the Zoning Board of Adjustment for variances Urban Enterprise Zones, Urban Coordinating granted. A review of that list confirmed that there Council neighborhoods, CAFRA (Coastal Area have been a significant number of variances Facility Review Act) centers, and areas along New granted in the R-B Zone, and the standards for this Jersey Transit rail lines. district must be reviewed. Recommendations for changes to the Land Development Ordinance are The Future Land Use Plan for Edison echoes the predicated upon a review of the annual variance concerns and supports the anti-sprawl initiatives of reports prepared by the Zoning Board and input the state of New Jersey and supports the concept of from various community interest groups. smart growth. While the principles of smart growth Additionally, the Future Land Use Plan is largely are recommended on a comprehensive basis, based on the concept of New Urbanism, channeling individual sites are addressed in this plan based on development opportunities into appropriate their respective planning district. The physical locations. The future land use plan also respects design concepts recommended in this plan embrace existing land use patterns and the existing land use New Urbanism and when implemented, will ensure plan, which was prepared by reviewing aerial Edison continues to be one of the most desirable photographs and conducting a field survey to places to live, work, shop and recreate in the State identify established land use patterns.
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FUTURE LAND USE PLAN
The fact that Edison is over ninety (90) percent by single family residential developments. There is developed indicates land use patterns are limited land left for development in this district and established and the principles of New Urbanism future planning efforts here focus largely on must be adhered to in order to ensure a successful environmental and historic preservation, and future. The Master Plan articulates and identifies redevelopment and connectivity to existing land use issues that will be the foundation for neighborhoods. The following bulleted points amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning should be considered to shape the future of this Map. district. Open space preservation should continue to be an integral part of this district. The Edison The recommendations made herein are intended to Open Space Acquisition Plan prepared by Najarian provide the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Associates in 2000 (herein after referred to as the Adjustment with a foundation upon which to base Open Space Plan) identified numerous potential land use decisions to effect responsible commercial open space parcels in Planning District 1. The Oak and residential growth. Future ordinances must Tree Pond site was specifically identified on the establish reasonable densities that do not Systems Map and Edison should continue to compromise established neighborhoods or the implement preservation efforts in accordance with quality of life for existing and future residents of the plan. Edison. Risks to quality of life that are addressed include sprawl, the eroding of established ♦ The Playhouse/Theatre on the corner of Oak residential neighborhoods, the loss of green/open Tree Road and Woodland Avenue should be space, as well as traffic congestion, truck traffic, zoned for its current use and the building and questions of the continued availability of preserved as a historic structure. recreational facilities as the population continues to increase. ♦ Given the recent closing announcement, the Air Products property on Oak Tree Road The following specific opportunities for future land should be studied for redevelopment planning in accordance with the principles of New opportunities. In order to be consistent Urbanism are offered for consideration. Many of with state anti-sprawl initiatives, this site these recommendations will require zoning must be developed in accordance with the ordinance amendments in order to be implemented. physical design concepts of New Urbanism. It is noted, however, that Edison embraces the Any future development on this site must concept of New Urbanism and encourages all take into account the existing and future development be based on same. established neighborhoods proximate to this site and should foster connectivity between those neighborhoods and future 5.1 LAND USE AMENDMENT development. The site should be developed RECOMMENDATIONS BY as a compact mixed-use project limited to PLANNING DISTRICT commercial, retail, office research and/or civic uses which minimize reliance on the Planning District 1 single occupancy automobile. Residential uses are not recommended at this location. PD 1 represents the northernmost part of Edison and is bounded by Oak Tree Road to the south. Land development patterns in PD 1 are dominated
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♦ Remove the Urban Renewal (UR) zoning Road west. The following opportunities are designation from certain lands in North identified to shape the future of this planning Edison. The municipality is not currently district: implementing any Urban Renewal Programs and the land is already developed ♦ Revitalization efforts along Amboy Avenue consistent with other zoning districts. should be continued and further studied to Further, the subject lands are the only lands determine if the Amboy Avenue in Edison designated Urban Renewal and Revitalization (AAR) zone should be include Housing Authority lands as well as expanded. The Council adopted the AAR existing multi-family complexes as well as zone which replaced the existing LB Local single-family homes. The single-family Business zone. The AAR zone includes portion of the UR District should be approximately 239 lots and approximately rezoned R-BB in accordance with existing thirty-two (32) acres. A streetscape and zoning to the east. The Housing Authority beautification project has been designed and and multi-family properties should be implemented along Amboy Avenue. This rezoned L-R Multi-Family Residential. project included a mix of pavers, banners and ornamental lighting. While not in PD ♦ The Oakcrest Swim Club and Inman Sports 2, the Jackson Avenue Redevelopment Area Club are located in PD 1. Said properties in PD 5 (which directly abuts PD 2 to the are currently zoned R-I, Restricted Industry. southwest) can provide the critical mass It would be appropriate to rezone these needed to support commercial revitalization properties to reflect their recreational uses. of Amboy Avenue. The Jackson Avenue Redevelopment Area which is discussed in greater detail in the PD 5 section, explores ♦ Block 556, Lots 1 and 2C on Oak Tree the possibility of providing a senior citizen Road are developed commercially and have village. In order to be successful in historically been used for commercial developing in accordance with the purpose. Rezoning from OS Office Service philosophy of New Urbanism, any future to LB Local Business is recommended. concepts for the Jackson Avenue Redevelopment area must consider the close Planning District 2 physical proximity of Amboy Avenue. A rational nexus between these two areas, PD 2 includes the eastern portion of Edison with opportunities for shopping and services bounded by Oak Tree Road to the north, the Lehigh linked to a compact housing mix serviced Valley (Conrail) Railroad to the south Metuchen to by mass transit would represent a unique the west and Woodbridge to the east. This PD is development scenario that succeeds as a characterized by both residential neighborhoods result of New Urbanism which is based on and commercial areas. Oak Tree Road and Route the design principles of compact, mixed use One represent the major commercial spines in this development. Amboy Avenue is proximate district. to existing residential neighborhoods and a rational nexus between such neighborhoods The Open Space Plan identified numerous potential such as Clara Barton should be cultivated. open space parcels in PD 2. The municipality is Further, the Jackson Avenue pursuing a parcel for preservation on Evergreen Redevelopment area project (in the adjacent
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PD 5) will bring the critical mass needed to bounded to the north by the Northeast Corridor support neighborhood commercial transit rail line, to the south by Route 1 and to the businesses on Amboy Avenue. west by Highland Park. The greatest stretch of Route One and Route 27 traverse Edison through ♦ There are several vacant parcels of land at this PD. Consequently, it is in this PD that great the terminus of James Street to the north opportunity for redevelopment is present. There is and southeast of J.F.K. Hospital. These minimal land in this district identified for properties are zoned R-B and should be preservation in the Open Space Plan; for this reason studied for the most appropriate future any sizable tract that is planned for development development. should include a substantial open space element. There are several, sizable tracts in this district Planning District 3 where there is opportunity to reshape the physical landscape, improve quality of life, and combat This PD includes the western portion of Edison sprawl. south of Oak Tree Road from Grove Avenue to the South Plainfield border, south to the Northeast Edison has developed to date without a Corridor transit rail line. PD 3 is primarily recognizable town center. The availability of a developed with single family residential housing sizable tract (the Revlon property) in the center of north and west of Interstate 287 and industrial uses the municipality provides a unique opportunity for south and east of the interstate. Several multi- Edison to create such a center. This concept is family housing developments exist on either side of discussed in greater detail in the following bulleted the Interstate. The Dismal Swamp, one of item specifically addressing the Revlon property. Edison’s largest open space preserves is located in The location of the Revlon site coupled with the this District. civic, mixed-use vision will encourage development with a unique sense of place. ♦ The Gund site should be rezoned to reflect current land use patterns and minimize This PD presents the municipality with an variance applications. The site is in the extraordinary opportunity to reshape the landscape ROL Research Office Lab zone which does and pioneer significant new development not permit warehousing and distribution. embracing the concept of New Urbanism. By The site is adjacent to a Light Industrial recognizing that future growth will occur and zone where warehousing and distribution planning for that growth in specific locations, are permitted. Review of the zoning in this Edison will be implementing the fundamental area should be considered. concept of New Urbanism. Further, it is strongly recommended that any future projects consider ♦ The Woodside Swim & Tennis Club is in an Edison’s inter-modal transportation program. RA Zone and it would be appropriate to rezone this property to reflect its The following recommendations should be recreational uses. considered and incorporated into the design standards governing any future zoning amendments Planning District 4 affecting this district.
PD 4 represents the south-central portion of ♦ The Revlon Property located along Route Edison, and is located southwest of Interstate 287, 27 is another site that will challenge Edison
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FUTURE LAND USE PLAN to be creative in its planning strategies. The proximity will be achieved. Further, the current Light Industrial Zone has fostered a critical mass to support the development wide array of development, including presently exists in Edison and sound warehousing and trucking, that is not planning predicated on New Urbanism will consistent with the current and future land encourage a stable economic base. use planning goals. Using the principles of New Urbanism, the civic center should ♦ Recently, it was announced that the include a main street stretching from Frigidaire site along Route 27 will be Vineyard Road to Talmadge Road, a closing as a result of company pedestrian friendly downtown comprised of downsizing. This fifty (50) acre site will small shops with residential living above, present another opportunity for the subsidized senior housing and age restricted municipality to showcase New Urbanism housing throughout the property. Non-age and reshape the Route 27 corridor. New restricted housing, however, should be development must be sensible and limited exclusively to the aforementioned sustainable and must have a rational nexus residential over commercial and not any- and develop connectivity to existing where else on the balance of the site. The neighborhoods if anti-sprawl initiatives are civic center concept for this site would be to be successful. While this site may be an ideal location for the new main library appropriate for a mix if uses, residential branch recommended in the Community development is not recommended here. Facilities Element of this Master Plan. The civic center should also have a performing ♦ The announcement by Ford Motor arts center component to celebrate Edison’s Corporation to close its Edison Assembly cultural arts and rich history, as well as Plant will present Edison with a unique programs of the Edison arts society. opportunity to implement planning strategies predicated on the principles of The Revlon Property has remained vacant New Urbanism. It must be noted that any for the past several years and has become a development or redevelopment of this site, blemish on the landscape of the should include a significant amount of open municipality. Any future zoning space and recreation area. Given the amendments including this site should be location and value of this site, a mix of uses mindful of existing uses which will for the development or redevelopment is continue and an effort should be made to essential. A "mixed-use development" of minimize the creation of new non- this site should include but not be limited to, conforming uses. commercial, retail, office, civic, office research and hotels. It is imperative, Edison should strive to make this site a however, that any future development pedestrian friendly destination and consider proximity to existing residential incorporate the concepts of New Urbanism. neighborhoods, and a rational nexus If the physical plant of the development on between existing neighborhoods and future this site embraces pedestrians and development is fostered. encourages multi-modal transportation, a rational nexus between this site and well ♦ The existing COSTCO site on Route 27 is established neighborhoods in close physical presently zoned L-I Light Industry while
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three (3) smaller parcels abutting said Thomas Edison County Park to the riverfront is property are zoned ROL Research Office being developed by Edison in order to open this Lab. These properties should be rezoned to area up for residents, employees of Raritan Center reflect the retail oriented development and students at Middlesex County College. presently existing on the site and future mixed-use development potential. A Open space preservation must be a strong General Business zoning district permitting component of any future plan to develop the the retail oriented development typical of riverfront. The Open Space Acquisition Plan this area should be created. Any zoning identified a sizable portion of the riverfront as district created for this area should require potential open space parcels. With proper planning adequate buffering and landscape and adherence to the underlying principles of New requirements as this district represents a Urbanism, the municipality can realize the gateway to Edison. economic and other benefits of a vital seaport village while still protecting of the environment. Planning District 5 New Urbanism does not champion a “no build” option, rather it encourages compact communities This PD includes the southern portion of Edison with a mix of housing types and availability of from the Raritan River waterfront north to the multi-modal transportation while preserving Lehigh Valley (Conrail) Railroad. PD 5, which is meaningful parcels of open space. It is essential bisected by the NJ Turnpike is bordered by Route 1 that future zoning regulations governing the and Metuchen to the west and the municipal riverfront take these factors into consideration so boundary of Woodbridge to the east. that the full potential of the riverfront can be realized. PD 5 presents a unique opportunity for The following opportunities for development are development and land preservation, particularly offered in Planning District 5. along the riverfront. This district hosts the Raritan Center, one of the largest industrial parks in the ♦ Create standards for the provision of mixed- state of New Jersey. Everyday, the Raritan Center use district known as the Raritan River brings approximately 20,000 employees into Revitalization District (RRRD) along the Edison. This critical mass, coupled with Edison’s Raritan River waterfront. The zone should residents and regional populations will support the include as permitted uses all of the currently development of a seaport village along the Raritan existing uses in Raritan Center, including River waterfront. A comprehensive evaluation of but not limited to light industrial, this area must include this vacant parcel, the warehousing, office space and hotels as well balance of the Raritan Center and the Raritan River as uses related to a seaport including but not waterfront. A zoning district specifically enabling limited to a marina, retail, educational, the land use development described for this restaurants, and entertainment. The zone comprehensive area should be considered. The district standards for this area should permit Raritan Center should be studied in its entirety by right multiple types of residential along with the mostly vacant waterfront so that the housing in conjunction with existing two are developed into a complete and businesses in Raritan Center as well as any complimentary mix of uses. Any future plans for seaport development. Specifically, a variety this area must ensure significant public access to of age-restricted housing types should be the waterfront. A 3-mile loop running from the permitted. Active and passive recreation
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should be required in conjunction with any ♦ Block 375FF, Lot 21A in the Heller development of the waterfront. The Raritan Industrial Park should be rezoned from L-R River waterfront has the potential to Multi-family residential to LI Light Industry become a seaport comprised of commuter to be consistent with local zoning on ferry service, a boardwalk, marina, science adjacent parcels. center, restaurants, entertainment, limited residential, as well as significant acres of 5.2 MIDDLESEX COUNTY active and passive open space. GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN
♦ The ILR Landfill should be studied for There is a considerable need for intermunicipal passive recreational uses. coordination on growth management within a state and county. The County of Middlesex provides ♦ Consideration should be given to new sound guidelines and recommendations for multi-family residential development municipalities to follow when managing issues in around Middlesex County College. There growth management. Individual efforts on the part are several existing L-R districts in this area of the municipality do not suffice, for this is a and there may be potential for additional larger concern affecting greater areas and regions. housing along Woodbridge Avenue. By following the suggestions and utilizing the growth management mechanisms set forth by the ♦ The Jackson Avenue Redevelopment area Middlesex County Growth Management Plan, as represents an opportunity to develop age- well as implementing the future land use restricted housing at an appropriate location recommendations based on New Urbanism and proximate to a local business district, state anti-sprawl initiatives, Edison can then take Amboy Avenue. Amboy Avenue is located steps to shape existing growth trends and minimize in Planning District 2, and specific action the fiscal impacts of growth. has been taken to revitalize this commercial The Middlesex County preliminary analysis found district. Any housing developed in the that while growth creates large public cost and does Jackson Avenue area should be developed not necessarily pay its own way, when managed with a strong tie to Amboy Avenue. properly the fiscal impacts of growth can be Specifically, the development must create significantly reduced. The New Jersey realistic opportunities for pedestrian and Development and Redevelopment Plan founded a multi-modal access to the Amboy Avenue process called “cross-acceptance,” a cooperative area. method set forth to ensure the consistency of local and state planning goals. An underlying tactic in ♦ There are a number of properties along this cross-acceptance process is to encourage Route 1, specifically, Block 265BB Lots growth in already developed areas, thereby 46E and 113 currently zoned L-I Light minimizing the need to build up new infrastructure Industrial. These properties are proximate systems, and to preserve the less developed areas to existing commercial uses and would be through creativity and conservation efforts. This more appropriately zoned for General strategy currently governs Middlesex County’s Business Highway development rather than growth management planning process. industrial given the existing and established pattern of development in this area. For the purpose of the Growth Management Plan, Middlesex County has been divided into four
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FUTURE LAND USE PLAN subregions. They are the Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast. The Northeast subregion accounts for Edison, Carteret, Highland Park, Metuchen, Perth Amboy, and Woodbridge, and reflects the potential for redevelopment of industrial sites into retail, office, and residential uses. The Northeast subregion is served by private water systems and displays the highest average residential densities in the County. A number of major highways are featured in this region, including Routes 1, 9, 287, 27, and three NJ Turnpike interchanges.
When realizing the need to manage growth within a county or municipality, Middlesex County has pointed out seven infrastructure systems that should be evaluated:
♦Water supply systems
♦Sanitary sewer systems
♦Stormwater systems ♦Recreational facilities ♦Affordable housing
♦Road systems
♦School systems
The costs for some of these infrastructure needs in the Northeast subregion have been projected to the year 2010 by the Middlesex County Growth Management Plan CDM Fiscal Impact Models. While costs may seem high, and upkeep a constant concern, proper management and planning may reduce long-term disturbance and ensure future adequacy in serving population and employment growth.
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TABLE 5.3-1 Costs for Infrastructure Needs to year 2010 Middlesex County Infrastructure System Fiscal Impacts Source: CDM Fiscal Impact Models
PARKS WATER STORMWATER AFFORDABLE SYSTEMS SYSTEMS HOUSING
Subtotal for Northeast Subregion $56,740,000 $74,380,000 $57,530,000 $57,370,000 (includes, not exclusively, Edison )
Northeast Subregion Percentage of 26.13% 19.94% 19.54% 26.95% Middlesex County Fiscal Impacts
The following tables express the population and employment growth projections for Middlesex County, the Northeast subregion, and as found during the cross-acceptance process to ensure that local policies were in tune with other localities and County-wide ordinances. The 2000 projection for Edison was slightly in excess of the US Census Bureau population count of 97,687 persons.
TABLE 5.3-2 Middlesex County Population Projections Cross-Accepted Sources: NJ Dept. of Labor and Middlesex Co. Cross-Acceptance Report
1987 1990 2000 2010
Middlesex County 645,709 686,582 757,594 809,227
Northeast Subregion 259,708 270,913 282,558 291,693
Edison 84,024 92,962 98,046 101,130
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TABLE 5.3-3 Middlesex County Employment Projections Cross-Accepted Sources: Middlesex Co. Planning Board and Cross-Acceptance Report
1987 1990 2000 2010
Middlesex County 294,893 363,508 422,974 466,852
Northeast Subregion 121,318 141,291 149,762 157,476
Edison 47,564 61,279 65,302 69,325
Middlesex County and Edison have seen steady increases in population and employment since 1987. The year 2000 Middlesex County population projection of 98,046 persons slightly overestimates the reported US Census 2000 population count of 97,687 persons. Population projections for the next decade, (2000- 2010), however, begin to slow, with a projected increase of only 3,084 persons where the projected increase for the prior decade (1990-2000) was 5,084 persons. The slowing of the population growth can be attributed to the limited availability of additional vacant land in Edison.
The Middlesex County Growth Management Plan also focuses on geographic analysis, in which the County is surveyed for growth tiers of developable and limited developable land. Information revealed for Edison reflects the very limited amount of land available for growth and development. Therefore, it is essential that Edison pursue and embrace redevelopment opportunities predicated on New Urbanism to shape the future landscape. Again, the cross-acceptance strategy must be utilized in order to ensure that the most practical and resourceful method be used.
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TABLE 5.3-4 Areas of Selected Land Use for Tier Growth Designation Area in Square Miles Sources: CDM Geographic Information System Analysis
EDISON MIDDLESEX COUNTY Growth Tier (tiers 1-4) Agriculture 0.00 16.96 Forest or Vacant 3.63 56.23 Water 0.08 3.70 Other 23.71 165.41 Subtotal 27.43 242.30 Limited Growth Tier (5-7) Agriculture 0.00 14.91 Forest or Vacant 0.52 22.59 Water 0.00 5.08 Other 2.15 28.05 Subtotal 2.67 70.63 TOTAL 30.09 312.93 There is a stark contrast between the amount of developable land in the northern and southern areas of the County. The northern portion of Middlesex, including Edison, is within the area of very limited developable land. Successful growth management involves maintaining a balance between the rate and amount of growth and implementing improvements in existing infrastructure, while utilizing available tools including zoning, incentives and disincentives.
The Middlesex County Growth Management Plan highlights a number of strategies to implement when managing growth:
♦ Intensify use of existing growth management tools;
♦ Enhance regional planning activities;
♦ Create and apply new growth management strategies;
♦ Maintain an inventory of undeveloped land, environmental resources, and infrastructure throughout the County;
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♦ Enhance coordination of local master environment. Further, specific references are made planning and zoning; in the Future Land Use Plan for the preservation of environmentally sensitive properties and ♦ Develop regional design standards against discouragement of sprawl. Recommendations are which local master plans and zoning also made relative to the preservation of ordinances can be evaluated; community character and quality of life, specifically through the preservation of historically ♦ Develop a County Master Plan with special significant sites and properties and the provision of attention to Open Space, Infrastructure, and adequate recreational amenities and community Transportation Elements; facilities.
♦ Consider capital budget planning and financing to include development of an open space acquisition trust fund; and
♦ Identify a role for the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) in implementing infrastructure expansion and improvement.
Goals of Growth Management
1. Preservation of existing community character and quality of life.
2. Proper assignment of capital expenditures for infrastructure to responsible parties.
3. Preservation of open space.
4. Creation of employment opportunities.
5. Protection of natural environment.
6. Development of sources of tax revenue.
Many of the policies and recommendations set forth in the various elements of this Master Plan are consistent with and further the County growth management goals. Specifically, Edison has a capital budget plan as well as an open space acquisition tax. The Conservation Element specifically identifies policies dedicated to the preservation of open space and the natural
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Future Land Use Map 1
35 EDISON MASTER PLAN
Future Land Use Map 2
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Future Land Use Map 3
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Future Land Use Map 4
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Future Land Use Map 5
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6.0 Demographics
6.1 POPULATION
dison has been in the forefront of population and housing growth as one of the most active E municipalities in Middlesex County during the past decade. The tables and graphics that follow illustrate the historical growth of Edison and the racial diversity as well as slightly aging population that has occurred in the last decade (1990-2000). TABLE 6.1-1 Edison/Middlesex County Population Growth 1980-2000* * US Bureau of the Census
YEAR 1980 1990 2000 NUMBER/ NUMBER/ PERCENT PERCENT CHANGE CHANGE Edison 70,193 88,680 97,687 18,487/26.3% 9,007/10.2%
Middlesex 595,893 671,780 750,162 75,887/12.7% 78,382/11.7% County
Edison realized a 10.2 percent population growth of 9,007 persons based on decennial census data (1990- 2000). The population growth slightly lags the overall County growth, with Middlesex County realizing an 11.7 percent population increase during the same time period (1990-2000). The Middlesex County population projection slightly overestimated population growth in Edison, projecting 98,046 persons where the US Census reported 97,687 persons. Future populations for Edison by the Middlesex County Planning Board predict 99,189 persons in 2005, 102,825 persons in 2010, 103,243 persons in 2015 and 103,948 persons in 2020 (see Table 6.1.2).
Table 6.1-2 lists the population change experienced in Edison from 1960 through 2000. Table 6.1-3 offers the planning district breakdown of population change during the 1990’s.
During a 40-year period beginning in 1960, the population of Edison increased by 52,888 persons or 118 percent. The population growth from 1990 to 2000 is relatively small compared to the growth seen during the 1960’s (22,321 persons) and the 1980’s (18,487 persons).
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DEMOGRAPHICS
During the 1990’s, more than half the population growth occurred in Planning District 3, which is likely due to multifamily developments at New Durham and Talmadge Road. From 1990 to 2000, a slight decline was experienced in Planning District 4, while slow growth was evident in Menlo Park and Clara Barton neighborhoods both situated in Planning District 2, largely due to the developed nature of these Districts.
TABLE 6.1-2 Population Growth & County Projections 1960-2020
YEAR POPULATION 1960 44,799
1970 67,120 1980 70,193
1990 88,680 2000 97,687
Projection 2005 99,189 Projection 2010 102,825
Projection 2015 103,243
Projection 2020 103,948
TABLE 6.1-3 Population Growth By Planning District 1990-2000
PLANNING 1990 2000 * CHANGE DISTRICT CENSUS CENSUS One 18,862 19,946 1,084
Two 18,623 19,513 890
Three 19,383 24,673 5,290
Four 19,537 19,277 (260)
Five 12,275 14,278 2,003
EDISON 88,680 97,687 9,007
TOTAL
* Population projection in Table 5.3-2 is a Middlesex County Projection and therefore not consistent with U.S. Census numbers reflected in Table 6.1-3.
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DEMOGRAPHICS
TABLE 6.1-4 1990-2000 Population by Age—Edison EDISON 1990 EDISON 2000 # % GROWTH GROWTH Under 6,118 6,299 181 3.0% 5 Years 5-9 Years 5,232 6,085 853 16.3%
10-14 4,800 6,223 1,423 29.6% Years 15-19 5,103 5,793 690 13.5% Years 20-24 6,496 5,532 -964 -14.8% Years 25-34 Years 18,396 16,578 -1,818 -9.9%
35-44 Years 14,853 16,613 1,760 11.8%
45-54 Years 9,959 14,098 4,139 41.6%
55-59 4,240 4,912 672 15.8% Years 60-64 Years 4,012 3,886 -126 -3.1%
65-74 6,048 6,307 259 4.3% Years 75-84 Years 2,624 4,114 1,490 56.8%
85 Years 799 1,247 448 56.1%
TOTAL 88,680 97,687 9,007 10.2%
Median Age 34 36.3 2.3 6.8%
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DEMOGRAPHICS
TABLE 6.1-5 Population Growth - Age 55 Years & Older
1990 2000 # % CHANGE CHANGE Population 17,723 20,466 2,743 15.5% 55 & Older Percent Total 20% 21% N/A N/A Population
TABLE 6.1-6 Edison Population By Race
1990 2000 # % GROWTH GROWTH Total 88,680 97,687 9,007 10.2
White 70,942 58,116 -12,826 -18.1
Black 4,935 6,728 1,793 36.3
American Indian/Alaska Native 106 132 26 24.5
Asian/Pacific Islander 12,166 28,634 16,468 135.4
Other 981 4,077 3,096 315.6
Edison’s population has become more diversified with a significant increase in both Asian/Pacific Islanders as well as Black persons. It is notable that the municipality’s Asian/Pacific Islander population more than doubled during the last decennial census. Also noteworthy is an increase in the Black population, which indicates a growth of 36.3 percent based on reported Census data. The diverse population in Edison has led to a population with multi-cultural needs. Local government programs continue to be expanded and developed to meet these needs.
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DEMOGRAPHICS
During the decennial period 1990–2000, Edison’s population not only became more diverse, but also increased in age. The decennial census, 1990 – 2000 reported an increase in the median age from 34 to 36.3. The greatest percentage increase was realized in the 75 and older demographic, see Table 6-1.2.
6.2 HOUSING STATISTICS & BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY
Middlesex County saw a steady increase in the number of building permits issued from 1990 to 1999, while Edison’s building permit activity experienced more erratic changes over the years. The County issued 109 percent more permits in 1999 than in 1990, with Edison’s permits accounting for 12 percent of the total. This drastic increase reflects a strong, developing population. Roughly 63 percent of Edison’s permits were issued for multi-family dwellings, with the balance of the units being single-family dwellings. According to the US Department of Labor, the total number of permits issued from 1990-1999 for single-family dwellings was 1,039, and 1,751 for multi-family dwellings, as seen in Table 6.2-1. It is important to note that while the building permits were issued during this period, the projects were actually approved prior to this period or very early in the 1990’s. Specifically, Edison Woods was approved in 1987, however permits for this project were issued into the 1990’s. The Edison Tyler Estates planned unit development (128 townhouses and 707 apartment units) as well as the Waterford Site Plan (372 Townhouses) were both approved in 1992.
The number of housing units in Edison grew over the decennial period of 1990-2000 by 9.7 percent, according to reported US Census data. Not only did the number of occupied housing units increase by 10.6 percent during this period, but the number of vacant housing units decreased by 16.9 percent as well, falling from 1,061 to 882. In 2000, owner occupied housing units accounted for almost 64 percent of all occupied housing, and renter occupied units accounted for just over 36 percent. US Census Bureau statistics show that in 2000, almost 74 percent of Edison’s households were family residences, and the remaining 26 percent were nonfamily households. A nonfamily household is defined by the US Census Bureau as a householder living alone (a one-person household) or where the householder shares the home exclusively with people to whom he/she is not related. The same correlation was found for Middlesex County in the year 2000. Edison’s housing statistics reflect a stable, developing community within Middlesex County. Due to the lack of vacant, developable land, a decrease in building permit activity is anticipated for the next decade. This projection is supported by the fact that the County Planning Board reviewed only one (1) application for a development in excess of twenty (20) residential units during 2000 and 2001 according to the publication titled Residential Development Applications Reviewed by the Middlesex County Planning Department in 2000 and 2001 authored by the Middlesex County Planning Board.
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DEMOGRAPHICS
TABLE 6.2-1 Building Permit Activity 1990-1999 * Building Permit Data is Preliminary as Obtained From the US Department of Labor
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 TOTAL
EDISON 418 94 167 512 296 329 357 311 113 193 2,790
Middlesex 1,486 1,293 1,893 2,496 2,087 2,090 2,992 3,037 2,837 3,102 23,313 County % 28% 7% 9% 21% 14% 16% 12% 10% 4% 6% 12% County
EDISON 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 TOTAL
Total 418 94 167 512 296 329 357 311 113 193 2,790
Single- 108 94 139 193 70 53 71 50 68 193 1,039 Family
Multi- 310 0 28 319 226 276 286 261 45 0 1,751 Family
TABLE 6.2-2 Housing Occupancy/Housing Tenure EDISON TOWNSHIP 1990 2000 Total Housing Units 32,832 36,018 Occupied Housing Units 31,771 35,136 Owner Occupied 21,254 22,419 Renter Occupied 10,517 12,717 Total 31,771 35,136 Vacant Housing Units 1,061 882 Seasonal, Recreational, or Occasional Use 35 86 Homeowner Vacancy Rate 1.6 0.6 Rental Vacancy Rate 4.3 2.8 HH Size – Owner Occupied 2.94 2.90 HH Size – Renter Occupied 2.3 2.41
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7.0 Affordable Housing Element and Fair Share Plan
7.1 INTRODUCTION previously constructed units.
he Edison Township Planning Board adopted 7.2 REQUIRED CONTENTS OF AN T an amended Affordable Housing Plan on AFFORDABLE HOUSING ELEMENT September 14, 1992. Edison Township received substantive certification from the New Jersey Per the Municipal Land Use Law at N.J.S.A. Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) for that 40:55D-28b(3), N.J.S.A. 52:27D-310 sets forth the plan, which addressed the “Round One” affordable mandatory contents of a municipal affordable housing obligation, on December 9, 1992. That housing element, which “shall be designed to certification expired on December 8, 1998. achieve the goal of access to affordable housing to meet present and prospective housing needs, with Edison Township submitted documentation for 216 particular attention to low and moderate income required rehabilitation units during its Round One housing, and shall contain at least: certification. ♦ An inventory of the municipality’s housing In 1999 Durham Associates, Inc. instituted stock by age, condition, purchase or rental litigation against the Township, alleging failure to value, occupancy characteristic, and type, comply with the requirements of Mt. Laurel. There including number of units affordable to low- is also a pending Affordable Housing intervener and moderate-income households and claim against the Township by TWC Realty substandard housing capable of being Partnership. rehabilitated, and in conducting this inventory, the municipality shall have access, on a By Consent Order entered October 29, 1999, the confidential basis for the sole purpose of Township’s zoning regulations were declared to be conducting the inventory, to all necessary unconstitutional for failure to provide a realistic property tax assessment records and opportunity for affordable housing. This order information in the assessor’s office, including resulted in the award of a Builder’s Remedy to but not limited to the property record card; Durham Associates. The Township reached a settlement agreement with Durham Associates, ♦ A projection of the municipality’s housing which includes an inclusionary development on a stock, including the probable future Truman Avenue site. construction of low and moderate income housing, for the next six years, taking into This affordable housing element and fair share plan account, but not necessarily limited to, was developed as a compliance plan to that consent construction permits issued, approvals of order and as directed by the Court Master in applications for development and the probable response to the TWC intervenor claim. The residential development of lands; Township seeks a six (6) year period of repose with the approval of this compliance Affordable ♦ An analysis of the municipality’s demographic Housing Plan. characteristics, including but not necessarily limited to, household size, income level and The Township received 572 prior cycle credits for age;
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♦ Analysis of the existing and probable future New Jersey Department of Community Affairs employment characteristics of the municipality; statistics indicate that from 1990 through 1999 there were 2,790 authorized residential units, or ♦ A determination of the municipality’s present 396 fewer actual units than indicated in the 2000 and prospective fair share for low and moderate census data. income housing and its capacity to accommodate its present and prospective TABLE 7.3-1 housing needs, including its fair share for low Types of Dwelling Units (2000) and moderate income housing; and Type of Unit Number of Units Percent of Total ♦ A consideration of the lands that are most 1, detached 18,458 51.2 appropriate for construction of low and 1, attached 3,873 10.8 moderate income housing and of the existing 2 units 1,172 3.3 3 or 4 units 1,680 4.7 structures most appropriate for conversion to, or 5 to 9 3,391 9.4 rehabilitation for, low and moderate income 10 to 19 3,517 9.8 housing, including a consideration of lands of 20 or more 3,698 10.3 developers who have expressed a commitment Mobile home, 221 0.5 to provide low and moderate income housing. trailer Boat,RV,van, etc. 8 0.0 7.3 COMPONENTS OF THE Total 36,018 100.0 AFFORDABLE HOUSING ELEMENT AND FAIR SHARE PLAN- Source: 2000 Census Data, Summary Tape File 3.
COMPLIANCE PLAN
ANALYSIS OF THE MUNICIPAL
HOUSTING STOCK
According to the 2000 Census data, on April 1,
2000, the total housing stock of Edison Township was 36,018 units, out of which, 18,458 units (51.2 percent) were single-family detached homes. In addition, 3,873 units (10.8 percent) were single- family attached homes. Multi-family homes accounted for 13,458 units (37.5 percent). The multi-family dwellings included 1,172 two-family structures, 1,689 three and four family structures,
3,391 units in structures 5 to 9 units, 3,698 units in structures 10 to 19 units and 3,698 units in structures with 20 or more units. A total of 221 units were classified as mobile homes and 8 units were classified as boat, rv, van etc.
The increase in total housing units from the 1990
Census to the 2000 Census was 3,186 (9.7 percent).
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The 2000 Census Data states that 35,136 housing units (97.5 percent) in the Township were occupied on April 1, 2000 and 882 units (2.5 percent) were vacant. A total of 22,419 units (63.8 percent of occupied units) were owner occupied and 12,717 units (36.2 percent of occupied units) were renter occupied (see Table 7.2-2). TABLE 7.3-2 Housing Tenure Tenure 1990 Units 1990 Percent 1990 Percent of Oc- 2000 Units 2000 Percent 2000 Percent of of Total cupied Units of Total Occupied Units Owner – Occupied 21,258 64.8 66.9 22,419 62.2 63.8 Renter – Occupied 10,513 32.0 33.1 12,717 35.3 36.2 Vacant 1,061 3.2 N/A 882 2.5 N/A Total 32,832 100.0 100.0 36,018 100.0 100.0
Sources: 1990 Census Data, prepared by NJ Sate Data Center, NJ DOL, May 1991 and Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF-1) 100-Percent Data
There is a mixture of age of the housing stock in Edison. According to 2000 Census information, 5% of all housing was built before 1940 and 39.54% of the housing was built 1980 or later. See Table 7.2-3 for detailed age information. TABLE 7.3-3 Age of Housing (2000)
Year Structure Built Number of Units Percent of Total 1990 to March 2000 4,239 11.8 1980 to 1989 8,636 24.0 1940 to 1979 21,340 59.2
1939 or earlier 1,803 5.0 Total 36,018 100.0
Source: 2000 Census Data, Summary File 3
In 2000, the median housing value in Edison Township was $186,900. The median gross rent was $913.
TABLE 7.3-4 Dollar Value of Owner Occupied Units in 2000 Census
Value of Specified Owner- Number of Units Percent of Total
Occupied Housing Units
Less than $50,000 215 1.0
$50,000 to $99,999 337 1.7
$100,000 to $149,000 4,224 21.1
$150,000 to $199,999 6,814 34.0
$200,000 to $299,999 5,671 28.3
$300,000 or more 2,785 13.9
Total 20,046 100.0
Source: 2000 Census Data, Summary Tape File 3
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TABLE 7.3-5 Gross Rent of Units Included in 2000 Census
Specified Renter-Occupied Number of Units Percent of Total
Housing Units
Less than $200 227 1.8
$200 to $499 315 2.5 $500 to $749 1,898 15.2 $750 to $999 5,033 40.3 $1,000 or more 4,191 33.6 $1500 or more 608 4.9 No cash rent 209 1.7 Total 12,481 100.0
Source: 2000 Census Data, Summary File 3
The 2000 Census of Population and Housing indicated the following substandard housing in the Township of Edison. Of the 36,018 housing units, 41 units lacked a complete kitchen, and 55 units were identified as having substandard plumbing.
The NJ Council on Affordable Housing estimated that there were 170 substandard units occupied by low or moderate-income households in Edison, based on 1990 Census data.
TABLE 7.3-6 COAH Estimate of Substandard Housing
Units* % of Total Units 2000** % of Occupied Units 2000** Deteriorated Units Occupied by 170 0.47 0.48 Low or Moderate Income Households
Sources: *NJCOAH, Municipal Number Summary, ‘93-‘99 Low and Moderate-Income Housing Needs Estimates by County, October 11, 1993. **Census Data 2000
According to the 2000 Census, the 2000 median household income was $69,746. According to the 2000 Census, there were 7,299 households (20.7 percent) identified as having poverty status. An analysis of 2000 Census data, based on COAH income limits showed that approximately 9,740 occupied rental units (82.3 percent of occupied rental units) were affordable to low and moderate income households; and approximately 3,670 owner occupied units with a mortgage (26% percent of all owner occupied unit) were affordable to low and moderate income households. See Table 7.2-7 for detailed affordability information.
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TABLE 7.3-7 Estimate of 2000 Housing Units Affordable to Low- & Moderate-Income Households Based on Census Information for Median Income, Mortgage and Rental Information (Household size information is not provided with Census data) Income Level Annual Income Median Household Income1 $69,746
Moderate Income2 $34,873-$55,796.8
Low Income3 <$34,873
(Source: NJ State Data Center 2000 Census Information, Table)
Income Level Affordable4 Monthly Rent Affordable4 Monthly Mortgage Payment
2 Moderate Income $871.82-$1394.90 $813.70-$1,301.91 Low Income3 ≤$871.82 ≤$813.70
1 2000 Census of Population and Housing; 2 Moderate Income is defined by COAH as more than 50% but less than 80% of median income; 3 Low income is defined by COAH as less than 50% of median income; 4 Affordable is determined by COAH as rent and certain related costs equal to a maximum of 30% of income, and 28% for mortgage and related costs.
Mortgage Status and Selected Owner Costs: Owner Number of Affordability Occupied Units with a Mortgage Units
Less than $300 27 Low Income
$300 to $499 65 Low Income
$500 to $699 213 Low Income
$700 to $999 1,104 Low/Moderate
$1000 to 1,499 4,522 Some affordable to Moderate $1500 to 1,999 4,532 Not Affordable
$2000 or more 3,727 Not Affordable
Renter Occupied Housing Units Number of Affordability Units Less than $200 227 Low Income
$200 to $299 183 Low Income
$300 to $499 302 Low Income $500 to $749 1,898 Low Income
$750 to $999 5,033 Low/Moderate $1,000 to 1,499 4,191 Some affordable to Moderate
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PROJECTION OF HOUSING STOCK FOR family dwellings, townhouses and garden THE NEXT SIX YEARS apartments. Using this data, over the period from January 1980 to January 1988, the average annual Based on New Jersey Department of Community increase in new residential units was 912 Affairs statistics, the average number of authorized (compared with 286 authorized new units per year building permits for new residential structures was from April 1990 to December 1999). There has 270 per year (from 1990-2001). During this time been a significant reduction (69 percent less) in the period, 2,976 building permits were authorized for number of new residential units created annually new housing units. This increase divided by 132 during the past decade. months, yields an average net increase of 22.5 authorized units per month, or approximately 270 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS authorized units per year. By applying this rate of increase, it is statistically estimated that 1,620 new Based upon the 2000 Census data, from 1990 to authorized housing units may be added to the 2000, the population of Edison increased from Township of Edison’s housing stock over the next 88,680 to 97,687 (+10.2 percent) while Middlesex six (6) years. County grew 11.7 percent, reaching a population of 750,162. The chart below provides a graphic During the same period from 1990 to 2001, comparison of population change in Edison to the NJDCA reports indicate that 120 permits were County. authorized for demolition of residential structures. This results in a net increase reduced to 2,856 units. Chart 1 This net increase, when divided by 132 months, yields an average net increase of 22 authorized Population Percent Growth Comparison units per month, or approximately 264 net units per year. By applying this net rate of increase (new 30.0% construction minus demolition of existing units), it 25.0% is statistically estimated that a net increase of 1,584 20.0% 15.0% authorized housing units may be added to the 10.0% Township of Edison’s housing stock over the next 5.0% 0.0% six (6) years. Edison Middlesex County
1970 to 1980 1980 to 1990 1990 to 2000 In addition to authorized new construction, N.J. COAH projected that 37 dwellings units, available As indicated previously, the Township’s housing to low and moderate-income families would be stock is expected to increase by +/- 264 new units created as a result of conversions of commercial, per year, or +/- 1,584 new units over in the next six industrial or residential structures into new years. This would result in an estimated addition of affordable housing units, based upon a 4,403 new persons (based on the Township’s 2000 mathematical formula created by Rutgers Census average of 2.78 persons per unit), bringing University for N.J. COAH. the estimated total population to 102,090 persons in the year 2006. From 1980 through January 1988, 7,381 new housing units had been authorized (via subdivision According to the 2000 Census date, between 1990 or site plan approvals) by the Township. The and 2000, Edison Township’s largest population majority of these units were semidetached single- increase has come among persons aged 45 to 54. In
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1990, this age cohort accounted for 11.5 percent of the population of Edison. In 2000, this group comprised 14.5 percent of the population. The percent of persons 20 to 34 years of age decreased while all other age cohorts increased. The median age in 1990 was 34.1, which increased to 36.3 in 2000. (See Table 7.3-8 and Chart 2).
TABLE 7.3-8 Age Distribution 2000
Age Group 1990 2000 Number of Persons Percent Number of Percent Persons Under 5 6,076 6.9 6,299 6.4 5 to 9 5,528 6.2 6,085 6.2 10 to 14 4,631 5.2 6,223 6.4 15 to 19 4,997 5.6 5,793 5.9 20 to 24 6,426 7.2 5,532 5.6 25 to 34 18,424 20.8 16,578 16.9 35 to 44 14,825 16.7 16,613 17 45 to 54 10,178 11.5 14,098 14.5 55 to 64 8,215 9.3 8,798 9.1 65 to 74 6,114 6.9 6,307 6.5 75 to 84 2,413 2.7 4,114 4.2 85 yrs + 853 1.0 1,247 1.3 Total 88,680 100 97,687 100
Median Age 34.1 36.3
Source: 1990 and 2000 Census Data
Chart 2
Population Change 1990 to 2000
20,000
18,000
16,000 14,000 12,000
10,000
8,000
Number of Residents 6,000
4,000
2,000
0 Under5 5 to 9 10 to 14 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 to 74 75 to 84 85 yrs + Age Cohort
1990 2000
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TABLE 7.3-9 Population (55 and up) Percentage Change 1990 to 2000 Age Group Edison Township Middlesex County COAH Region 3 New Jersey
55 and up 1.1 -0.2 0.4 -0.5 55 to 64 -0.3 -0.8 -0.1 -0.3 65 to 74 -0.4 -1.1 -0.6 -1.1
75 to 84 1.5 1.2 0.8 0.6
85 yrs + 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4
Source: Analysis based upon 1990 Census Data, Summary File Tape 1A and 2000 Census Data, Summary File 3
According to the 2000 Census, the population of Edison Township is statistically aging. Between 1990 and 2000, the age group of 55 and up increased by 1.1% in Edison Township. In comparison, the population of this age group decreased in Middlesex County, as well as in New Jersey, however, it increased by 0.4 percent in COAH Region 3 comprising Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon Counties (See Table 7.3-9).
In Edison, the greatest percentage increase was noted in the 75 and older age group, which grew by 1.8 percent. In comparison, the growth of the age cohort of 75 and up in the Middlesex County and both COAH Region 3 and the State was of a lesser magnitude than Edison Township (See Table 7.3-9).
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING AND PROBABLE FUTURE EMPLOYMENT
The 2000 Census data indicates that the civilian labor forces for Edison and Middlesex County in 2000 were 52,409 and 391,203 respectively. The Edison labor force represented 13.4 percent of the County’s labor force. In 2000, the percent of the persons age 16 and over in the labor force in Edison was 67.4 percent. This is slightly higher than the County average of 66.1. The 4.11 percent 2000 rate of unemployment for the Township was less than that for Middlesex County with 5.18 percent. (See Table 7.3-10). TABLE 7.3-10 Civilian Labor Force Characteristics 2000
Township of Edison Middlesex County
Number of Persons Percent of Total Number of Persons Percent of Total
Labor Force 52,409 391,067 Employed 50,253 95.89 370,817 94.82 Unemployed 2,156 4.11 20,250 5.18 Total 100.00 100.00
Source: 2000 Census Data
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The Census data distribution of occupational positions in Edison generally reflects the same percentages as Middlesex County, with less than 2 percent variation. The largest differences, however, comes from those employed in management, professional and related positions where there is over a 7 percent variation between Edison and Middlesex County. (See Table 7.3-11).
TABLE 7.3-11 Occupational Distribution 2000
Edison Middlesex County Occupation Employed Persons Percent of Total Employed Persons Percent of Total 16 Years and Over 16 Years and Over Management, Professional, and Related Occupations 23,944 47.6 150,373 40.6 Service Occupations 4,449 8.9 40,879 11.0 Sales and Office Occupations 14,077 28.1 105,338 28.4 Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 333 Occupations 13 0.0 0.1 Construction, Extraction, and Maintenance Occupations 2,626 5.2 26,390 7.1 Production, Transportation, and Material Moving Occupations 5,144 10.2 47,504 12.8 Total 50,253 100.00 360,509 100.00
Source: 2000 Census Data
PRESENT AND PROSPECTIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEEDS
N.J. COAH determined the cumulative pre-credited regional affordable housing need to be 1,118 units for Edison Township to meet its regional low and moderate income-housing obligation. There is an indigenous need of 170 units, minus 16 units of spontaneous rehabilitation, for a net rehabilitation need of 154 units and an inclusionary need of 964 units (1,118 precredited – 154 indigenous need). (Source: NJ COAH 93- 99 Municipal Low & Moderate Income Housing Need, 1-Oct-93).
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TABLE 7.3-12 Township of Edison Round II Fair Share Housing Obligation
Indigenous Need 170
Plus: Reallocated Present Need 107
Present Need (1993) 277
Plus: Prospective Need (1993-1999) 651 Total Need (1993-1999) 928
Plus: Prior Cycle Prospective Need (1987-1993) 525 Plus: Demolitions 2
Less: Filtering (283)
Less: Conversions (37) Less: Spontaneous Rehabilitations (16)
Total Pre-Credited Calculated Need 1,118
Rehabilitation Component
(Indigenous need 170 units – spontaneous rehabs 16 units) 154
Inclusionary Component 964
Source: NJ COAH 93-99 Municipal Low & Moderate Income Housing Need, 11-Oct-93
The prospective need is a COAH statistical projection of low- and moderate-income housing needs based on a mathematical formula developed by Rutgers University for development and growth, which is likely to occur in a region or municipality. The Township’s Prospective Need (1993-1999) is 651 units.
In order to determine the Township of Edison’s affordable housing needs, pursuant to COAH rules, the effects that market action, prior cycle prospective need, and reductions and credits have on total need must be considered. The Prior Cycle Prospective Need is a recalculation of the 1987-1993 prospective needs based upon more accurate data contained in the 1990 Census of Population. The Prior Cycle Prospective Need for the Township was 525 units.
Market action includes demolitions, “filtering,” conversions and rehabilitation. Based on historical data, COAH projected that two (2) demolitions of units would occur during 1993-1999, adding to the need for affordable housing.
The remaining three market factors reduce the need for affordable housing. Filtering is the transfer of older units formerly occupied by the higher-income sector of the housing market to the low-and moderate-income segment. COAH anticipated 283 units would be filtered from 1993 to 1999.
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Conversion is the creation of new affordable units ANALYSIS OF MUNICIPAL CAPACITY TO from existing residential structures. COAH PROVIDE ITS FAIR SHARE OF predicted 37 conversions would take place between AFFORDABLE HOUSING 1993 to 1999. Prior Cycle Credits The final N.J. COAH calculated pre-credited affordable housing need for the Township of COAH approved 572 prior cycle credits. The 572 Edison, for “Round Two” is 1,118 units. This units that received credits are contained in three (3) number is based on the present and prospective developments, each of which was constructed after need, the prior cycle need, anticipated demolitions, July 1, 1980. The three developments were filtering, conversions and spontaneous financed with HUD Section 236 funds. This rehabilitation as calculated by COAH. program restricts occupancy to households of low and moderate income for forty (40) years. There are methods, set forth by COAH, to reduce the need for COAH credited affordable housing The three developments are: units. These methods include receiving one-for- one credit for low- and moderate-income housing 1. Inman Grove: 240 units located at Inman and constructed since April 1, 1980; one-for-one credit Grove Avenues; and for the rehabilitated housing units occupied by low- and moderate-income families; and rental bonus 2. Greenwood and Colonial Square Apartments: credits for units that are rented to low and moderate 332 units located on either side of Grove income families that have an affordability Avenue. restriction in place. Builder’s Remedy Settlement Agreement Sites FAIR SHARE COMPONENT 1. Truman Drive Site: This site is the subject of a The Township’s COAH Calculated Need for new Builder’s Remedy suit filed by Durham construction is as follows: Associates. The number of housing unit credits is pursuant to the Court Order Approving Mt. New Construction = Pre-Credited Need (1,118 Laurel Settlement After Fairness Hearing, dated units) – Indigenous Need (170-16=154 units) = 964 August 23, 2001, referenced in the Court units. Master’s Report dated July 23, 2001, prepared by Elizabeth C. McKenzie, PP. The Township of Edison has proposed to satisfy the inclusionary component of its second round fair This builder’s remedy site is approximately share obligation of 964 units through a variety of 12.3 acres, which is a portion of a larger site of measures, which are permitted pursuant to COAH 22.8 acres; known as Block 3B, Lots 18, 19 & regulations. 21. The site is located near the Piscataway Township line, generally between Truman Drive and Stelton Road in the L-I Light Industrial zone.
Construction of 148-units rental development is proposed on this site, which would yield 22
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affordable housing credits with 22 rental bonus maintain affordable housing”. The Shelter sits credits. on property presently owned by the Department of Defense, Department of the Army. This 2. Woodbridge Avenue Site: This is a Builder’s shelter provides 30 bedrooms for women and Remedy intervenor claim made by the TWC their children. The percent of persons Realty Partnership. This settlement agreement, determined to be low/moderate income, which is included herein at the direction of the pursuant to HUD standards is 100%. Income Court appointed Master, Elizabeth C. qualification and verification is administered by Mckenzie, P.P., will permit approximately 300 Catholic Charities, and by the Middlesex units of rental apartments, which would yield County Welfare Department for their referrals. 45 affordable housing credits and potentially up Out of 30 bedrooms in this shelter, two to 45 rental bonus credits, on a site situated bedrooms house 16 adult females and the other along the south side of Woodbridge Avenue 28 bedrooms house adults with children as a near Raritan Center, and known as Block 396, family unit. Therefore, all bedrooms are always Lot 5. occupied by adults.
Completed Sites Title of this site is in the process of being transferred to the Township in the form of a 1. Village Court Seniors: The site is located at quitclaim deed which will be executed by the Talmadge Road East, known as Block 594C, Army. Pursuant to that agreement between the Lots 4 & 5, and is the part of Edison Tyler Army and the Township, the property shall be Estate development which was previously maintained for homeless shelter purposes in approved by COAH. This facility, which perpetuity. The proposed lease between the opened in 1996, contains 105 age-restricted, Township and Catholic Charities for the income-restricted units. The Township operation of the Ozanam Shelter is for a term previously received credit for 81 units and 21 of 25 years. It is anticipated by the Township rental bonus credits (Source: COAH Resolution Director of Law that both the transfer of title dated December 9, 1992). After the actual and lease will be executed simultaneously construction, this facility is eligible for credit some time before the end of calendar year for 105 units and potentially up to 35 rental 2003. The Township will be eligible for 30 bonus credits. Income qualification and affordable housing credits and potentially up to verification for this project is administered by 30 bonus credits. Edison Township in-house staff utilizing N.J. COAH standards. 3. Cerebral Palsy: Three group home facilities on New Dover Road, Oak Drive and Watson 2. Catholic Charities Ozanam Family Shelter: At Court, known as Block 546Q, Lot 12 with 5 the location of the former Camp Kilmer, known bedrooms; Block 689, Lot 1 with 5 bedrooms, as Block 3-E, Lot 1-B-1, Ozanam Family and Block 550, Lot 28 with 4 bedrooms, for a Shelter is run by Catholic Charities. In a letter total of 14 bedrooms of group home housing dated December 15, 1999, Donald J. Stager are located in Edison Township and funded by stated, “The Ozanam Family Shelter is in full Federal grants and fees. All clients are accord with the COAH affordability controls. registered with the State of New Jersey As part of its mission to assist those most in Division of Developmental Disabilities, the need, Catholic Charities always endeavors to units are licensed by the N.J. Department of
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Human Services and are Medicaid eligible. 28 rental bonus credits. The Township will be eligible for 14 affordable housing credits and potentially up to 14 bonus This transitional housing facility provides rental credits. program components such as training and childcare. Pursuant to NJAC 5:93-15.1, a 4. Spectrum for Living: Three (3) group home waiver is requested from 5:93-7.4(f) which facilities are located on Waterford Drive and requires that gross rents, including an allowance Spectrum Drive, known as Block 56 P, Lots 2 for utilities not exceed 30 percent of the gross and 1.01 and are owned by Spectrum for Living monthly income. This transitional housing is Middlesex, Inc. Condominium at Waterford part of program that has a goal of empowering Drive has 10 bedrooms and the other two group families to break out of the cycle of homes at Spectrum Drive were recently homelessness. In addition to housing in fully constructed and have a total of 12 bedrooms. furnished units, there is on site childcare. Adult These three group homes have 22 units in total. education and job training are included in this All clients are registered with and in contract program. The units meet the intent of the with the State of New Jersey Division of Affordable Housing legislation and the granting Developmental Disabilities and are Medicaid of the waiver would foster the intent of NJAC eligible. The Township will be eligible to 5:91, 5:92. For these reasons, the Township receive 22 affordable housing credits, and seeks a waiver of NJAC 5:93-7.4(f). potentially up to 22 rental bonus credits. 6. Dungarvin New Jersey, Inc: This group home 5. Amandla Crossing Transitional Housing on Kenmore Road (Block 1136, Lot 37), with 4 Program: Known as Block 396, Lot 6 on bedrooms has operated since November 2002. Woodbridge Avenue. This facility, which This site is owned by Chimes of Maryland and opened in 1991, is run by the Middlesex there is no rental lease. This group home Interfaith Partners with the Homeless (MIPH), houses individuals with a diagnosis of mental provides 28 apartments (one and two, and three disabilities, all over the age of 18. The facility bedroom units) to homeless single parents and is licensed and funded by New Jersey Division their children. All residents are homeless and of Development Disabilities. The Township receiving Temporary Aid to Needy Families will be eligible to receive 4 affordable housing (TANF) benefits and 100% of residents are credits and potentially up to 4 rental bonus determined to be low/moderate income persons; credits. 65% of a persons TANF income must be used for the housing and support services (which 7. Development Resources Corporation: This includes childcare) offered through the program group home on Riverview Avenue (Block 290, associated with this housing. The residents pay Lot 14A), with 2 bedrooms has operated since for their own food. This program site is on October 2002 and is owned by the CIBC property presently owned by the US Army and Foundation, Inc. The facility houses two the term of lease is through December 31, 2003, persons with developmental disabilities and the with a deed transfer from the U.S. Army to residents are of age 18 and above. The facility Middlesex Interfaith Partners in process. is licensed and funded by the NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental The Township will be eligible to receive 28 Disabilities. The township will be eligible to affordable housing credits and potentially up to receive 2 affordable housing credits and
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potentially up to 2 rental bonus credits. thirty (30) percent of the gross monthly income. This transitional housing is part of program that has 8. Volunteers of America/Mental Health Services: a goal of empowering families to break out of the A group home on Plainfield Road (Block 557 cycle of homelessness. In addition to housing in X, Lot 12), owned by Volunteers of America fully furnished units, there will be adult education with 4 bedrooms has operated since June 1999. and job training included in this program. The This facility houses individuals with mental units meet the intent of the Affordable Housing disability and the residents are of age 18 and/or legislation and the granting of the waiver would above. The New Jersey Division of Mental foster the intent of NJAC 5:91, 5:92. For these Health Services licenses the facility. The reasons, the Township seeks a waiver of NJAC Township will be eligible to receive 4 5:93-7.4(f). affordable housing credits and potentially up to 4 rental bonus credits. Inclusionary Units that exceed required Round Two Credits New Construction (Not Completed) 1. Clara Barton Manor: Located at the intersection Imani Park Transitional Housing Program: This of Amboy Avenue and Fourth Street, Block Transitional Housing Program located at Camp 730, Lot 8 is owned by Clara Barton ALF, Kilmer, known as Block 3D, Lot 11, is run by LLC. This senior housing project includes 21 Middlesex Interfaith Partners with Homeless assisted living units and 27 independent (MIPH) and will consist of 16 apartments. The apartments deed restricted for low and facility will house homeless people with one family moderate income persons, for a total of 48 units member suffering from AIDS. All residents will be affordable to low and moderate income homeless and will receive SSI and or Temporary households. Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits. The residents who receive TANF benefits would be This facility as a NJ HMFA financed project required to pay 65% of their TANF income for which includes a deed restriction and regulatory housing and support services. agreement with requirements for 20% of the dwelling units for tenants whose income does This program site is owned by the U.S. Army and not exceed 50% of the area’s median income as administered by G.S.A. There is presently a lease defined by HUD; and with requirements for with MIPH through December 31, 2003. Upon income certification on HMFA forms prior to receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy at Imani initial occupancy, with annual recertifications at Park, it is anticipated that the U.S. Army will issue the end of each calendar year. MIPH a deed for this property. The resolution for amended site plan approval The Township will be eligible to receive 16 for this project was approved by the Edison affordable housing credits and potentially up to 16 Township Planning Board on September 14, rental bonus credits. 1998. The Township seeks 45 credits for these units to be “banked” toward future COAH This transitional housing facility provides program Round Three requirements, should the fair share components such as training and childcare. allocation allow for additional age restricted Pursuant to NJAC 5:93-15.1, a waiver is requested credits. The Township seeks 3 of these from 5:93-7.4(f) which requires that gross rents, affordable housing credits to be allowed for the including an allowance for utilities not exceed current obligation.
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2. A.M Yelencsics Senior Citizen Housing: Located at 100 Forest Haven Avenue (Block 266, Lot 48). This Senior Housing Facility consists of 100 units, all of which are deed restricted for rent to low- income senior citizens. The Township seeks 100 future credits for these units to be “banked” toward COAH Round Three requirements, should the fair share allocation allow for additional age restricted credits.
This facility has received NJ HMFA tax crediting, with a deed of easement and restrictive covenant between HMFA and the owners to provide 100% low income rental units, with a 30 year lease, and utilize a consulting firm to administer tenant income qualification and verification.
TABLE 7.3-13 Reductions, Credits And Rental Bonuses Precredited Need 1,118 units Indigenous Need (Rehabilitation) -154 units Inclusionary (New Construction) 964 units
PROJECTS AFFORDABLE RENTAL BONUS UNITS CREDITS
Prior Cycle Credits 572 (HUD Sec. 236 Projects) Clara Barton Manor (age restricted)* 3 Ozanam Family Shelter 30 United Cerebral Palsy (3 group homes) 14 14 Spectrum for Living (3 group homes) 22 22 Dungravin New Jersey Inc 4 Development Resources Corporation 2 Volunteers of America 4 Amandla House Transitional Housing** 28 Imani Park Transitional Housing** 16 Village Court Seniors age restricted* 105 Builders Remedy Truman Drive Site 22 22 Builders Remedy Woodbridge Avenue 45 40 Site
SUBTOTALS 867 98*** TOTAL UNITS 965
Clara Barton Manor* (45) credits requested to be banked toward future needs pursuant to NJAC 5:93-3.1(f), with three credits utilized for present obligation. Yelencsics Court* (100) credits requested to be banked toward future needs pursuant to NJAC 5:93-3.1(f).
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*Pursuant to NJAC 5:93-5.14, age restricted housing is credited by the following formula: .25 (municipal precredited need – prior cycle credits – credits pursuant to NJAC 5:93-3.4 [rehabilitation credits]). Based on the COAH formula, age restricted units are permitted for Round Two [.25(1118-572-114) – 0 =108]. The Township seeks credit for 108 age-restricted units. The Township has historically attempted to provide housing affordable to low and moderate-income families. There is a significant amount of housing affordable to low and moderate-income seniors. This is appropriate as the median age locally and nationally continues to increase. From 1990 to 2000 the median age in the municipality increased from 34.1 to 36.3 years. In the 2000 Census a total 20.9 percent of the population in the Township was aged 55 or over. The units meet the intent of the Affordable Housing legislation and the granting of the waiver would foster this intent of the NJAC 5:91, 5:92, 5:93 et al. For these reasons, the Township seeks a waiver of NJAC 5:93-5.14. Edison has a surplus of eligible age restricted rental units, with over 250 documented eligible age restricted units. However, with the COAH formula capping the number of age restricted units to be used for crediting at 108 units, more than half (142) of these eligible units must be banked for future crediting, since they cannot be used at this time.
** Pursuant to Waiver requested from 5:93-7.4(f) which requires that gross rents, including an allowance for utilities, not exceed thirty (30) percent of the gross monthly income. This housing is part of program that has a goal of empowering families to break out of the cycle of homelessness. In addition to housing in fully furnished units, there is on site childcare, adult education and job training included in this program. It is because these units provide housing to low and moderate income families as a part of a program that aims to break the cycle of homelessness, through a program of housing assistance, childcare and education and job training, that this waiver is sought. The units meet the intent of the Affordable Housing legislation and the granting of the waiver would foster this intent of the NJAC 5:91, 5:92, 5:93 et al. For these reasons, the Township seeks a waiver of NJAC 5:93-7.4(f). It is noted that a COAH rule change that became effective on May 6, 2002 provides an analogous model for this particular situation. The new substantive rule change, at NJAC 5:93-5.16 (c), addresses the same issue of rent as a percentage of income, stating; “up to 80 percent of applicable gross household income (for example, 80 percent of incomes at 50, 60, or 80 percent) may be used for rent, food and services based on bedroom type.” Within the context of that recent rule change citation, the requested relief reconciles the activities at the two transitional housing facilities with the COAH rule change permitting up to 80% of gross household income to be used for rent, food and services.
*** The rental obligation, pursuant to NJAC 5:93-5.15(a), shall equal .25 (municipal pre-credited need -prior cycle credits- impact of the 20 percent cap -impact of the 1,000 unit limitation- the rehabilitation component). Calculation: [.25(1118-572-154) = 98]. The number of rental bonus units does not exceed that which is permitted by COAH formula, however Edison Township has additional rental bonus credits which are documented, should a waiver of NJAC 5:93-5:15(a) be granted.
Indigenous Need (Rehabilitation Component)
The Township’s “Round Two” Indigenous Need is calculated as follows, based on The COAH 93-99 Municipal Low & Moderate Income Housing Need, dated October 11, 1993: Indigenous Need 170 units – 16 units spontaneous rehabilitation = 154 units.
ANALYSIS OF HISTORIC REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES
Edison Township provided rehabilitation grants, using HUD CDBG funds, to 116 low and moderate- income housing units between 1993 and 2002. The average number of units rehabilitated per year was 11.6. It appears that Edison will be eligible for 108 rehabilitation credits, based on the COAH required two year $8,000 average cost, for these scattered site rehabilitation units. The average amount for rehabilitation
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With crediting for 108 units, an additional 46 units of rehabilitation will be required. These will be accomplished at a rate of 8 units for the first 5 years of certification and the remaining 6 units would be met in the remaining year. This rate of rehabilitation is slower than the historic rehabilitation activity of the Township of 12 units rehabilitated per year, and therefore the Township may be expected to complete the 46 units of remaining indigenous need obligation in approximately 4 years. All rehabilitated units are subject to a 6 year lien, all rehabilitated unit owners were required to document income eligibility, and all units rehabilitated involved the repair, replacement or elimination of code violations for one or more major systems as defined by COAH. TABLE 7.3-14 Historic Rehabilitation Information
CASE NUMBER HARD COSTS 1993 January 20, 1993 0292 $9,940.00 November 10, 1993 0992 $11,595.00 November 22, 1993 2292 $2,100.00 October 18, 1993 0492 $3,810.00 December 21, 1993 0592 $6,905.00 November 3, 1993 1992 $2,225.00 1994 January 26, 1994 0692 $10,515.00 November 23, 1994 3093 $8,950.00 May 17, 1994 1092 $7,400.00 May 20, 1994 1192 $9,535.00 April 11, 1994 1392 $12,310.00 June 14, 1994 1492 $16,690.00 October 14, 1994 2993 $3,690.00 August 26, 1994 2893 $10,319.00 August 16, 1994 2692 $13,975.00 February 14, 1994 2092 $11,000.00 May 9, 1994 2492 $16,781.00 February 15, 1994 2392 $3,675.00 1995 August 8, 1995 0392 $15,690.00 May 22, 1995 2192 $13,592.00 March 30, 1995 2592 $10,900.00 May 1, 1995 0792 $4,440.00 August 1, 1995 2792 $4,282.15 September 12, 1995 1892 $10,336.00 October 12, 1995 1692 $12,270.00 August 8, 1995 0192 $13,520.00 May 22, 1995 3192 $2,623.00 October 24, 1995 3794 $15,905.00 May 26, 1995 3394 $4,181.00 September 5, 1995 3494 $10,985.00 October 16, 1995 3992 $3,518.00
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1996 May 21, 1996 3294 $8,617.00 October 22, 1996 5496 $4,785.00
April 23, 1996 3894 $11,810.00 May 17, 1996 5296 $4,526.75 June 4, 1996 4092 $15,118.00
December 18, 1996 4195 $5,950.00 March 22, 1996 4295 $19,000.00 March 22, 1996 4395 $7,745.00
May 21, 1996 4595 $14,925.50 November 13, 1996 5196 $3,862.50 November 13, 1996 6296 $2,250.00
1997 January 13, 1997 4995 $9,910.00 March 3, 1997 3594 $14,985.00
April 24, 1997 5396 $6,375.00 February 5, 1997 3694 $8,015.00 December 12, 1997 7897* $3,220.00 May 13, 1997 7797* $3,370.00 January 9, 1997 5896 $4,060.00 May 14, 1997 6196* $3,615.00 May 14, 1997 7697* $3,940.00 January 13, 1997 6496 $8,350.00 January 13, 1997 6596 $4,175.00 February 7, 1997 6696 $4,537.00 May 21, 1997 6897 $11,817.00 March 25, 1997 6997* $3,579.00 March 26, 1997 7097 $6,292.74 May 2, 1997 7597* $3,795.00 May 1, 1997 7297* $2,726.00 March 17, 1997 7397 $10,480.00 March 17, 1997 7397 $4,175.00 May 12, 1997 7497* $2,000.00
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1998 May 4, 1998 7197 $7,670.00
May 11, 1998 5095 $9,599.00
April 15, 1998 5696 $9,925.00 May 4, 1998 5596 $4,226.00
August 13, 1998 8197 $6,013.00 March 3, 1998 8297 $12,383.00 May 1, 1998 8497 $4,430.00
March 24, 1998 8697 $10,420.00 June 19, 1998 8897 $10,595.00
July 21, 1998 9097 $9,746.00 July 15, 1998 9197 $2,995.00 August 13, 1998 9801 $9,850.00 August 13, 1998 9802 $9,860.00 August 20, 1998 9803 $9,765.00 September 10, 1998 9804 $10,020.00 September 10, 1998 9805 $11,008.00 December 17, 1998 9810 $4,389.00 November 10, 1998 9807 $8,185.00 October 26, 1998 9809 $6,895.00 1999 February 9, 1999 9808 $9,925.00 February 3, 1999 9806 $5,650.00 June 15, 1999 9811 $6,372.00 January 29, 1999 9812 $7,655.00 September 2, 1999 9817 $8,140.00 June 28, 1999 9818 $11,000.0 October 29, 1999 9815 $8,300.00 October 20, 1999 9819 $9,000.00 December 16, 1999 9816 $9,300.00
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2000 June 29, 2000 9902 $10,175.00 August 17, 2000 9904 $6,700.00 June 28, 2000 9903 $7,985.00 December 7, 2000 9901 $3,850.00 December 7, 2000 9907 $9110.00 August 28, 2000 9908 $5,385.00 September 26, 2000 9909 $11,895.00 August 7, 2000 9906 $13,050.00 October 27, 2000 9910 $1,450.00 March 30, 2000 9814 $7,963.50 August 2, 2000 9813 $11965.00 2001 January 25, 2001 2001 $15,325.00 March 13, 2001 2004 $7,650.00 February 7, 2001 2002 $7,283.50 March 15, 2001 2007 $8,626.00 March 15, 2001 2005 $12,530.00 March 13, 2001 2006 $7,250.00 2002 January 10, 2002 2101 $12,398.68 January 10, 2002 2102 $9,385.00 January 10, 2002 2103 $6,240.00 May 7, 2002 2104 $9,010.00 July 30, 2002 2106 $7,600.00 August 8, 2002 2108 $7,900.00 September 24, 2002 2107 $9,450.00 September 26, 2002 2109 $11,900.00 September 26, 2002 2110 $3,995.00 Source: Office of Housing and Community Development, Township of Edison, dated July 30, 2003. * Units not submitted for COAH credit due to COAH two (2) year minimum $8,000.00 average expenditure requirements.
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Funding of the Rehabilitation Program 7.4 AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICY Based on COAH rules, the Township shall continue INDIGENOUS NEED to provide a two-year average of $10,000 per unit for the rehabilitation program that will have an The affordable housing policy recommended for estimated total program cost of $460,000 (46 units the Township of Edison to meet its indigenous low x $10,000/unit). and moderate income housing needs is to continue to rehabilitate deteriorated housing stock through The Township proposes to continue to fund the the CDBG funded rehabilitation methodology that local housing rehabilitation program through the is currently in place in the Township. Community Development Block Grant Program, HUD funds through the Township Office of There is a need to rehabilitate 46 additional Housing and Community Development. dwelling units occupied by low and moderate- income households (Indigenous Need). The Marketing Plan municipality has implemented a rehabilitation program funded by the Community Development The Township will continue to market and Block Grant Program. administer its rehabilitation program through the facilities of the Office of Housing and Community The Township’s rehabilitation program is marketed Development, as has been occurring since 1986. through the Edison Office of Housing and Community Development FAIR SHARE
It is expected that the continuation of this program Settlement Agreements will satisfy the Township’s obligation to rehabilitate 46 units during a six (6) year period of The Township has entered into a settlement repose. agreement with Durham Associates regarding the Truman Drive site. This site will provide Rehabilitation Schedule affordable housing and will help the Township to meet the number of affordable units required by Depending upon the demand of homeowners and COAH. This project has secured Middlesex County landlords for the program, the Township proposed and Edison Township Planning Board approvals as to undertake the following rehabilitation schedule. well as Freehold Soil Conservation District Certification. Proposed income verification TABLE 7.4-1 procedures for this project have been submitted to Proposed Rehabilitation Schedule the Court Master for review and approval.
YEAR PLANNED UNITS The Township has entered into settlement 2003 8 agreement negotiations at the direction of the Court 2004 8 appointed Master, Elizabeth C. Mckenzie, P.P., 2005 8 2006 8 with TWC Realty Partnership on an intervenor
2007 8 claim regarding the Woodbridge Avenue site. This
2008 6 site will provide Affordable Housing and will allow
TOTAL Rehabilitations 46 the Township to meet the number of affordable housing units required by COAH.
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Details pertaining to income qualification and verification administration must be submitted by this intervenor to the Court Master for review and approval.
Ordinance Change
Pursuant to the settlement agreement with Durham Associates, the Township created an Affordable Housing Zone (AHOZ) which permits townhouses and apartment dwellings in the L-I zone described as a 12.3 acre portion of Block 3-B, Lots 19 and 21 as depicted on the Zoning map. historically existed.
COAH has determined the Township’s Precredited need to be 1118 units, however, through crediting reductions for past affordable housing accomplishments and the Township’s affordable housing activities from 1993-2002, the calculated need is reduced to 964 inclusionary units and 154 units of rehabilitation.
The Township shall rehabilitate an additional 47 units and document 964 inclusionary units during the six- year period of repose.
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The following chart summarizes the Township of Edison’s Realistic Opportunity for Affordable Housing:
COAH ESTIMATED NEED 1,118
(572) REDUCTIONS: 1990 – 1998
REHABILITATION COMPONENT 154 INCLUSIONARY COMPONENT 964
TOTAL 1,118
Inclusionary Component
Credits Bonus Credits Total
Prior Cycle Credits (HUD Sec 236 Projects) 572
Clara Barton Manor (48 Age Restricted Units)** 3 Ozanam Family Shelter 30 United Cerebral Palsy (3 Group Homes) 14 14 Spectrum for Living (3 Group Homes) 22 22 Dungravin New Jersey Inc (Group Home) 4 Development Resources Corp.(Group Home) 2 Volunteers of America (Group Home) 4 Amandla House Transitional Housing 28 Imani Park Transitional Housing 16 Village Court Seniors (105 Age Restricted Units)** 105 Truman Drive Builder’s Remedy Site 22 22 TWC Builder’s Remedy Site 45 40 Yelencsics Court (100 Age Restricted Units)**
SUBTOTALS 867 98* 965***
Indigenous Component
Completed Rehabilitations 108 6 year future Rehabilitation Program 46 SUBTOTAL154 154 units
TOTAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN OBLIGATION 1119 ***
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7.5 CONCLUSION
The Township of Edison has historically provided an opportunity for the development of housing affordable to low and moderate-income families. In response to the builder’s remedy suit filed by Durham Associates and the intervenor claim by TWC Realty Partnerships, the Township entered into settlement agreement negotiations, which will result in the construction of an additional 67 units of family affordable housing. The construction of these units will cause the Township to meet its “Round Two” Fair Share obligation.
The Township has an active Housing and Community Development Department, which oversees the rehabilitation of existing units. From 1993 to 2002 the Township utilized HUD funding toward the rehabilitation of 116 low and moderate-income housing units, of which the Township is eligible to receive credit for 108 of these units.
The remaining indigenous need will be met through the existing program to provide rehabilitation assistance to low- and moderate-income households.
This Affordable Housing Element & Fair Share Plan has been prepared by the Sheehan Consulting Group.
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8.0 Circulation
long time has passed since George Washington first traveled along Old Post Road in 1789 to his A inauguration in New York City. Since then, Edison has grown to a population of 97,687 (2000 Census) and houses the largest commuting population (48,010) in Middlesex County. Over the years, the earliest significant transportation improvements included the construction of the Albany Street Bridge on Route 27 in 1795 and the opening of Exit 10 on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1970, opening Edison up to regional traffic growth. Other significant roadway improvements include the construction of Interstate 287 which traverses Edison as well as the construction of limited access highways including Route 1 and Route 27.
Edison, similar to many suburban communities throughout the State of New Jersey, is experiencing increased traffic due to increased population and America’s dependence on the automobile. The municipal transportation system consists of passenger rail (Northeast Corridor Line); NJ Transit and private carrier bus service; streets and highways; and bicycle and pedestrian circulation. Mass transit plays a critical role in providing an alternative to driving, particularly for commuters and residents who do not have access to an automobile. Public transit is available in Edison for local trips, for regional trips with origins or destinations within Middlesex County and for commuter trips to northern New Jersey and New York City. Most recently, Edison has developed a pilot bus project, Edison Light Transit (ELT) providing shuttle service to the Edison Train Station. The ELT is part of a larger study which is being prepared by Edwards & Kelcey to address mobility of Edison Residents. The study will address non-traditional transit services and will analyze options available to Edison to link new, enhanced and existing rail, and bus and marine modes of transportation, into a comprehensive municipal mass transit system. This type of transit system is innovative in New Jersey with regards to a suburban municipality which reflects forward thinking and vision at the local municipal level.
8.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
In developing the overall Circulation Plan for Edison, an inventory of existing circulation conditions was prepared to identify and evaluate the location and types of facilities for all modes of transportation. The functional classification system of the Federal Highway Administration and the characteristics of existing transportation facilities were summarized. Planned and proposed transportation improvements were identified. Edison has a high dependency on the automobile, particularly the single occupancy vehicle, similar to other suburban municipalities within the State of New Jersey. The following tables show the journey-to-work data to and from Edison as obtained from the 1990 Census and 2000 Census. Average commute time of 32.7 minutes for year 2000 is slightly higher than the 30.0 minute statewide average.
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TABLE 8.1-1 Journey to Work Data (Work in Edison) 1990 Census
DROVE CARPOOL/ BUS PATH/ RAIL FERRY BICYCLE/ OTHER ALONE TAXI SUBWAY WALKED Edison 82.1% 13.7% 1.41% 0.17% 0.48% - 1.4% 0.72%
TABLE 8.1-2 Journey to Work Data (Live in Edison) 2000 Census
DROVE CARPOOL/ BUS PATH/ RAIL FERRY BICYCLE/ OTHER ALONE TAXI SUBWAY WALKED Edison 74.6% 10.2% 0.8% 0.41% 9.5% 0.02% 1.99% 0.42%
8.2 MASS TRANSIT Commuter Rail
Edison is served by NJ Transit and AMTRAK on the Northeast Corridor Line, which runs from Washington DC to Boston. Edison has one station and Edison is also served by the Metropark Station, located in Woodbridge Township and the Metuchen station. The Edison station’s New Jersey Transit ridership during peak AM hours is approximately 1300 passengers in the eastbound direction. Total ridership at the Edison Station has increased from approximately 500 riders per day in 1980 to 2300 per day presently. Additionally, approximately half of the Metropark train station and the Metuchen train station ridership is Edison commuters. The combined total daily ridership of these two stations is 9069. Edison’s share of this total is therefore, approximately 4500 riders daily. The Metropark and Metuchen Stations New Jersey Transit peak AM eastbound riderships are 3000 and 1700 AM passengers respectively. Parking demand exceeds capacity at the stations and is an impediment to Edison residents’ use of the train. It is noteworthy that based on NJ Transit ridership data, Edison realizes the highest commuting population on the Northeast Corridor line.
The Metropark Station is serviced by several bus routes including the 62, 801, 802, 803, 804 and 805 routes. The Edison Station is not serviced by New Jersey Transit buses. Utilizing an NJ Transit Grant Edison the Edison Light Transit Commuter Shuttle to help address the parking situation at the station.
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Bus Service Bus service in Edison is primarily provided by New Jersey Transit. Several of the bus routes also provide connections to the NJ Transit Rail Service at Metro Park for access to other destinations in New Jersey and New York.
The following table shows the NJ Transit bus routes serving Edison, the start and end points, and the stops within Edison. A map depicting local bus routes has also been provided. There are concerns about the limited hours of operation, the frequency of bus service, and adequacy of accessibility to some of these lines. Most of these bus lines operate only on weekdays and some only during peak commuter hours.
TABLE 8.1-3 New Jersey Transit Bus Routes in Edison
LINE SCHEDULE STOPS START/END IN EDISON DESTINATIONS 801 J.F.K Medical Center Metro Park Rail Station Loop Grove Ave & Oak Tree Rd 804 Wood Av & Inman Ave Metro Park Rail Station Loop New Dover Rd & Grove Ave 805 Lafayette Ave & Parsonage Rd Main Street & Ford Ave– Metro Park Rail Station 810 NJ 27 & Plainfield Ave New Brunswick – Woodbridge Metro Park Mall 813 Fieldcrest Ave & Northfield Rd Edison – Perth Amboy 814 Middlesex College Edison – North Brunswick Heller Industrial Park 819 Oak Tree Rd & Plainfield Rd Metuchen - Piscataway 978 Fieldcrest Ave & Newark – Raritan Center Raritan Center Pky Fieldcrest Ave & Northfield Ave, Newfield Ave & Raritan Center Pky 979 Fieldcrest Ave & Raritan Center Irvington Bus Terminal – Pky Fieldcrest Ave & Raritan Center Northfield Ave Newfield Ave & Raritan Center Pky
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Keep Middlesex Moving (KMM)
Keep Middlesex Moving (KMM) serves Middlesex and Monmouth counties as its transportation management association. KMM seeks to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality to make Middlesex County a better place to live, work, and do business. KMM is working closely with Edison on the operation of the ELT and the development of the Regional Intermodal Transportation study.
The Edison Light Transit Commuter Shuttle operates two shuttles providing a fee based service to Edison residents during the morning and evening peak hours to and from the train station. Residents that work along the route can also take the shuttle. The shuttle serves residential developments located along Rivendell Way, Hana Road and Merrywood Drive. Two morning and evening rush hour buses provide service between these areas and the Edison Train Station. The current ridership averages approximately 100 persons in the morning and 150 persons in the evening. Edison recognizes and encourages growth of this service as a complementary strategy to reduce travel demand for expanding roads to address congestion.
Local Transit Study
Edison is actively assessing future demands and needs for transit service. The County Freeholders have appointed a Transportation Task Force to address transportation needs and issues. Besides bus and rail transit, the role of ferry services is important to the region from Middlesex County’s perspective, and this could serve Edison residents as well.
Edison has commissioned a transportation study that will address problems of excess traffic and make recommendations to provide commuters, seniors and children with a safe and economical way to travel without the use of automobiles. Edwards & Kelcey, the firm engaged by Edison officials to prepare the study, will analyze the application of intermodal transit technologies such as buses, ferries and light rail and will incorporate Edison’s own light transit system, the ELT. To ensure the intermodal transportation plan is complete, Edwards & Kelcey will also work with the Borough of Metuchen. The study will identify specific services and routes that address the commuting needs of residential, retail, and employment locations within Edison. Further, the study will analyze options available to Edison to link new, enhanced and existing rail, bus and marine modes of transportation into a comprehensive municipal mass transit system. The main purpose of this study is to affect an implementation plan based on consideration of alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle for the citizens of Edison.
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BUS ROUTES
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8.3 ROADWAY SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS
Functional Classification is the systematic organization of highways and roadways into separate classes or groups, based upon their intended service function. For an urban roadway network such as Edison, there are four (4) major classes of street systems: principal arterial, minor arterial, collector, and local street. The roadway functional classifications as follows:
Principal Arterials
An urban principal arterial system is designated to carry very high volumes of traffic at high speeds, to and from major metropolitan activity hubs, and between major rural connections. Access points onto principal arterials should be limited in order to ensure minimum disruption of the traffic flow. This roadway system is designed for longer trips and should carry traffic wishing to bypass the downtown metropolitan area. The urban principal arterial system can be further broken down into three (3) types of roadways: interstate; other freeways and expressways; and other principal arterials (with no control of access).
Minor Arterials
An urban minor arterial street system is designed to carry high volumes of traffic with slightly greater land access and less traffic mobility than a principal arterial system. It should be the primary link between the principal arterials and collector roadways. Minor arterials should not intrude into residential neighborhoods.
Collectors
An urban collector street system is designed to carry moderate volumes of traffic with an approximately equal emphasis on land access and traffic mobility. It should be the primary link between minor arterials and local roads. These roads may, but do not necessarily, run through residential neighborhoods.
Local Streets
An urban local street system is designed to carry moderate volumes of traffic with the emphasis on land access and very low traffic mobility. It should be a link to the other street systems and provide direct access to adjacent land uses. An alternative route is desirable for through traffic.
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FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION MAP
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Roadway Jurisdiction
The roadways within Edison consist of a network of Interstate, State, County and local facilities. The existing roadway network is quite extensive, however, portions lack adequate capacity for current traffic volumes. This results in traffic congestion and inadequate levels of service that reduce mobility, impede access to activity centers and impact the quality of life. There is limited opportunity to increase roadway capacity; therefore, improvements that maximize the efficiency of the existing network and increased mass transit usage are encouraged. The table below lists the major roadways in Edison and their jurisdiction.
TABLE 8.3-4 Roadway Jurisdiction
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT MIDDLESEX COUNTY CONTINUED OF TRANSPORTATION
US ROUTE 1 CR 649 (WOOD AVENUE) NJ ROUTE 27 CR 656 (PARKWAY PLACE EXTENSION) I-287 CR 657 I NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE (LAFAYETTE AVE & PARSONAGE ROAD) CR 657 II (ROOSEVELT AVE & OAKWOOD AVE) MIDDLESEX COUNTY CR 657 III (THORNALL STREET/EVERGREEN ROAD) CR 501* CR 659 I (BIRCH STREET) – ROOSEVELT PARK (NEW DURHAM ROAD/AMBOY AVENUE) CR 509 (OLD RARITAN ROAD) CR 659 II (PINE DRIVE) – ROOSEVELT PARK CR 514 (WOODBRIDGE AVENUE) CR 659 III (MAPLE DRIVE) – ROOSEVELT PARK CR 531 (PARK AVENUE/PLAINFIELD CR 659 IV (OAK DRIVE) – ROOSEVELT PARK ROAD/MAIN STREET) CR 529 (PLAINFIELD AVENUE) CR 660 (GRANDVIEW AVENUE) CR 602 (INMAN AVENUE) CR 661 (PLAINFIELD ROAD) CR 604 (OAK TREE ROAD) CR 667 (MILL ROAD) CR 676 (DUCLOS LANE)
*The section of Amboy Avenue in Clara Barton is no longer under County jurisdiction.
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8.4 TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION in previous master plans is dated and is superseded by the classification system in the RSIS. As well, Since the adoption of the last Circulation Element, the design standards in these documents that there have been a number of legislative enactments establish right-of-way and pavement widths are no impacting existing and future circulation patterns in longer applicable as design standards will be as Edison. Specifically, these include the Residential specified in the RSIS. The RSIS differentiate Site Improvement Standards (RSIS) and the between major and minor collectors for local Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century residential streets and require varying cartway and (TEA-21). right-of-way widths based on average daily traffic.
Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS) The RSIS will be enforced in the same way local municipal site improvement standards have been The RSIS took effect on June 3, 1997 and provides enforced. The RSIS simply replaced municipal the minimum engineering design standards for any technical standards with uniform standards for local residential subdivision or site plan application residential site improvements. Any future local submitted to a Planning or Zoning Board. They are residential roadways developed in Edison will be also the maximum standards a Board may require classified based on the RSIS. of an applicant. TEA-21 The RSIS preempt existing municipal improvement requirements for the technical aspects of residential Public funding of transportation/highway site improvement. The standards apply only to improvements is tied to the Federal-Aid Highway residential development. The rules do not apply to Act of 1973 that established the functional mixed-use (i.e., residential and commercial) classification systems. In 1991, the Intermodal development unless the residential portion of the Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) development is separable from the commercial was passed to restructure the Federal-Aid Highway portion and the application of the RSIS is practical. Program to include a more comprehensive set of Exclusively residential projects, regardless of transportation modes. Under ISTEA, each State proposed density, are governed by the RSIS. was responsible for assembling their own National Transportation System (NTS) Plan. NTS The RSIS governs pavement widths, parking, the jurisdiction includes intrastate and interstate travel, size and arrangement of water supply, sanitary access to ports, airports, intermodal facilities, sewers and stormwater management systems and military bases, passenger rail lines and freight the installation of curbs and sidewalks. facilities. Landscaping, shade trees, transit stops, noise barriers, snow removal guarantees and the ability of The successor to ISTEA is the Transportation municipalities to assess developers for off site Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). TEA-21 improvements are all outside the scope of the RSIS. builds on the initiatives established in ISTEA. This Separate bicycle paths and lanes are required only new Act combines the continuation and if such paths and lanes have been specified as part improvement of current programs with new of the municipality’s adopted Master Plan and/or initiatives to meet the challenges of improving official map. safety as traffic continues to increase, protecting and enhancing communities and the natural Consequently, the roadway classification identified environment as we provide transportation, and
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CIRCULATION advancing America’s economic growth and Communities Pilot Program, Local and competitiveness domestically and internationally Municipal Aid, Bikeway and Pedestrian Safety, through efficient and flexible transportation. and the Federal Transportation Enhancements Significant features of TEA-21 include: Program. Other project funding is coordinated through the North Jersey Transportation ♦ Strengthening of safety programs across the Planning Authority. Department of Transportation (DOT). New incentive programs with great potential for 8.5 ROADWAY OPERATIONAL saving life and property are aimed at increasing CHARACTERISTICS the use of safety belts and promoting the enactment and enforcement of 0.08 percent Identified Roadway Problem Areas blood alcohol concentration standards for driving while intoxicated. These new incentive Part of the analysis and fact-finding in preparing funds also offer added flexibility to States since this Circulation Element involved the gathering of the grants can be used for any Title 23 U.S.C. information from the Edison Municipal Police activity. Department. The following street/intersections were identified as being problematic with respect to ♦ Continuing the proven and effective program traffic patterns. See attached map for roadway structure established for highway and transit problem locations. Intersections identified with an under the landmark ISTEA legislation. asterisk (*) also are high accident locations. Flexibility in the use of funds, emphasis on measures to improve the environment, focus on 1. Duclos Lane at Route 27 and Woodbridge a strong planning process as the foundation of Avenue – Traffic at these intersections good transportation decisions – all ISTEA experiences delays hallmarks – are continued and enhanced by TEA-21. New programs such as Congestion 2. Route 1 and Plainfield Avenue* – Traffic on Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), Plainfield Avenue experiences long delays due Transportation Enhancements (TE), to minimal signal time on side street and Route Transportation Infrastructure Finance and 1 northbound experiences long delays, Innovation, and Access to Jobs target are pedestrian issues need to be considered special areas of national interest and concern. 3. Ramp from old Woodbridge Avenue EB to new ♦ Investing in research and its application to Woodbridge Avenue WB – difficult merge area maximize the performance of the transportation system. Special emphasis is placed on 4. Ramp from old Woodbridge Avenue WB to deployment of Intelligent Transportation new Woodbridge Avenue WB – difficult merge Systems (ITS) to help improve operations and area management of transportation systems and vehicle safety. 5. Woodbridge Avenue and Gurley Road – high volumes on Gurley Road due to cut through New Jersey Department of Transportation has traffic, study should be conducted to determine several local aid and economic development if traffic signal warrants are met programs. Edison is encouraged to apply to these programs including the Livable
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6. Woodbridge Avenue and Mill Road* – 17. Amboy Avenue and Jackson Avenue – Jackson congested area near Middlesex County College, Avenue is too narrow to support the truck and consider minimizing cut-through traffic in the bus traffic that currently utilizes the street area 18. Amboy Avenue and Woodbridge Avenue* – 7. Route 27 and Plainfield Avenue – vehicles difficulties making left turns at this intersection avoiding traffic signal and circulating through residential areas 19. Amboy Avenue and Maplewood Avenue – intersection is located close to the ramp from 8. Plainfield Avenue and Central Avenue* – high Route 1 southbound ramp traffic due to train station and traffic avoiding Route 27 and Plainfield Avenue 20. Amboy Avenue and King Georges Post Road – Raritan Center traffic causes delays at this 9. Route 27 and Stoney Road – high traffic due to intersection, vehicles utilize Safran Avenue to cut through due to delays at Route 27 and bypass traffic signal Plainfield Avenue 21. Menlo Park Shopping Center exit onto Route 1 10. Route 27 and Talmadge Road – Talmadge Road southbound (located between Grand View traffic at intersection experiences delays. Avenue and Parsonage Road) – busy intersection and difficult to exit onto Route 1 11. Talmadge Road and New Durham Road* – southbound traffic at this intersection experiences delays 22. Parsonage Road and Oakwood Avenue – 12. Talmadge Road and Ethel Road – high volumes Traffic at the intersection experiences delays along Talmadge Road create delays at Ethel Road 23. Two (2) Railroad Overpasses over Parsonage Road (between Route 27 and Oakwood 13. New Durham Road and Reading Road – high Avenue) – low bridge causes several bridge traffic volumes along Reading Road during strikes per week morning and evening peak hours due to large number of multi-family dwellings in area 24. Route 27 and Evergreen Road – Traffic at intersection experiences delays as well as 14. Old Post Road and Boulevard of the Eagles – narrow railroad overpass just south of Route 27 high traffic volumes 25. Evergreen Road and Thornall Street – 15. Main Street and Morris Avenue – high traffic Intersection traffic experiences delays volumes 26. Route 27 and Wood Avenue – Intersection 16. Route 287 northbound to Route 1 northbound – traffic experiences significant delays Route 1 through traffic is constrained to two (2) lanes with traffic merging from the Route 287 27. Calvert Avenue and Grove Avenue – Traffic at northbound ramp intersection experiences delays, also congestion along Grove Avenue by JP Stevens High School
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28. Calvert Avenue and Calvert Avenue East – 39. Plainfield Road and Woodrow Wilson Drive – Residential roadway utilized for significant experiences heavy traffic due to Woodrow east/west traffic Wilson Middle School
29. Oak Tree Road (between Baltic Street and 40. Plainfield Road (between Edward Avenue and Wood Avenue)* – Dense development along Metuchen Borough boundary) – roadway Oak Tree Road create a number of dangerous narrow for amount of traffic carried intersections in this stretch of road 41. Oak Tree Road and Plainfield Road / New 30. New Dover Road and Grove Avenue – offset Dover Road – New Dover Road backs up past intersection which experiences delays Tingley Lane and difficult to make left turn particularly during JP Stevens High School start from Plainfield Road onto Oak Tree Road. and end times Traffic from several schools in the area contribute to this situation 31. Featherbed Lane (near Oak Ridge Road) – curve in roadway difficult to navigate for drivers
32. Inman Avenue and Grove Avenue* – difficulty for pedestrians to traverse intersection from senior development to shopping center
33. Inman Avenue and Rahway Road/Tingley Lane – offset intersection with problems for vehicles going from Rahway Road/Tingley Lane and visa-versa, exacerbated by school in the area
34. Inman Avenue and Old Raritan Road – traffic at intersection experiences delays
35. Oak Tree Road (between Marion Street and Lehigh Valley Railroad) – roadway narrow
36. Oak Tree Road and Woodland Avenue – intersection experiences delays
37. Stephenville Parkway and Park Avenue – intersection experiences delays
38. Talmadge Road and Park Avenue – heavy volumes through this intersection near Woodbrook Corners and The Enclave
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IDENTIFIED ROADWAY PROBLEM AREAS
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High Accident Locations TABLE 8.5-2 Ten Highest Non-State Highway Accident data records were obtained from the Traffic Accident Locations Police Department of Edison. The data obtained 6/00-6/01 covered a period between June 2000 to June 2001. INTERSECTION TOTAL The Table below summarizes the ten (10) highest Talmadge Rd and 55 accident locations during the study period within New Durham Rd (11) Edison by volume, showing the intersection of the accidents. Note that eight of these ten accident Woodbridge Av and Main St 52 locations are along State operated roadways. Woodbridge Av and Mill Rd (6) 43 Additionally, Table 7.5-1 summarizes the ten (10) highest non-state highway accident locations. The Woodbridge Av and 41 number of accidents at these locations indicates that Amboy Av (18) safety enhancement programs should be prioritized Dayton Dr and Oak Tree Rd 34 to address the high accident locations. Kilmer Rd and Plainfield Av 33 TABLE 8.5-1 Inman Av and Grove Av (33) 33 Ten Highest Traffic Accident Locations Lafayette Av Parsonage Road 24 6/00-6/01 Plainfield Av and Central Av (8) 22 Grove Av and Oak Tree Rd (29) 22 INTERSECTION TOTAL Route 1 and Old Post Road 157 Six of the ten non-state highway traffic locations Route 27 and Parsonage Road 127 were identified as problem areas. Those six and the Route 1 and 98 state highway identified location may require Plainfield Avenue (2) additional design considerations for safety when Route 1 and Parsonage Road 61 projects are advanced.
Route 1 and Forest Haven Blvd 60 Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Route 1 and Prince Street 58 Problem Areas
Talmadge Road and 55 ♦ Hazards and impediments exist along Route New Durham (11) 1 and Route 27, as well as some County and Route 1 and Grand View Avenue 55 Municipal roadways, including lack of adequate areas to support pedestrian and Woodbridge Avenue and 52 bicycle movement. Main Street
Route 1 and Woodbridge Avenue 50 ♦ Substandard design features exist along many roadways including no shoulder, inadequate shoulder widths, lack of signage and striping for bicyclists.
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♦ Unmarked or poorly marked crosswalks at is actively cooperating and working with the Board intersections. of Education to address student access to schools including the importance of providing sidewalks ♦ Poorly maintained roadways including for pedestrians. This non-voting observer provides debris, overgrown vegetation, potholes, ruts a direct link between the schools and the and other hazards to cyclists. municipality. The Bicycle Plan also recognizes the importance of safe routes for bicyclists to access ♦ Isolation of residential (subdivisions and schools. townhouse and apartment complexes) and commercial developments from surrounding There are also seven private or parochial schools land uses. and numerous pre-schools that may also have problem areas that should be studied and addressed. Middlesex County has also published the Middlesex County Bicycling Guide (September 2001) that identifies bicycle compatible roads in Edison. In concert with the parks and recreational facilities adequate bike and pedestrian access is important to the residents of Edison. Edison has more than 85 miles of existing and proposed bike routes and paths included as part of the Master Plan developed in 1994 and still approved.
School Safety Problem Areas
Seventeen public schools are located within Edison and the majority are deficient in providing proper school traffic control devices. These devices help warn drivers that they are approaching a school location and to be alert for children crossing the roadways. The “Manual and Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways” (MUTCD) Part 7 Traffic Control for school areas in Section 78.09 contains the proper traffic control devices that can be used at school areas to help improve pedestrian safety. A copy of a typical installation is attached. All major collector or arterial roadways with schools located along their frontage should be considered for such traffic control devices. Keep Middlesex Moving has started a Cross Walk Flag Program. Edison is encouraged to participate in this program to also bring attention to pedestrian activity around schools. A liaison representing the Edison governing body to the Edison Board of Education
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TYPICAL SIGNING FOR SCHOOLS AND TRAFFIC CONTROL
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8.6 FUTURE CIRCULATION PLAN included in NJDOT’s Capital Program with support from Middlesex County. Edison’s transportation system has supported growth and development for the past two centuries. ♦ Route 1 from Pierson Avenue to south of The system is, however, constrained by heavy Garden State Parkway (21) traffic volumes and limited capacity. The problem is compounded by the need to provide local This project will provide for widening of Route 1 to circulation as well as regional mobility across state three 12-foot lanes with a 3-foot inside shoulder and interstate traffic routes. The challenge for the and a 12-foot outside shoulder in each direction. future is the balance of these needs and further Entrance and exit ramps will be added at Pierson developing a system that manages these demands. Avenue, Grandview Avenue, Parsonage Road, and This will require improvements to existing roads Ford Avenue to aid in the smooth flow of traffic. and highways, expansion of mass transit The bridge over Amboy Avenue will be replaced capabilities, and integration of good bicycle and and the existing ramps will be upgraded. The pedestrian planning into the upgrading of the bridge over the Conrail Perth Amboy Line will be existing facilities. Adherence to the development replaced with a box culvert in anticipation of the patterns based on anti-sprawl and New Urbanism in development of Greenways Trail. Pedestrian the Future Land Use Plan is essential to the success amenities (crosswalk, curb cuts, etc) are proposed of any future circulation initiatives. at Grandview Avenue, Parsonage Road, and Ford Avenue intersections with Route 1. Sidewalks (4-6 PLANNED/PROGRAMMED feet) are proposed at Amboy Avenue, Grandview TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT Avenue, Parsonage Road, and Ford Avenue PROJECTS intersections with Route 1. Fiber optic conduit will be installed to accommodate future ITS The following projects are programmed by the technologies. The project is estimated to be State, County, or municipality. The number in completed by Fiscal Year 2005. parenthesis corresponds to the identified roadway problem areas. Thirteen of the identified locations ♦ Amtrak structure over Evergreen Road are being addressed along with five more additional (24) projects in Edison. This project will provide a replacement of the NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF existing Amtrak structure over Evergreen Road. TRANSPORTATION The project will allow for the widening of Evergreen Road, and thus create an overall The following are the New Jersey Department of improvement in traffic flow on Evergreen Road. Transportation projects: The project is estimated to be complete by FY 2005. ♦Oak Tree Road (29) ♦ Route 27 (MP 24.20-24.50) and Wood Intersection improvements along Oak Tree Road in Avenue (26) Edison and Green Street in Woodbridge will include additional lanes, turning lanes, auxiliary The proposed grade separate interchange with loop lanes, revised signalization and widening of Oak ramps, widening of Route 27 and Wood Avenue Tree Road and Green Street. The project is and left turn slots for Wood Avenue is in Edison
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CIRCULATION and Woodbridge. Final scope development is ♦ Woodbridge Avenue / Plainfield scheduled for 2002. Avenue
♦ Route 1 (MP 28.8 to 29.0) A signal will be upgraded.
♦ Traffic Calming Program Drainage project near Loring Avenue as a feasibility assessment for 2002 and final scope The Mayor has instituted the initial steps of a traffic development for 2003. calming program due to increased traffic utilizing
local roadways to avoid congested thoroughfares. ♦Route 1 (MP 32.49 to 35.10) This pilot program will eventually lead to using
several different traffic calming strategies Utility Corridor Trail as a multi-purpose, 12 foot throughout Edison’s neighborhoods. wide trail in Edison and Woodbridge for feasibility assessment in 2002 and final scope development in The following are the County/Edison projects that 2003. coincide with the previous listed street/
intersections, which were identified as being COUNTY/EDISON PROJECTS problematic with respect to traffic patterns:
♦ Woodbridge Avenue / Duclos Lane (1) The following are County of Middlesex or Edison projects: A new signal will be installed. The plan to install
this signal was prepared in 1993 and revised in ♦ Plainfield Road/ Stephenville Parkway 2000. County will bear 100 percent of design and
construction costs. A signal has been installed.
♦ Woodbridge Avenue / Gurley Road (5) ♦ Plainfield Avenue / Kilmer to Ethel
A new signal will be installed. The plan to install Three new signals will be installed. Also one this signal was prepared in 1999 and is expected to existing signal will be upgraded. County is funding be executed. the bulk of a widening and dualization project. New configuration will eliminate left turns and vehicles ♦ Main Street / Morris Avenue (15) will use a series of signalized jug handles.
A new signal will be installed. The plan to install ♦ Inman Avenue / Wood Avenue this signal was prepared in 2002. The plan is
accepted to be executed. The signal will be upgraded. This plan will be integrated with Wood Avenue feasibility study, which is conducted by County. However the execution of this plan is not complete.
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♦ Oak Tree Road / Sugar Tree Plaza (29) ♦ Oak Tree Road / Plainfield Road/ New Dover Road (42) A new signal will be installed. The plan to install this signal was prepared in 1999. The plan is Left turns lanes will be upgraded by widening. accepted to be executed. The new signal will County must develop a new plan. It must address benefit the property owner who would share in the current traffic conditions at this intersection, costs. irrespective of the proposed development.
♦ Inman Avenue / Featherbed Lane (31) CURRENT ROADWAY PROBLEM AREAS NOT ADDRESSED IN THE PROJECT LIST A new signal will be installed. Authorization to install this signal is received from NJDOT. The Additional traffic studies are need to identify more work to install this signal is nearly complete. clearly the problems at: ♦ Route 1 (MP 29.06) / Plainfield Avenue ♦ Inman Avenue / Rahway Road (34) (2),
Two new signals will be installed. The plan to ♦ Ramp from old Woodbridge Avenue EB to install the signals was prepared in 1998 and new Woodbridge Avenue WB (3), execution of this plan is required. These signals must be integrated with a future signal at Inman ♦ Ramp from old Woodbridge Avenue WB to Avenue and Tingley Lane. new Woodbridge Avenue WB (4),
♦ Inman Avenue / Old Raritan Road (35) ♦ Woodbridge Avenue / Mill Road,
A new signal will be installed and the plan to install ♦ Route 27 (MP 18.06) and Plainfield Avenue this signal is completed. The installation of this (7), and signal is a low priority for now. ♦ Plainfield Avenue and Central Avenue (8). ♦ Oak Tree Road / Woodland Avenue (37)
A new signal will be installed. The plan to install At these intersections, the following concepts need this signal was completed in 2000. The signalizing to be considered: of Oak Tree Road and Woodland Avenue would be integrated with replacement of U-3 bridge over ♦ Route 27 (MP 19.99) / Talmadge Rd (10) Lehigh Valley Railroad. The signal timing should be revised to provide split ♦ Park Avenue / Stephenville Parkway (38) phasing to improve delays experienced on Talmadge Road. Also, additional lanes should be A new signal will be installed. County’s consultant provided to move more volume through the is preparing final plans for this. Final design date is intersection. assumed to be 8/1/2002. Additional traffic needs assessment are necessary to identify improvements at:
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♦ Talmadge Road / New Durham Road (11), ♦ New Dover Road / Grove Street (30);
♦ Talmadge Road / Ethel Road (12), ♦ Featherbed Lane near Oak Ridge Road (32);
♦ New Durham Road / Reading Road (13), ♦ Inman Avenue / Grove Avenue (33);
♦ Old Post Road / Boulevard of the Eagles ♦ Oak Tree Road between Marion Street and (14), and Lehigh Valley Railroad (36);
♦ Route 287 NB to Route 1 NB (15). ♦ Talmadge Road / Park Avenue (39);
♦ Consider the study of an additional entrance ♦ Plainfield Road / Woodrow Wilson Drive; ramp to 287 Southbound for trucks on (40), and National and Mack roads and surrounding warehouse areas. ♦ Plainfield Road between Edward Avenue and Metuchen Borough boundary (41). Along Amboy Avenue, several intersections need to have more study to define the problems: BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION – PROGRAMS TO BE IMPLEMENTED ♦ Jackson Avenue (17); The Edison Planning Board prepared a Bicycle ♦ Woodbridge Avenue (18); Plan in 1994. Said Plan is contained in an Appendix to this Master Plan and should be ♦ Maplewood Avenue (19); and incorporated as a formal part of the plan.
♦ King Georges Post Road (20). The goals of the bicycle/pedestrian circulation plan are: Any program for this corridor will consider traffic progression. 1. Support and follow the guidance provided by the approved Edison Bikeway Plan that was Other locations that need further study include: prepared by the Edison Planning Board on the 1994 Street Index Map. ♦ Parsonage Road / Oakwood Avenue (22); 2. Support the efforts of Middlesex County in ♦ Two (2) Railroad Overpasses along developing the Middlesex County Bicycle/ Parsonage Road between Route 27 and Pedestrian Plan as shown in the Draft Oakwood Avenue (23); November 2001 document.
♦ Evergreen Road / Thornall Street (25); 3. Promote the interconnectivity of schools, parks, recreation centers, the senior center, ♦ Calvert Avenue / Grove Avenue (27); libraries and public facilities with surrounding residential areas. ♦ Calvert Avenue / Calvert Avenue East (28);
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4. Promote the development of facilities to support bicycle and pedestrian activity at intermodal facilities within Edison.
5. Develop ordinances that specify requirements for bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
6. Encourage connectivity of existing land uses and proposed developments to designated bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
7. Reduce conflicts between bicycles, motor vehicles, and pedestrians.
8. Implement traffic calming primarily in residential areas to slow vehicles speed and create more pedestrian and bicycle friendly environments.
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TRUCKS OVER FOUR TONS GROSS WEIGHT
Pursuant to the provisions of NJRS 40:67-16.1, the following streets or part of streets are designated as a route for trucks over four tons gross weight. Trucks over four tons gross weight are excluded from all other streets except for the pickup or delivery of materials along such streets. Edison may petition the State to reclassify certain streets as designated truck routes. NAME OF STREET LOCATION Amboy Avenue Entire Length Evergreen Road Entire Length Executive Avenue Entire Length Inman Avenue Entire Length Main Street Entire Length Mill Road Between Woodbridge Ave. & Executive Ave. New Dover Road Between Oak Tree Road & Tingley Lane New Durham Road Entire Length Oak Tree Road Entire Length Old Post Road Between Vineyard Road & the Entire Easterly Park Avenue Entire Length Parsonage Road Between Oakwood Ave. & US Route 1 (low clearance problem) Plainfield Avenue* Entire Length (low clearance problem) Plainfield Road From Metuchen Borough Line to Oak Tree Road Raritan Center Parkway Entire Length Riverview Avenue Between Woodbridge Ave. & US Route 1 Talmadge Road From Route 27 to Coolidge Street Tingley Lane Entire Length Vineyard Road Entire Length Between the Hours of 6:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Wood Avenue Between NJ Route 27 & Oak Tree Road Woodbridge Avenue Entire Length
*All trucks of ten tons or more gross weight are prohibited from traveling upon Plainfield Avenue from Kilmer Road to Woodbridge Avenue between the hours of 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM except for pickup or delivery of materials along the road, pursuant to NJSA 89:4-197.3. See attached map for locations.
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TRUCKS OVER 4 TONS ALLOWED ON LOCAL ROADS
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8.7 CIRCULATION PLANS OF pedestrian and bicycle interests. Metuchen is very ADJACENT MUNICIPALITIES interested in developing a Gateway at the southwest entrance to the Borough along Route 27 near As part of the Edison transportation plan, the Middlesex Avenue and Bridge Street adjacent to circulation plans of adjacent municipalities were Edison. reviewed. In general, the plans are consistent and mention similar areas of concern. A brief Piscataway Township description of each follows. The adopted April 7, 1999 Master Plan Proposal Borough of Highland Park references several improvements and identifies congested locations in Piscataway. The Township The Master Plan Reexamination, adopted July 17, continues to support the completion of Route 18 via 2001 strongly supports the signalization of the “Metlars/Hoes Lane” alignment. Interchange Woodbridge Avenue and Dulcos Lane. Highland improvements along Interstate 287 are mentioned Park recommends that Raritan Avenue, a.k.a. Route as priorities along with improvements needed at 27, be redesigned to be more pedestrian friendly Stelton Road. Possumtown Road has been and include neckdowns at the intersections to upgraded. Piscataway Township is actively decrease the amount of pavement pedestrians need encouraging bikeway paths where appropriate, to cross as well as more effectively slowdown seeks to increase transit use and bus service, and traffic. The 1995 Master Plan Update went into emphasizes working with the “Keep Middlesex greater detail regarding transportation and Moving” transportation management association. circulation. It recognized that Route 27 is a principal arterial and Woodbridge Avenue, Cedar Township of Scotch Plains Lane, and River Road are minor arterials that serve both a local and interregional interest. The Master The Transportation and Circulation element of the Plan calls for improving bicycle and pedestrian June 18, 2001 Master Plan was reviewed and found accessibility in Highland Park. consistent with the objectives of the Edison Circulation Plan. Borough of Metuchen Borough of South Plainfield Based on the transportation section contained in the Metuchen Master Plan Reexamination submitted on The review of the adopted May 9, 2000 Borough of July 7, 2000, the Edison circulation element is South Plainfield Master Plan shows major consistent with the Metuchen’s plan. Metuchen generators that may impact Edison, the proposed sees no major increases in roadway capacity, traffic Helen Street Extension just west of Edison, and constraints due to railroad crossing posing identifies intersection improvements proposed in challenges, and an emphasis on maintaining proximity to Edison that address safety and community character through partnering with efficiency of the roadway network. Major NJDOT to restore on-street parking on Route 27 generators are: Stelton Road/ Hadley Road and install a new traffic signal at the Lake Avenue commercial area with the Middlesex Mall, Hadley and New Street intersection. As a commuter shed, Shopping Center, and a corporate office the Borough is partnering with NJ Transit and development, old and new shopping centers at the businesses to emphasize a transit friendly station intersection of Oak Tree and Park Avenue. program. Metuchen seeks to adequately address
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The potential Helen Street extension addresses the need for industrial traffic and serves future growth in the industrial zone of South Plainfield. The extension from Antonette Street to Metuchen Road will remove truck traffic from congested roadways and a residential area.
The Borough is also looking into connecting Metuchen Road and Park Avenue via a Kentile Road extension. The recommended intersection improvements are: Centennial Avenue and Hadley Road and the I-287 at Durham Road interchange. The Borough Police identified through accident records the “Top Ten” list some of which are being addressed. A regional discussion of these issues is needed to address these situations.
There is some rail freight to the Borough, two local bus lines and a desire to expand bus service, and some calls to increase bikeway mobility in the Borough. South Plainfield recognizes the need to provide transportation alternatives and coordinates with the Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc. (KMM).
Woodbridge Township
The intersection of Route 27 and Oak Tree Road (MP 25.0 to 25.2) is included in the NJTPA Capital Program for ROW funding in 2002. Construction improvements in 2004 will improve traffic flow at this area and also impact traffic flow in Edison.
The latest Master Plan, July 1990 is undergoing a complete update available sometime in 2003. As that plan is being updated we encourage Edison officials to be aware of potential impacts.
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9.0 Community Facilities/Utilities
9.1 COMMUNITY FACILITIES Government Administration, Finance Department, Planning & Zoning Department, Economic he Community Facilities Element is Development, Personnel, Recreation, Tax Assessor, T concerned with the current and future capacity Department of Health, Tax Collector, the Clerk as of governmental facilities and operations to serve well as Police and Fire Department Headquarters the citizens of Edison. In many ways, the quantity and Municipal Court. The Department of Parks and quality of community facilities in a and Recreation is located at 328 Plainfield Avenue. municipality is the most visible aspect of government. The presence or absence of high Division of Police quality community facilities has a direct influence on where people will choose to live, shop, and open The Edison Police Department (EPD) is located in or locate a business. This element of the Master the Municipal Plan provides a framework for understanding the Complex off of extent of facilities and services offered in Edison Route 27. In August and how these facilities may be used and upgraded of 2003 the Police as a resource that improves the quality of life for Department current residents and businesses, while supporting employed two future economic development efforts. hundred eighteen (218) uniformed The varying demographics in Edison require a police officers. broad range of community facilities. The Council Within the Police has adopted a new zone entitled “Open Space Department are Recreation– Conservation Zone” OSCR that would several distinct bureaus providing a wide variety of permit both active and passive recreational public safety services to Edison. The Bureau of facilities. The government constantly strives to Traffic and Safety is currently staffed with twenty- meet the competing need of all demographic five (25) uniformed officers. The Bureau of Traffic sectors within the parameters of available vacant and Safety respond to motor vehicle incidents. land and budget constraints. Within the Traffic Bureau is the Community Policing Bureau, which provides a diverse range of Municipal Government services to the community. The Community Policing Bureau has officers on horseback (3 The Municipal Complex is located on Municipal officers) as well as officers on bike patrol (3 Boulevard off of Route 27, nearly in the center of officers). As just one example, these innovative the municipality in Planning District 4. The methods of community policing allow the EPD to municipal facility provides office space for the patrol the Menlo Park Mall parking lot during holidays. Further, the bike and horse patrol allow the EPD to provide enhanced police presence in the many parks located throughout Edison.
In addition to the Bureau of Traffic and Safety, the EPD maintains a Detective Bureau. Within said Detective Bureau, there are Juvenile Detectives,
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Burglary Detectives as well as Criminal The Edison Fire Department (EFD) is operated out Identification Detectives. of six (6) fire stations at the following locations:
Edison also maintains an Auxiliary Police Department as well as a Police Explorer’s program. STATION ADDRESS PLANNING For example, the Auxiliary Police provide DISTRICT voluntary assistance to the EPD by offering their services at community events including but nit Station 1 25 Plainfield Planning limited to parades and also provide street crossing Avenue District 5 assistance at various houses of worship. The Station 2 Route 27/ Planning Auxiliary Police are also available to the Edison Langstaff Ave. District 4 Police Department and the Emergency Management Coordinator in the event of a major Station 3 849 Amboy Planning emergency or natural disaster, such as fire, flood, Avenue District 2 power outage, or major motor vehicle accident. Station 4 850 New Dover Planning Road District 1 Homeland Security has been at the top of the local Station 5 1 Beverly Street Planning government agenda. Immediately following the District 3 September 11 attack an internal task force comprised of the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Director Station 6 73 Route 27 Planning of Emergency Management, Health Officer and District 2 Business Administrator was convened.
Division of Fire Housed at the six (6) Fire Companies are numerous Edison maintains both paid and volunteer fire pieces of fire apparatus including seven (7) departments; however, the paid department is pumpers and two (2) trucks operated by the paid significantly larger than the volunteer department. personnel, four (4) pumpers operated by the Currently, (October 2003) there are one hundred volunteers as well as two (2) rescue trucks operated thirty-nine (139) career or paid firefighters in by the paid personnel. Edison and approximately eighty (80) volunteer firefighters. The current Chief of the Edison Fire Department (September 2001) feels that level of service provided by the EFD on an overall basis could be enhanced by the construction of several new substations. The Chief stated that Edison has been operating six (6) fire substations since 1958. Edison’s population has grown significantly since that time. While the Chief acknowledges the existing fire substations and equipment have been upgraded, the addition of several stations would enhance service.
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The Chief has made the following CPR and operate defibrillators. Most recently, recommendations for new substations: Squad 2 has implemented an EMS Bike Team, making Edison the first community in the greater 1. The addition of a fire station in Raritan Center. Middlesex County area to have such a patrol. Currently in Edison, the time in which a ladder truck can respond to this area exceeds the travel Edison has also entered into a Contract with Edison time recommended by the Insurance Services EMS, a joint venture formed by Edison First Aid Organization (ISO). Raritan Center is a major Squad 1, Edison First Aid Squad 2 and Clara employment center for Edison as well as Barton First Aid Squad to provide qualified Middlesex County; consequently, there is a emergency medical technicians to the Borough of demonstrated need for adequate fire apparatus. Metuchen. Under the terms of this agreement, Metuchen reimburses Edison per call for each call 2. Fire substation in the area of Inman Avenue, responded to by Edison EMS to a maximum of one west of the railroad tracks. Freight trains pose a hundred and fifty (150) calls for any twelve (12) potential block for fire apparatus access to month period. Inman Avenue and Tingley Lane. Current trends show a decrease in volunteers 3. Additional fire substation in the Village Point joining the Edison First Aid Squads. Plans should area/Talmadge Road Extension. be made to make up for this decrease through the paid EMS and Fire Rescue services. In addition to providing fire protection, the EDFD is active in providing fire prevention services. The Library Services department is active in all Edison schools, particularly during Fire Prevention week in the Edison has three (3) public library buildings, the beginning of October. The Department has also Edison Main Public Library, the Clara Barton provided fire prevention to senior citizens, and Branch Library and the North Edison Branch upon request will send a representative to speak to Library. a local club or organization interested in fire prevention. Further, the Edison Fire Prevention The Edison Public Library system provides a Bureau enforces both the New Jersey Uniform Fire Reference Department to assist the public with Code and the Municipal Non-Life Hazard Use informational needs and data collection and Code. gathering. Electronic resources available include the Internet, Encyclopedia Britannica Online as Emergency Medical Services well as a number of compact disc databases. Word processors are available at all three library Beyond emergency medical services provided by branches. There are number of library sponsored the Edison Police Department and the Edison Fire programs offered at least once a month. Seminars Department, there are three (3) volunteer squads on issues such as health, financial planning and that provide emergency medical service. Through adoption have been presented at the library. two (2) Fire Rescue Vehicles, the Edison Fire Further, the Main Branch offers a conversation Department provides BLS (Basic Life Support) group on English as a second language and other Ambulance service. All paid members of the branches offer book discussion groups and a Edison Fire Department are trained in First creative writing club. The Library system also has Responder, which allows them to provide First Aid, a Coordinator for children’s services which include
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES/UTILITIES but are not limited to computer based educational The Edison Senior Center is located at 2965 activity programs. It is clear that library programs Woodbridge Avenue in Planning District 5. The are designed to meet the multi-cultural needs of this Senior Center offers residents a geriatric outreach community. center as well as Medicare counseling, transportation and computer training and internet The Edison Public Library Bookmobile travels “surfing” programs as well as a variety of other through to serve the entire population. The services. Given the 15.5 percent increase in Bookmobile makes available a collection including persons age fifty-five (55) and over and the lack of but not limited to adult and junior books, mobility of this segment of the population, Edison magazines, cassettes, video tapes, and compact may wish to consider a mobile service unit offering discs. current and/or additional services to seniors, however, this should be evaluated in light of the Given the multitude of programs offered, library extensive bussing already available to the senior staff feels the Library System could benefit from population. There are, however, expansion plans to new library facilities in a central location, in a state be completed in 2003 at the Senior Center which of the art library providing ample space and will include more meeting rooms, office space for adequate parking. Library staff feels this need is staff and recreational and exercise facilities for further supported by the fact that fifty-five (55) seniors. percent of Edison residents take advantage of the free library system. Edison Animal Shelter
Senior/Community Centers The Edison Animal Shelter is located at the end of Municipal Boulevard across from Municipal Edison is home to two (2) community centers, the Complex. The Shelter has weekday, evening and Minnie B. Veal Community Center on Grove weekend hours and offers pets for adoption. Avenue in PD 1, and the Stelton-Drwal Community Expansion plans for the animal shelter include Center on Plainfield Avenue in PD 4. providing adequate capacity to make this center a no kill center. The Minnie B. Veal Community Center is open during the week and on Saturdays. There is a gym 9.2 EDISON PUBLIC SCHOOLS as well as programs which include arts and crafts, games and special events offered at this community The Edison Public School District maintains eleven center. The Stelton-Drwal Community center (11) elementary schools, four (4) middle schools, offers similar services and also offers a teen center and two (2) high schools with a total school open to all teenagers with a valid Teen Center enrollment of approximately thirteen thousand Identification. The Recreation Element of this (13,000) school children. Approximately Master Plan describes in detail and by Planning $11,000.00 per school child is spent on education, District the parks and recreational sites currently with the primary source of funding for this cost available as well as the need for additional sites. coming from property taxes. Edison may wish to consider the addition of an additional community center in PD 3 as this district The current Superintendent of schools feels realized the greatest population growth during the Edison’s school needs are being met, however, last decennial census. could be improved by expanding Kindergarten classes. There was an increase in Kindergarten
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES/UTILITIES enrollments between the 2000 and 2001 school year Society, and Future Teachers; outstanding dramatic and the Board of Education will implement an all and musical productions; Student Council was day Kindergarten program in the fall of 2003. The named a NJASC Honor School for the third largest population increase in any segment of the consecutive year. The Student Council President population was in the age 10 – 14 bracket. This served on the NJ State Board of Education. Voices, population realized a 29.6 percent increase (1990- the World Language literary magazine, received 2000) which will directly impact high school and national recognition from Columbia Scholastic middle school enrollment as these children progress Press. through their academic careers. John P. Stevens High School The Circulation Element of this Master Plan describes in detail the seventeen public schools John P. Stevens High School is a highly regarded located within Edison and the deficiencies in public high school with over 2,100 students which, providing proper school traffic control devices. despite some unique challenges and conditions, continues to succeed in sending over 95% of its The following are brief descriptions of programs graduates to college. Serving a multi-cultural offered and achievements earned during the 2001- community, J. P. Stevens is among the vanguard of 2002 school year at each public school within the large comprehensive high schools in New Jersey Edison School District as reported on the New that educate children from widely diverse Jersey Department of Education home page. backgrounds. Although the diverse cultures, values, customs, languages, traditions, and religious Thomas Edison High School influences span a wide range, they merge here to form a very special blend of educational At EHS twenty-one students were advanced experience. placement scholars. Further, there was a Presidential Scholar Finalist, 2 National Merit In the national and state testing J. P. Stevens has Finalists, 14 Commended Students, 2 Hispanic done remarkably well. SAT scores are outstanding Program Finalists, and 3 Corporate Scholarship with an average of 1130. In the state HSPT, scores Winners. NJ Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished ranked among the best. The Class of 2002 had 18 Scholars included 33 students with 103 receiving National Merit Semi-Finalists and 23 Commended Presidential Academic Awards. SAT and Students. Achievement Test scores continue to exceed State and National Mean Scores with 6 seniors scoring John P. Stevens High School is a co-curricular perfect 800’s. powerhouse. In June (2001), J. P. Stevens was again one of the top three teams at the Rutgers Numerous awards and recognitions were earned by Academic Challenge. a variety of organizations: many All-State and All- Region band and choir members at the Ocean City, John Adams Middle School Maryland, Festival; band and choir captured the Overall Grand Champion Award, earning 1st Place The comprehensive program, delivered through the Awards in all categories including the prestigious middle school team model, provides students with “Esprit de Corps” Award for exemplary behavior opportunities to excel in all academic areas, as well and conduct; community service awards to students as in the related arts. Students continue to maintain involved in DARE, Rotary Interact, National Honor or exceed the district mean on standardized tests,
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES/UTILITIES and continue to receive recognition in science as between the school and parents. well as through participation at the Middle School of the Arts, and the John Hopkins Talent Search Woodrow Wilson Middle School Program. WWMS is recognized as an excellent school given Students at John Adams Middle School also excel academic performance on local, state and national in music, foreign language, Model United Nations assessments. and Odyssey of the Mind competitions. These accomplishments are a tribute not only to the The school has two mobile laptop computer individual talents of students, but also to active, laboratories which help to infuse word processing involved concerned parents, and to the dedication and Internet research into the English, world and commitment of an outstanding faculty. language, and social studies programs as well as two mathematics-science computer laboratories to Herbert Hoover Middle School increase student access to real time data when investigating science topics or analyzing and Herbert Hoover Middle School serves a multi- displaying mathematics data for spreadsheets. cultural, multi-ethnic school community. It is the There are fifteen computers in the library to support magnet school for the English As a Second Internet-research and the inquiry processes across Language Program and supports a large special the curriculum. needs student population. All students, whether standard education, special education or ESL, are Benjamin Franklin School involved in a strong academic program that includes English, math, social studies, and science, Benjamin Franklin School serves a multi-cultural, as well as opportunities to participate in an elective multi-ethnic community. A strong academic program. Art, photography, ceramics, chorus, curriculum encourages basic skills development in instrumental music, strings, technology, computers, the area of reading writing and math. Cooperative family and consumer sciences, physical education learning activities, integration of language arts with and health enable students to engage in a variety of social studies and computation, Problem of the learning experiences. World languages have been Day, Everyday Counts, and critical thinking skills incorporated into all grades, enabling students to are incorporated into everyday learning activities. gain an understanding of either Spanish or French. Special programs are offered for academically talented students, and for those that are interested in Thomas Jefferson Middle School instrumental music. Students participate in multi- cultural fairs to celebrate Asian, African-American, Thomas Jefferson Middle School has restructured and Hispanic/Latino Heritage programs. Second, in terms of the middle school model. Conflict third, and fourth grade students participate in resolution techniques have been presented to the learning the Spanish language. A hands-on science entire student population. Peer mediation, anger curriculum encourages hypothesizing and management, and anti-bullying programs have been experimentation. All students participate in a established. In addition, through the Academic Math/Science Night. Planner, students have information with regard to school policies on discipline. These planners also assist the students in compiling their homework and serve as a vehicle for strengthening communication
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James Madison Intermediate School curriculum and promotes family participation.
James Madison Intermediate School is a multi- James Monroe School cultural learning community serving students in Grades 3 through 5. Programs emphasize hands- James Monroe has retained its unique character as a on, interdisciplinary instruction with a child- small neighborhood school in the midst of a centered focus. The purpose of this school is to metropolitan area. It maintains strong traditions of promote the academic achievement, social home-school cooperation and parental involvement. development, and personal growth of each child. Ongoing communication between parents and Student performance in class and on standardized teachers helps to focus attention on student achievement tests is reflective of the dedicated progress, strengths, needs and interest. Parent teachers and supportive parent body. participation on school committees and PTA sponsorship of a variety of events, activities and James Madison Intermediate has a dynamic ESL programs help to build this cooperative spirit. program and a world language program in which 3rd and 4th grade students study Spanish. There are At James Monroe, students are involved in a programs for academically talented, high achieving variety of extra curricular activities. These include students, and in-class support programs for students the school newspaper, the safety patrol, student experiencing learning difficulties, as well as speech council, chorus, and band. Students have shown therapy for students who need it. In conjunction their respect and concern for others in many ways. with the Edison Police Department, DARE training to all our 5th grade students and the school John Marshall School nurse provides a “growing-up” family living course to 5th graders. John Marshall School offers a wide variety of programs to assist students in becoming better James Madison Primary School citizens and in improving their self-worth. Programs include: CARES, HeadSmart, Student of James Madison Primary School prides itself in a the Week, Chorus, Band, Safety Patrols, Student multi-lingual population of students and faculty Council, Welcome Wagon, National Physical from pre-school handicapped to second grade. This Fitness, and Bernie Outdoor Education, to name a school is home to one bilingual program, as well as few. an ESL program. John Marshall maintains a diverse school The primary goal is to promote academic community with students representing cultures excellence in all areas of the curriculum. The throughout the world. The school has an active school thrives on integrating multi-cultural Human Relations Committee which works closely activities throughout the curriculum. This is done with the PTA to plan a wide variety of family- on the premise that in order to foster understanding oriented evening programs and daytime assemblies. and respect among children, and to develop a strong foundation, there has to be a recognition of Lincoln School and appreciation for diversity. The school was very successful in obtaining several grants to institute a Lincoln School students have demonstrated character education program. The school theme, proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics as “Character Education,” integrates all facets of the determined by grade level assessments. In
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES/UTILITIES addition, one primary objective of the school is to state of the art Dell computer with printer. In provide students with computer skills in accessing, addition, every classroom is connected to the processing and presenting information. Progress is Internet. Beginning in 2001-2002 each grade 5 being made toward this challenging growth target. classroom was equipped with four wireless/Internet connected computers. Martin Luther King was Lindeneau School recently outfitted with six additional classrooms. Two of these rooms serve as a Multi-Purpose Lindeneau School is a shining example of what can Room for smaller grade level and assembly type be accomplished when staff, students and parents activities. coordinate their efforts toward the common objective of quality education for all. The school Menlo Park School proudly reflects a community that is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity. The school community includes approximately 690 students composed of children from around the Lindeneau School has been and continues to be world. More than sixty percent of the children engaged in the implementation of an integrated speak English as their second language, with more approach to learning. This model establishes than forty dialects represented among students’ connections between all subjects in ways that primary languages. solidify concepts, skills practice and application. Recent educational research documents the positive The faculty/staff is well balanced with several impact this type of instruction has upon veteran teachers in addition to many newer achievement, decision making and critical thinking members. The school’s mission is: “to develop a skills. All grades are organized into safe and secure school and classroom environment heterogeneously grouped classes. This that encourages children to feel positively about organization and approach to learning result in themselves and others and to achieve academically increased instructional time, improved achievement to the fullest extent of their ability.” and acquisition of desired skills and experiences. For eligible students at Menlo Park School, in Martin Luther King School addition to the regular classroom, academic offerings are also available in the resource center Martin Luther King continues to serve a population for language arts and mathematics; in-class support rich in diversity. To maintain the highest standards and in-class assistance is offered in all academic in academic offerings, the district’s curriculum is areas. A weekly program for academically talented implemented through teaching strategies that youth is taught in grades 3-5 for qualified students. address a variety of learning styles. With the Spanish instruction (grades 2-4) is conducted three assistance of a curriculum resource teacher, the times a week. staff is offered opportunities to explore curriculum strategies and refine their teaching methods. In- Washington School service workshops for all staff are provided to support the language arts, math, science and social School-based goals address the NJ Content studies programs. The emphasis is on an integrated Standards, challenging students to improve their approach to the curriculum. writing through a variety of activities including assessing their progress throughout the year using a Every classroom in Martin Luther King has one holistic scoring guide. Such a goal is fitting as the
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES/UTILITIES school seeks to continue building upon already School Programs, Recommendations and strong ESPA Language Arts Literacy scores. In Financial Data fifth grade, the goal is to improve students’ ability to solve math work problems in preparation for the Based on the brief descriptions of school programs vigorous state examination in eighth grade. provided above, it is evident that the Edison Board A concerted effort is being made to teach and of Education provides a wide variety of educational practice skills related to peaceful conflict programs to a diverse population. Further, the resolution. The emphasis is being placed on Board of Education is continually upgrading implementing “win-win” strategies that promote technology to the benefit of all students. The non-violent behavior. demographics section of this Master Plan indicates the population is growing more diverse; Woodbrook School consequently there is a clear and growing need for the Edison Public School district to meet these Woodbrook School’s curriculum is presented in a needs. totally integrated manner. Differentiated instruction is used to accommodate the various The Board of Education should consider learning styles of students. A variety of teaching participation in The Foreign Language Incentive strategies and techniques identified and studied in Program which is part of a federal effort to support the extensive staff development program are also the expansion and improvement of educational utilized to provide students with an optimum programs that meet critical needs. Grant applicants environment for learning and an opportunity to for this program have to offer at least 45 minutes of meet with success. An abundance of support world language instruction for at least four days a materials, such as computers, software, week throughout the academic year in order to calculations, math manipulatives, science laser compete for funds. discs, science GEMS units, and videos are available and used extensively. Education research shows that world language study can increase children’s capacity for critical With the ongoing implementation of the district’s and creative thinking skills, and children who study technology plan, the school is well on the way to a second language show greater cognitive developing an extensive technology program for development in areas such as mental flexibility, students, one which includes the use of Pentium creativity, tolerance and higher order thinking computers, printers and access to the Internet and a skills. Furthermore, studies report that children who new home-school connection through teacher have learned a world language in elementary school created E-boards. The school also continues to achieve expected gains and score higher on extend learning to the outdoors by using an outdoor standardized tests in reading, language arts, and education program facilitated by the acquisition of mathematics than children who have not studied a the NJEA Hipp Grant for Excellence in Education foreign language. Many of the Edison Public and created with the assistance of parents, staff, Schools provide language programs and with students and various organizations and businesses Edison’s increasing ethnic diversity, participation to provide students with hands-on experiences in such programs will be critical. related to Language Arts, Science and Math.
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ENROLLMENT CHARTS & FINANCIAL DATA
TABLE 9.2-1 September 2001 Comparative Enrollment By Grade
BY GRADE PUPILS PUPILS 9/30/2000 9/30/2001 Kindergarten 760 781 Grade 1 924 968 Grade 2 1014 959 Grade 3 844 1034 Grade 4 957 843 Grade 5 1025 978 Grade 6 1049 1072 Grade 7 1038 1054 Grade 8 1030 1031 Grade 9 983 1015 Grade 10 1030 964 Grade 11 993 1032 Grade 12 902 961 Special Ed. Classes (In-District K-12) 104 125 Special Ed. (Out-of-District Placement: K-12) 186 209 Home Instruction 9 9 ON ROLL TOTAL 12,848 13,026
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TABLE 9.2-2 September 2001 Comparative Enrollment By School
BY SCHOOL PUPILS SPECIAL ED PUPILS 9/23/2000 SELF-CONTAINED 9/23/2001 Lincoln 658 699 Washington 541 32 504 James Madison Intermediate 415 424 Benjamin Franklin 629 570 John Marshall 414 10 415 Menlo Park 650 686 James Monroe 368 359 Lindeneau 398 418 Woodbrook 516 17 573 Martin Luther King 476 471 James Madison Primary 459 43 444 Sub-Total: Elementary Schools 5,524 102 5,563 Thomas Jefferson 805 787 John Adams 800 778 Herbert Hoover 716 6 801 Woodrow Wilson 796 791 Sub-Total: Middle Schools 3,117 6 3,157 Edison High School 1,830 11 1,850 John P. Stevens High School 2,078 6 2,122 Sub-Total: High Schools 3,908 17 3,972 Special Ed. Classes (In-District K-12) 104 125 125 Special Ed. (Out-of-District Placement: K-12) 186 209 Home Instruction 9 9 ON ROLL Sub-Total 299 334 TOTAL 12,848 13,026
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TABLE 9.2-3 2001 Per Pupil Expenditures 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 District State District State District State District State District State Actual Avg. Actual Avg. Actual Avg. Actual Avg. Actual Avg. Classroom – $4,827 $4,561 $4,974 $4,698 $5,115 $4,947 $5,478 $5,076 $5,709 $5,224 Salaries and Benefits Classroom – $133 $192 $126 $201 $152 $218 $143 $236 $168 $253 General Supplies/ Textbooks Classroom – Purchased $10 $51 $9 $69 $10 $96 $11 $127 $11 $146 Services & Other Total Classroom $4,970 $4,815 $5,108 $4,968 $5,277 $5,262 $5,632 $5,440 $5,888 $5,623 Instruction Support Services – $845 $872 $823 $929 $871 $1,006 $974 $1,136 $1,018 $1,200 Salaries & Benefits Support Services – $94 $112 $86 $126 $58 $185 $59 $224 $61 $242 Other Total Support Services $939 $984 $909 $1,055 $929 $1,191 $1,033 $1,360 $1,079 $1442 Administration – $597 $753 $536 $769 $552 $779 $581 $790 $604 $813 Salaries & Benefits Administration – Other $120 $187 $120 $190 $137 $199 $124 $203 $131 $215 Total Admin. Costs $717 $940 $669 $959 $689 $978 $705 $993 $735 $1028 O&M of Plant – $524 $518 $553 $541 $589 $560 $624 $579 $649 $602 Salaries & Benefits O&M of Plant – Other $299 $445 $299 $457 $310 $461 $294 $469 $295 $495 Total O&M of Plant $823 $963 $852 $998 $899 $1,021 $918 $1,048 $944 $1,097 Total Food Services $0 $25 $0 $23 $0 $18 $0 $16 $0 $15 Costs Total Extracurricular $102 $144 $103 $153 $116 $160 $108 $175 $115 $180 Costs Total Other Costs $6 $79 $8 $61 $10 $51 $8 $55 $8 $66 (1)Total $7,557 $7,950 $7,649 $8,217 $7,920 $8,681 $8,404 $9,087 $8,769 $9,451 Comparative Cost
Costs and student counts included in the “Total Cost Per Pupil” which are not included in the “Total Comparative Cost Per Pupil” are as follows: (A) Tuition expenditures, transportation, lease purchase interest, residential costs, judgments against the school district, equipment, facilities/acquisition costs, and restricted expenses less nonpublic services and adult schools; and (B) Students sent out of district.
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1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002
District State District State District State District State District State Actual Avg. Actual Avg. Actual Avg. Actual Avg. Actual Avg.
(2)Total $8,709 $9,687 $8,884 $9,780 $9,655 $10,231 $9,945 $10,662 $10,359 $11,039 Comparative Cost Per Pupil
Private Schools of Edison
Beyond the public school system available to all school age children in Edison, there are several private schools. While these schools are not supported by public funds, they have been identified on the Community Facilities Map and are located within the of Edison. Said private schools are as follows:
Bishop AHR High School 1 Tingley Lane Saint Helena Elem./Middle School Edison, NJ 08820 930 Grove Ave Edison, NJ 08820 Lakeview School/Cerebral Palsy Association Elem./Middle School Saint Matthew Elem./Middle School Roosevelt Park-Oak Drive 100 Seymour Avenue Edison, NJ 08837 Edison, NJ 08817
Pesach Raymon Yeshiva The Wardlaw-Hartridge High School Elementary & Middle School 1295 Inman Ave 2 Harrison Street Edison, NJ 08820-1006 Edison, NJ 08817-2907 Saint Joseph High School Rabbi Jacob Joseph High School 145 Plainfield Avenue One Plainfield Ave Metuchen, NJ 08840 Edison, NJ 08817-4476 Our Lady of Peace Elem./Middle 630 Amboy Avenue Fords, NJ 08863
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Community Facilities—2
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Community Facilities—3
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Community Facilities—4
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Community Facilities—5
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9.3 UTILITIES an opportunity for local governments to enter into public-private partnerships vis-à-vis the provision WATER SERVICE of certain utilities. This legislation is intended to provide long-term benefits to taxpayers and Edison is provided with water service both by the ratepayers while improving the water and Middlesex Water Company and via the Edison wastewater infrastructure systems. Water Company, which is public-private partnership operated by E’Town Corporation. The In 1997, E'town Corporation partnered with Edison few areas in Edison that are not served by the water to operate the township owned water system, and service areas are served by individual wells and the Edison Water Company was created as a located primarily in North Edison. Specifically, public-private partnership as envisioned by well fields located off of Tingley Lane are a legislation. E'town Corporation currently serves significant source of water. Edison under a 20-year long-term contract.
Middlesex Water Company The Edison Water Company took on the 11,600 customers of the municipal water system, 680,000 The Middlesex Water Company (MWC) is a water linear feet of main, two booster stations and a utility that provides water service to many areas of 900,000-gallon underground storage tank. E'town central New Jersey. The MWC provides water undertook approximately $9 million in capital services to approximately 75,000 retail customers improvements which included cleaning and lining in a 57-square mile area in Middlesex County in 115,000 linear feet of major transmission mains to New Jersey. MWC provides water service on a eliminate discoloration. Certain mains were retail basis to portions of Edison, and provides replaced to increase fire flow protection and dead water services on a wholesale basis under contract. end mains were looped to improve water quality. Additionally, abandoned wells were capped and a The MWC withdraws water from the Delaware & booster station was completely renovated to ensure Raritan Canal through its Intake and Pumping constant pressure. Finally, all meters are to be Station in New Brunswick. Water is transported replaced with touch/read encoder devices in order through a 54-inch supply water main for treatment to eliminate estimated bills. and distribution at the Company’s Carl J. Olsen Water Treatment Plant at 100 Fairview Avenue in Middlesex County Water Quality Edison, which was substantially upgraded in 1997. Management Plan The upgrade was necessary to continue to provide high quality drinking water as well as comply with This report highlights the necessary steps to take to state and federal drinking water quality regulations ensure that Edison’s groundwater resources are and to increase the plant’s capacity. Facilities at protected. According to the Middlesex County the Olsen Plant consist of source of supply, Water Management Plan, approximately 52 percent pumping, water treatment, transmission, storage, of Middlesex County’s potable water supply is laboratory and general facilities. provided by groundwater. There are roughly ten Public Community Supply Wells located in Edison, E’Town/Edison Water Company serving purveyor operated water supply systems. Edison can take on the responsibility of protecting In 1995, then Governor Christine Todd Whitman recharge areas and groundwater through public signed legislation that provided the foundation for health and land use control powers.
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As suggested in the Middlesex County Water Areas of Protection Management Plan, Edison can follow these ten steps to ensure the protection of groundwater The New Jersey DEP’s Wellhead Protection recharge: Program Plan identifies four areas of protection that should be applied to public water supply wells in 1. Identification of the best recharge areas and New Jersey. By recognizing these four areas, wellhead protection areas; Edison’s water supply wells are more likely to avoid contamination and pollution. The areas are 2. Adoption of groundwater recharge and as follows: wellhead protection as an element of the municipality’s Comprehensive Master Plan; ♦ Area 1: The Well Ownership Area: A fifty (50) foot radius around the wellhead must be 3. Review and amend the Land Use element of kept clean and free from all potential sources the Master Plan to ensure that land uses of contamination. designated in recharge and wellhead protection areas are appropriate for such ♦ Area 2: Tier 1: Area of 200 day time of areas; travel (TOT), and up to 360 days required for groundwater to be rid of bacteria and 4. Review and amend the Land Development viruses. Control Ordinance in order to incorporate groundwater recharge and wellhead ♦ Area 3: Tier 2: Within this tier there is a protection; prohibition of hazardous materials. A spill or leak of hazardous materials needs at least 5. Review and amend local health ordinances two to five years TOT to be deemed clean. to incorporate recharge and wellhead protection; ♦ Area 4: Tier 3: This tier was instituted to assure pollution does not impact a well and 6. Establish an effective stormwater requires monitoring sources of potentially management program, including recharge hazardous materials. The limit for tier 3 is protection considerations, for the roughly a fifteen year TOT. municipality; SEWER SERVICE 7. Consideration of high spill risk areas; The Middlesex County Utilities Authority (MCUA) 8. Create an Environmental Resources is a public entity charged with the management of Pollution Prevention and Recovery Trust the County's wastewater services. The MCUA's fund; Wastewater Division provides wastewater treatment services for industrial, commercial and 9. Implement effective open space acquisition; residential users in Middlesex County. The and receiving wastewater treatment plant has a capacity of one hundred forty-seven (147) million 10. Implement a Public Education Effort. gallons per day. Edison currently has no allocation limit and is charged for what is metered leaving locally to the MCMUA plant.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES/UTILITIES
Almost all of Edison is situated in a sanitary sewer that flood into three categories with three separate service area. The sanitary sewer system should be courses of action to be undertaken as follows: studied and upgraded where appropriate. Sanitary sewage in Edison is collected by the MCUA and is Category I Possible Remedial Action treated at a regional facility in Sayreville. Recommended Areas
The Edison Municipal Code requires all owners of These are locations where an engineering solution property along the line of any constructed sanitary can be effectively designed and constructed with sewers to connect their houses and other buildings limited study. with the sewer in the street adjoining the property. In the rare instance where sanitary sewers are not TABLE 9.2-4 available, Edison permits the installation of septic Stormwater Remedial Actions tanks. LOCATION RECOMMENDED There are eight residential dwellings on the easterly ACTION side of Woodland Road, north of Oak Tree Road, that are currently on septic. There is a new Idlewild Road Add piping residential development on the northerly side of Langstaff Avenue Make hydraulic Oak Tree Road known as Kristina Estates that improvements required a sewer extension to an existing pump Mundy Avenue Add piping or regrade station. The new extension provided a connection point for the eight dwelling units on septic, New York Boulevard Clearing and desilting at however, as of March 2003 the dwellings had not headwall yet tied into the sewer system. Oxford Road Install curbing & piping
STORMWATER Calvert Avenue Install catch basin Carlisle Court Install additional catch The stormwater collection system maintained by basin and piping Edison includes a series of inlets and subsurface Ashley Road Outfall Clean culvert and add stormwater piping, detention basins and guards aboveground swales. In general, most of Edison drains southward towards the Raritan River, while areas such as New Dover and Potters drain toward the Rahway River.
In the year 2000, the Council had a consultant prepare a Drainage Investigation Report identifying storm water drainage problems within Edison. The investigation focused on known problem areas, based upon complaints and information provided by Edison municipal personnel. Said Drainage Report resulted in the identification of sixteen (16) specific areas of concern where flooding problems are recurring. The Report further assigned areas
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Category II Major Community Impact Areas identification of major storm sewer routes and drainage areas. These are locations that require extensive study due to their complexity or potential impact on the In summary, the Drainage Report recommended: community. These areas appear to have the most serious impacts to private and public property. ♦ Development of a Storm Water Management Plan; TABLE 9.2-5
Stormwater Community Impact ♦ Development of a Comprehensive Storm Water Control Ordinance; LOCATION RECOMMENDED
ACTION ♦ Utilization of Public Works for Stephenville Parkway Study drainage area construction;
Fishel Road Study drainage area ♦ Address Major Community Impact Areas; hydraulics and South Heathcote Avenue Study options ♦ Institute a monitoring policy for storm Mill Brook Railroad Study options events. Crossing Hemlock Drive near Study Drainage Area It is anticipated that all of the utility systems will be Inman Avenue and downstream able to support future development in the Edison. hydraulics
Category III Monitoring/No Action Areas
Prior action has been taken by Edison to remedy flooding at some of these locations. Monitoring will establish a future course of action or no action.
The Drainage Report found recurring flooding problems, both acute and chronic, pointing to the need for a comprehensive stormwater master plan and a storm water management ordinance. A storm water master plan will identify a systematic approach to stormwater infrastructure maintenance, upgrades and funding mechanisms. It will also identify a long-term course of action for the improvement of the stormwater drainage system including operation and maintenance, as well as anticipated capital expenditure requirements. The stormwater master plan should also include a complete inventory of stormwater structures and piping including location, elevation, condition and
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10.0 Recreation
arks and recreational facilities, both passive and active, are an important component in improving the Pquality of life for all Edison residents. The Recreation Element provides a basis for Edison to understand its current recreational resources that are provided by a number of agencies including the municipality, County of Middlesex and the Edison Board of Education. Further, the element will paint a picture of current and anticipated future needs for facilities and programs in Edison, along with a plan to provide the necessary facilities. The facilities to be considered must address the needs and desires of individuals, families, and user groups within Edison. All residents should have adequate access to park and appropriate recreational facilities, regardless of age, race, ethnic heritage, gender, income or disability.
Edison should continue to implement the Open Space/Recreation Report prepared by Najarian Associates in addition to implementing the recommendations in this Master Plan. The Open Space/Recreation Report has been included as an appendix to this Master Plan to demonstrate Edison’s continued commitment to said report.
10.1 NEEDS ASSESSMENT
User Groups
Recreation planning is based on the concept of “user groups” for the provision of various types of facilities designed for specific age cohorts. The standard categorization is the five “user groups” listed as follows:
♦ Under five years (pre-school) ♦ Five to fourteen years (elementary and middle school) ♦ Fifteen to twenty-four years (high school and young adult) ♦ Twenty-five to sixty-four (adult) ♦ Sixty-five and older (senior citizen)
The following table provides “user group” population counts by planning district. This data is used in calculating population-based standards for facility needs.
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TABLE 10.1-1 Age Cohort Population by Planning District (2000 Census)
PLANNING Under 5 5-14 15-24 25-64 65+ TOTAL DISTRICT 1 1,130 3,002 2,265 11,283 2,266 19,946
2 1,146 2,043 2,037 11,083 3,204 19,513
3 1,894 2,870 3,038 14,689 2,182 24,673
4 1,186 2,708 2,196 10,596 2,591 19,277
5 943 1,685 1,789 8,436 1,425 14,278
Edison Total 6,299 12,308 11,325 56,087 11,668 97,687
Recreational Facility and Open Space Inventory
Approximately six percent of the 19,664-acres of gross municipal area1 can be classified as public park land or dedicated open space. These publicly-held lands are classified as parks or preserved open space on the Existing Land Use Map and the Parks Space Map. The following table summarizes the total acreage of public parks and preserved open space by governmental jurisdiction.
1 Gross area in Edison is based on US Census tract shape files (2000 census). NJDEP data indicates the presence of approximately 464-acres of open waters resulting in 19,200-acres of land area. These figures were developed using a combination of NJDEP and US Census Bureau Geographic Information System digital data, but have not been verified by such data sources and are not state-authorized
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TABLE 10.1-2 Total Acres of Public Parks & Preserved Open Space JURISDICTION ACRES DEVELOPED OR WHOLLY TOTAL PARTIALLY UNDEVELOPED DEVELOPED State of New Jersey/ 36 27 63 Rutgers University Middlesex County 368 15 383
Union County Parks 4 30 34 Commission Edison 228 535 763
Total 636 607 1,243
State and County Parks and Open Space
Edison contains one state park and an ecological preserve, two county parks, two county conservation areas and a small portion of a county golf course. The state and county facilities are not included in the needs assessment analysis since they are intended to serve a regional need that includes areas beyond Edison. Table 9.1-3 outlines public open space not under the jurisdiction of Edison.
TABLE 10.1-3 State & County Parks & Open Space (Edison Tax Records)
PLANNING FACILITY JURISDICTION ACRES DISTRICT NAME Two Edison State Park State of New Jersey 36 Three Kilmer Woods Rutgers University 27 Ecological Preserve One Union County Golf Union County 4 Course One Ashbrook Reservation Union County 30 Two Roosevelt Park Middlesex County 203 Five Thomas A. Edison Park Middlesex County 165 One Beaver Crossing Middlesex County 15 Total Acres 480
2 Figures shown are based on a combination of municipal tax records (Mod IV data as of July 5, 2001) and the official Recreation Open Space Inventory (ROSI) on file with the NJDEP.
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10.2 PRIVATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
The public parks and open space found in Edison are supplemented by a facility maintained by a non-profit corporation and several recreational facilities operated by the private sector. If the acreage of these facilities is added to the inventory of public parks and open space, the total amount of recreational and preserved open space land in Edison surpasses 1,700 acres. These lands are classified as private recreation on the Existing Land Use Map and the Parks and Opens Space Map. The following table summarizes private recreational facilities (does not include private/parochial schools that also contribute to the pool of available resources). TABLE 10.2-1 Acres of Private Recreational Lands (Acreage Per Municipal Tax Records)3 PLANNING PRIVATE ACRES ZONING DISTRICT RECREATIONAL LAND Three Triple C Ranch / 4.55 RAA Edison Wetlands Association Three Metuchen Golf & Country Club 117.10 GC One Plainfield Country Club 180.58 GC One Oakcrest Swim Club Inc 5.34 RI Three Woodside Swim & Tennis Club 6.03 RA One West Brook Swimming Club 4.87 RA One Inman Sports Club, Inc. 26.91 RI Two Parkwood Gardens Pool 1.20 RB Total Acres 346.58
Board of Education Recreational Facilities
The Edison Board of Education owns and manages seventeen school sites, accounting for approximately 365 acres of land4 with various outdoor recreational amenities. Table 9.2-2, located on page 97, summarizes existing outdoor recreational facilities maintained by the local board of education.
3 Edison MOD IV tax data as of July 5, 2001. 4 Ibid. Does not include the Board of Education Office on Pierson Avenue.
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TABLE 10.2-2 Edison Board of Education Recreational Facilities
ld PLANNING ie ADDRESS se F DISTRICT SCHOOL NAME po und s ro er k e t Lot cr o rac A Football BaseballPlayg Socc SoftballT MultipurT 4 Lincoln Elementary 53 Brookville Road 10 1 11
4 Washington Elementary 153 Winthrop Road 10.06 1 1 1 1 James Madison Int. 838 New Dover Road 20.1 1 11
5 Ben Franklin Elementary 2485 Woodbridge Avenue 13.45 1 1 1
4 John Marshall Elementary 15 Cornell Street 13.48 1 1 1 2 Menlo Park Elementary 155 Monroe Avenue 21.96 1 1 1
2 James Monroe Elementary 7 Sharp Road 6.96 1 1 1
4 Lindeneau Elementary 50 Blossom Street 4.13 1 1 1
3 Woodbrook Elementary 15 Robin Road 21.54 1 1 1
1 M.L. King Elementary 285 Tingley Lane 13 1 1 1 1 James Madison Primary 840 New Dover Road 20.1 1 1 1
4 Thomas Jefferson Middle 450 Division Street 20.6 1 1 John Adams Middle 1081 New Dover Road 53.43 1 2 Herbert Hoover Middle 174 Jackson Avenue 12.98 1
3 Woodrow Wilson Middle 50 Woodrow Wislon Drive 38.87 1 4 Edison High School 50 Boulevard of the Eagles 31.25 1 1 1 1 1 1 J.P. Stevens High School 855 Grove Avenue 53.43 1 1 1 1 1 TOTALS 365.34 2 2 11 6 2 11 11 2
In addition to the facilities listed in the foregoing table, each school contains a gymnasium.
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10.3 MUNICIPAL PARKS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE
Edison currently maintains 31 park sites with active recreational facilities accounting for 227.5 acres of developed or partially developed open space land. Table 9.3-1, located on the following page, summarizes existing outdoor recreational facilities maintained by the Edison Recreation Department.
Based on existing NRPA guidelines, the types, descriptions and sizes of municipal recreational facilities are summarized below:
Type Description Community Park An area of high intensity recreation activity with a community-wide service area, usually 15 to 40 acres in size. Neighborhood Park An area that serves the surrounding neighborhood, typically involving tracts under 10 acres in size.
Papaianni Lake and Woodland Grove Parks are classified as Community Parks with the remaining developed parks falling under the classification of Neighborhood Parks.
In addition to the foregoing facilities, the Edison Recreation Department has two community centers, the Minnie B. Veal Community Center (1070 Grove Avenue) and the Stelton-Drwal Community Center (328 Plainfield Avenue). Both centers offer a variety of programs accommodating a full range of “user groups”. The Edison Senior center provides recreational activities oriented towards the senior community.
Programs offered at these facilities were discussed in greater detail in the Community Facilities Element of this Master Plan.
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PLACEHOLDER FOR TABLOID TABLE 10.3-1
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10.4 OFFICIAL RECREATION OPEN SPACE INVENTORY
The current Recreation Open Space Inventory (ROSI) on file with the NJDEP designates 534.93 acres of land as wholly undeveloped open space. When combined with the 227.5 acres of developed or partially developed parks, the total preserved municipal open space in Edison is currently 762.43 acres. On the Existing Land Use Map, developed or partially developed municipal open space is depicted as “park” while wholly undeveloped open space is classified as preserved open space. The following table summarizes the NJDEP ROSI open space acreage figures by Planning District.
TABLE 10.4-1 Summary Table of Existing Recreation Open Space Inventory
PLANNING WHOLLY DEVELOPED OR TOTAL DISTRICT DEVELOPED PARTIALLY DEVELOPED One 206.03 47.92 254.55 Two 0.00 1.65 1.65 Three 306.32 39.60 345.92 Four 0.00 105.27 105.27 Five 21.98 33.06 55.04 Grand Total 534.93 227.50 762.43
Recreational Facility Standards
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and a number of other agencies and associations have been involved in developing recommended guidelines and standards for parks, recreation and open space for thirty (30) years. The purpose of these guidelines is to present park facility standards that are applicable nationwide for planning primarily at the community level. They are most useful when analyzing the needs of a rapidly growing community with a considerable amount of undeveloped land and anticipated population growth.
Since Edison has approached build-out with limited population growth potential, these standards should be viewed as a guide and not as a strict benchmark for a goal to be achieved. The popularity of particular sports may change with changing interests over time. Changes in the demographic composition of the community may also have an impact on recreational facility needs. The results of using these standards must be further interpreted according to the particular situation to which they are applied and to the specific
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1 2 3 4 5 The following table illustrates population standards used to measure the adequacy of municipal Basketball 6 4 4 8 5 27 recreational facilities in Edison. Football 2 3 5
TABLE 10.4-2 Baseball 1 1 1 21 Recreational Facility Standards 0 0 Picnic Grove/ 2 1 3 6 RECREATIONAL NUMBER PER Pavilion FACILITY POPULATION STANDARD Soccer 3 1 1 3 8 Softball 4 2 2 8 Basketball Court 1 per 5,000 Tennis Court 3 1 1 28 Football Field 1 per 20,000 1 4 Baseball Field 1 per 5,000 Volleyball 1 1 Picnic Grove/ 1 per 5,000 Multipurpose Field 3 2 1 4 1 11 Pavilion 1/4-mile Track 1 1 2 Soccer Field 1 per 10,000 Playground 9 3 3 1 8 33 Softball Field 1 per 5,000 0 Tennis Court 1 per 2,000 Tot Lot 9 3 3 1 4 29 Volleyball 1 per 10,000 0 Multipurpose Field 1 per 10,000
1/4-mile Track 1 per 20,000 Playground 1 per 400 (6-14 year old) Tot Lot 1 per 200 (0-5 year old)
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TABLE 10.4-4 Recreational Facility Needs by Planning District
RECREATIONAL PLANNING EDISON FACILITY DISTRICT 1 2 3 4 5 Basketball 4 4 5 4 3 20 Football 1 1 1 1 1 5 Baseball 4 4 5 4 3 20 Picnic Grove/Pavilion 4 4 5 4 3 20 Soccer 2 2 2 2 1 10 Softball 4 4 5 4 3 20 Tennis Court 10 10 12 10 7 49 Volleyball 2 2 2 2 1 10 Multipurpose Field 2 2 2 2 1 10 1/4-mile Track 1 1 1 1 1 5 Playground 8 5 7 7 4 31 Tot Lot 6 6 9 6 5 31
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TABLE 10.4-5 Recreational Facility Surplus/(Deficit) by Planning District
RECREATIONAL PLANNING EDISON FACILITY DISTRICT 1 2 3 4 5 Basketball 2 0 (1) 4 2 7 Football 1 (1) (1) 2 (1) 0 Baseball (3) (4) 5 6 (3) 1 Picnic Grove/Pavilion (2) (4) (5) (3) 0 (14) Soccer 1 (1) (1) 1 (1) (2) Softball 0 (4) (5) (2) (1) (12) Tennis Court (7) (10) (1) 4 (7) (21) Volleyball (2) (2) (2) (2) 0 (9) Multipurpose Field 1 0 (1) 2 0 1 1/4-mile Track 0 (1) (1) 0 (1) (3) Playground 1 (2) (4) 3 4 2 Tot Lot 3 (3) (6) 4 (1) (2)
10.5 RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE NEEDS – LAND AREA STANDARDS
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) utilizes two sets of standards to quantify the open space needs for each level of government for recreation. The standards serve as minimum guides for measuring the effectiveness of open space programs being implemented by the various levels of the public sector. These standards should be viewed in conjunction with an assessment of needs for particular types of open space and facilities.
The first set, “acres per population open space standards,” is used to determine the amount of existing open space needed to meet short term and immediate demand based on current population figures. The standards for each level of government are as follows:
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Acres Per Population Open Space Standards5 Short Term Open Space Needs Based On (acres per thousand) Population Standards
Federal 16 Edison’s 2000 Census population of 97,687 was State 24 used to analyze the present short-term need for County 12 municipal open space. For each Planning District, Municipal 8 the total population was multiplied by the acres per population standard. For example – The second set of standards, “balanced land use guidelines,” is used to determine ultimate public 19,946 (PD #1) x 8-acres/1,000 (municipal open space goals as percentages of usable land. standard) = 159.57 acres of recommended These standards set minimum amounts of land that municipally-owned open space. should be set aside by the various levels of government to provide recreational opportunities The surplus or deficit was then calculated by for the existing and future residents of the state. subtracting the minimum acreage standard from the The balanced land use guidelines identify the current preserved open space acreage maintained proportions of the total land area of the state that on the NJDEP ROSI for Edison. The following should be preserved for open space (see table table summarizes the calculation of short-term open below). These standards assume that municipal space needs and respective surplus/(deficit) by and county governments are responsible for Planning District. providing open space and recreational facilities on land suitable for development. Therefore, the municipal need figure should reflect only the amount of land that should be made accessible for public recreational use, and should not include open space lacking public access, preserved through deed restrictions, subdivision open space allocations and state land use regulations.
Balanced Land Use Open Space Guidelines6
Federal 4% of the total area State 10% of the total area County 7% of the developed and developable area* Municipal 3% of the developed and developable area*
*Developable areas exclude open waters and wetlands.
5 1984 N.J. Outdoor Recreation Plan p. 32; 1977 N.J. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, p. 172. 6 1994 N.J. Open Space and Outdoor Recreation Plan, p. 96; 1984 N.J. Outdoor Recreation Plan p. 30.
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TABLE 10.5-1 Short Term Open Space Needs by Planning District *8 acres per thousand population
MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE ACRES PLANNING POPULATION EXISTING EXISTING TOTAL NEED* SURPLUS DISTRICT UNDEVELEOPED DEVELOPED EXISTING (DEFICIT) One 19,946 206.63 47.92 254.55 159.57 94.98 Two 19,513 0.00 1.65 1.65 156.10 (154.45) Three 24,673 306.32 39.60 345.92 197.38 148.54 Four 19,277 0.00 105.27 105.27 154.22 (48.95) Five 14,278 21.98 33.06 55.04 114.22 (59.18) Grand Total 97,687 534.93 227.50 762.43 781.50 (19.07)
Long Term Recreational Open Space Needs Based on Balanced Land Use Goals
This approach represents the recreational open space needs that will result from existing and new development and should be viewed as a long-term goal for public land acquisition. It takes into account the fact that the recreational open space demand is generated by development of land itself. It is based on the amount of developed and developable land relative to the amount of non-developable land in the municipality.
Using the NJDEP formula, it has been determined that of the 19,664.4 acres of gross area in Edison, a total of 15,574 acres of upland has been or is capable of being developed. The remaining 4,090 acres of non- developable area includes: wetlands – 3,625 acres; and, open waters – 465 acres7.
The surplus or deficit of recreational land was calculated by subtracting the minimum acreage standard from the current developed or partially developed open space acreage maintained in Edison. The following table summarizes the calculations of long term recreational open space needs and respective surplus/ (deficit) by Planning District.
7 These figures were developed using NJDEP Geographic Information System digital data, but have not been verified by NJDEP and are not state-authorized.
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TABLE 10.5-2 Long Term Parkland Needs by Planning District DEVELOPED/ MUNICIPAL PARK ACRES PLANNING DEVELOPABLE NEED8 EXISTING9 SURPLUS/ DISTRICT ACRES (DEFICIT) One 3,119.60 93.59 47.92 (45.67) Two 2,178.01 65.34 1.65 (63.69) Three 3,282.62 98.48 39.60 (58.88) Four 2,495.02 74.85 105.27 30.42 Five 4,499.04 134.97 33.06 (101.91) Grand Total 15,574.29 467.23 227.50 (239.73)
10.6 FINDINGS OF NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Planning District 1
This part of Edison contains the second largest area of developed municipal open space and the second largest area of wholly undeveloped municipal open space. PD 1 meets the short term needs of total open space by exhibiting a surplus of 95 acres (based on population standards). However, the ultimate goal for recreational open space, measured by the balanced land use guidelines, demonstrates a deficit of 46 acres of developed park land. The recreational facility needs analysis indicates a shortage of baseball fields, picnic groves, tennis courts and volleyball courts. Municipal recreational facilities and open space are lopsided with most of the acreage situated west of Ellmyer Road / Roxy Avenue.
Two major private recreational facilities are located in this Planning District—Plainfield Country Club (181-acres) and the Inman Sports Club (27-acres). In addition, two swim clubs are situated in PD 1—West Brook and Oak Crest.
8 Three percent (3%) of the developed and developable area. 9 Based on current NJDEP ROSI list of developed and partially developed open space.
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Planning District 2 largest amount of wholly undeveloped municipal open space. The Dismal Swamp, which is This part of Edison contains the least amount of available only for nature trails, accounts for a large municipal park land and open space. The only portion of the 345+ acres of total municipal open municipal park in PD 2 is the Stephen J. Capestro space, which is available only for nature trails. Park located on Grandview Avenue (1.65 acres). Planning District 3, however, contains less than 40 Planning District 2, with a 2000 Census population acres of developed public parks. Two major of almost 20,000 persons, is highly underserved by private recreational facilities are located in municipal recreational facilities. Planning District Planning District 3—Metuchen Golf & Country 2 has the largest senior population (3,204 persons) Club (117 acres) and Woodside Swim & Tennis and greatest percentage of seniors (16%) among the Club (6 acres). five planning districts. Fifty-nine percent of the population falls into the The recreational facility needs analysis indicates a adult user group (ages 25 to 64), giving PD 3 the shortage of almost every type of facility. It is largest percentage of adults found among the five highly likely that the three public schools in this planning districts. Planning District 3 also has the district serve as neighborhood recreational areas for greatest number of adults with 14,689 persons. younger user groups. Menlo Park Elementary is located in the Menlo Park neighborhood, Monroe The recreational facility needs analysis indicates a Elementary is located in the Edison Heights shortage of every type of recreational facility Neighborhood, and Hoover Middle School is except baseball fields. The balanced land use located in the Clara Barton neighborhood. approach of determining land area needs for developed parks indicates a shortfall of almost 60 Although PD 2 contains almost no municipal open acres. space, Roosevelt Park and Edison State Park, combined, provide over 250 acres of public open Planning District 4 space. It is important to note, however, that these two facilities are designed to serve a region both This part of Edison contains the greatest amount of inside and outside of Edison and are both highly municipal park land with approximately 105 acres dependent upon the automobile for access. They of developed municipal open space. The balanced should not be construed to be providing needed land use approach of determining the land area municipal parks and open space. The Parkwood needs for developed parks indicates a surplus of Gardens pool, adjacent to Roosevelt Park provides 30.42 acres; however, the short term goal method swimming opportunities to the residents of the indicates a shortfall of 48.95 acres of total open Parkwood Gardens multifamily residential space. None of the preserved open space in PD 4 is development. Dudash Park, while technically categorized as wholly undeveloped. located in PD 5, is available to residents of PD 2, especially those east of Woodbridge Avenue and One developed park in this planning district is not south of Amboy Avenue. listed on the official NJDEP ROSI. This park is known as the Anthony Yelencsics Sports Complex Planning District 3 located on Suttons Lane (Block 59-U Lot 3; 7.94 acres; RB Zone). In addition, a portion of the PD 3, with almost 25,000 people, the greatest Edison Athletic Association Park is not on the population among the five districts, contains the ROSI (Block 158 Lots 20-30 and the public r-o-w;
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0.93-acres; RB Zone). Baseball/Softball Edison Angels With respect to current recreational facilities, this Edison Boys Baseball planning district exhibits shortfalls relative to: Fords/Clara Barton Little League picnic groves, softball fields and volleyball courts. Midtown Little League The population distribution is indicative of a North Edison Baseball and Softball growing senior component. The percent population Clara Barton/American Legion #324 over age 65 is 13%, which is slightly less than the Father and Son American Legion #435 16% seen in PD 2. Buddy Ball of Edison
Planning District 5 Basketball Edison Youth Basketball This is the largest planning district in terms of area but has the smallest population. The facility needs Soccer assessment indicates a surplus of basketball courts Edison United Soccer Association and playgrounds. Neighborhood parks can be found in many of the residential neighborhoods (i.e. Football Bonhamtown, Piscatawaytown, and Nixon); Edison Jets however, the needs analysis nonetheless indicates North Edison Shamrocks deficits in the number of football fields, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts and a running Wrestling track. In terms of land area, the long-term needs Little Eagles Wrestling assessment illustrates a 102 acre shortfall in the North Edison Mat Hawks amount of developed park land. Although much of the area in this planning district is devoted to non- 10.7 PLANNING STRATEGIES AND residential uses, the short-term population-based RECOMMENDATIONS analysis still points to a deficit of approximately 60 acres of total open space. The following list constitutes the specific planning strategies that should be implemented, enabling The Meadow Road boat ramp along the Raritan Edison to fulfill its goals and objectives for River provides a specific recreation facility found recreational facilities: in no other Planning District within Edison. Opportunities are abundant for passive recreational 1. Give equal balance to recreation and activities in environmentally constrained sites conservation; providing both active and located in this planning district. Additional active passive recreational facilities. recreational amenities will be limited to areas without environmental constraints. 2. Improve the geographical distribution of the Sport Leagues in Edison municipal park system to assure readily available park and recreational opportunities The following is a partial list of sport leagues that to all sections of Edison. utilize public recreational facilities in Edison. 3. Provide barrier free accessibility to, and throughout, each recreational site as
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mandated by the Americans with Disabilities 9. Promote construction of additional Act of 1990. recreational facilities on existing park and school sites, where desirable, rather than purchasing new sites. By doing so, the 4. Provide needed capital improvements to current and future recreational needs can be existing municipal parks by completing met in a more timely manner while saving park plans or solving existing park on capital expenditures. problems.
10. Promote and encourage public participation 5. Establish realistic capital improvement in the design of parks, greenways and open programs for each existing park and space areas. recreational site to provide continuous annual improvements so that the recreational needs of Edison may be 11. Encourage inter-governmental cooperation satisfied in the medium and long terms. in the provision of recreational facilities and services.
6. Provide funding for an increase in personnel and equipment to keep pace with the 12. Promote public awareness of available demands of a growing municipal park parks and recreational services through a system. variety of communicative methods, including but not limited to: brochures, municipal web site announcements, cable 7. Maintain appropriate classification of television, radio, notices in municipal bills permanently preserved open land and and publications, and informational continually provide the New Jersey meetings with community organizations. Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres program with an accurate Recreation and Open Space Inventory 13. Explore the feasibility of purchasing small (ROSI). individual parcels of land throughout Edison, independent of the existing parks and recreational sites, for the purpose of 8. Attain compliance of all park and providing additional mini-parks. All recreational sites with the guidelines and neighborhoods within Edison should have policies set forth by the U.S. Consumer reasonable access to a mini-park/ Safety Products Commission and the playground. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). A Certified Safety Playground Inspector should audit each site, and a 14. Purchase and preserve tracts of land program should be established for appropriate in area and location for implementing all required corrective municipal park use as opportunities become measures. available.
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15. Encourage land developers and private 21. Encourage and provide incentive programs individuals to donate, deed, or provide to property owners who are willing to allow easements to Edison for future preservation, public use of private recreational or open protection, and management. space lands and facilities.
16. Support and facilitate efforts to create open 22. Encourage and provide incentive programs space corridors (greenways) that link to private and parochial schools that are recreational facilities, open space land and willing to allow public use of their schools by way of corridors, paths, river and recreational or open space lands and stream corridors, abandoned railroad rights- facilities. of-way, historic areas and other resources.
23. Create and maintain productive partnerships 17. Promote and encourage the protection and and cooperation between Edison, the Board enhancement of privately-owned tracts of of Education and the various sports open space, wetlands or forest lands, as well organizations operating in Edison. as privately-owned recreational facilities such as golf courses, as appropriate, through easement purchases, density transfers, deed restriction programs at the State level or by other methods deemed appropriate for the specific situation.
18. Maintain and improve public access to waterfront areas of recreational, aesthetic, cultural or ecological value provided that such access does not degrade the function and value of the natural resource system.
19. Locate recreational facilities and open space as close as possible to the populations they serve, taking into account the nature of the recreational facility or open space.
20. Provide public recreational use of Board of Education lands and facilities and avoid unwarranted duplication among municipal and public school facilities.
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Parks & Open Space 1
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Parks & Open Space 2
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Parks & Open Space 3
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Parks & Open Space 4
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Parks & Open Space 5
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11.0 Conservation Element
he purpose and primary objective of the Watershed Areas T Conservation Plan is to provide for the preservation, conservation and proper utilization of A watershed is the area of land that drains into a Edison’s natural resources in accordance with the body of water such as a river, lake, stream or bay. goals and objectives of this Master Plan. Selected It is separated from other systems by high points in natural resource maps are included as a reference. the area such as hills or slopes. It includes not only the waterway itself but also the entire land area that 11.1 ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES drains to it. For example, the watershed of a lake would include not only the streams entering the This section includes an inventory of the general lake but also the land area that drains into those physical characteristics of Edison. streams and eventually the lake. Drainage basins generally refer to large watersheds that encompass Topography the watersheds of many smaller rivers and streams.
Edison's topography can be characterized as flat to The State of New Jersey has been divided into five gently sloping with steeper slopes located in the Watershed Management Bureaus, based upon the North Edison, Edison Heights neighborhood, Clara major bodies of water that they drain into10. Edison Barton neighborhood along Grandview Avenue, in is located in the Raritan Bureau, which the area separating Menlo Park neighborhood and encompasses 1,280 square miles covering all or the Oak Tree Road Shopping Center, the Short parts of the following counties: Essex, Union, Hills north of Oak Tree Road, and in the Middlesex, Hudson, Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, Piscatawaytown section along the banks of the Monmouth, and Mercer. The five Watershed Raritan River (from the municipal boundary to Management Bureaus are divided into 20 New Jersey Turnpike). Two well-defined Watershed Management Areas (WMAs), each ravines —the Silver Lake Ravine and Raritan River associated with the major waterways in each Ravine— are also found in the Piscatawaytown region. The NJDEP further divides the WMAs into section of Edison, both draining into the Raritan watersheds, based on 11-digit hydrologic unit River. The highest point in Edison is codes. The WMAs located in Edison are illustrated approximately 200 feet above mean sea level, on the Watershed Areas Map. located on the northern side of Grandview Avenue just east of the New Jersey Turnpike (the water The north and northwestern portions of Edison are tower site). Steep slopes, generally, have not located in WMA #7 (Arthur Kill), which includes presented any serious limitations on development the mainstem of the Elizabeth River, the Rahway throughout most of Edison, however, isolated areas River and the Woodbridge Creek. Watershed of steep slopes exist. Management Area #7 includes significant portions of Essex, Union, and Middlesex counties. The Edison section of WMA #7 drains to the Rahway River and Woodbridge Creek, eventually emptying
10 NJDEP, NJDEP, Division of Watershed Management Homepage, http://www.state.nj.us/dep/watershedmgt/
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Into the Arthur Kill. On December 21, 2000, the Wetlands commissioner of NJDEP signed a contract with Union County that will release $400,000 to develop Wetlands are commonly referred to as swamps, a comprehensive watershed management plan for marshes, or bogs. However, many wetlands in New the entirety of the Arthur Kill WMA. The WMA Jersey are forested and do not fit the classic picture #7 staff is also active in The New York/ New of a swamp or marsh. Previously misunderstood as Jersey Harbor Estuary Program. The vision of this wastelands, wetlands are now being recognized for plan is "to establish and maintain a healthy and their vital ecological and socioeconomic productive Harbor/Bight ecosystem with full contributions. beneficial uses." Wetlands are an important aspect of the hydrologic The southern and western portions of Edison are and hydraulic characteristics of Edison and serve situated in WMA #9 (Lower Raritan) which several purposes. Wetlands contribute to the includes the mainstem of the Raritan River, the general social, economic, and environmental health South River, and the Lawrence Brook. Middlesex, in many ways: Somerset, and Monmouth Counties make up most of the political geography of this WMA. In Edison, ♦ They support wildlife and distinct species of WMA #9 is divided into two watersheds, one that plant life by providing critical habitats for a drains into the Raritan River east of the Lawrence major portion of the State's fish and Brook and another that drains into the Raritan wildlife, including endangered, commercial River west of the Lawrence Brook. The NJDEP and recreational species. has contracted with The New Jersey Water Supply Authority to first characterize and assess the ♦ They act as a retention basin and provide Raritan Basin and then work with area partners to natural flood control by soaking up runoff develop a watershed management plan for this from heavy rains and snow melts. WMA. ♦ They control various types of water Surface Water Bodies pollution. They protect drinking water by filtering out chemicals, pollutants, and Edison has a variety of surface water bodies sediments that would otherwise clog and including numerous rivers, streams, and lakes. The contaminate our waters. most prominent water feature is the Raritan River, which forms the southern municipal boundary. The ♦ They release stored floodwaters during Raritan River is used for active recreational droughts. activities such as boating and fishing. Lakes comprise approximately 78 acres of area in Edison ♦ They provide high quality open space for while tidal waters total 386 acres. There are recreation. 356,013 linear feet, or 67.43 miles, of perennial rivers and streams that traverse the municipal The exact location and delineation of wetlands is landscape. dependent upon field investigation. The development of freshwater wetlands is regulated at the state and federal levels, and tidal wetlands are regulated at the federal level. The New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act categorizes
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CONSERVATION ELEMENT wetlands into three groups: exceptional value, the Raritan River in Raritan Center and around intermediate value, and ordinary value. Transition Kent’s Neck. Another large flood prone area is the areas, or buffers, are required ranging from 50 to area in and around the Dismal Swamp, with the 150 feet depending upon the resource value of the 500-year flood hazard area extending further south wetlands. These regulations are imposed on a site- to the area south of New Durham Avenue on the specific basis based on wetlands delineations that west side of Talmadge Road. Stream corridors are reviewed and approved by the Department of with flood hazards include: Mill Brook, Silver Lake Environmental Protection (DEP). Brook, Ambrose Brook, South Branch of the Rahway River, Coppermine Brook, Cedar Brook The mapped wetlands areas in Edison are and the South and Robinsons Branch of the illustrated on the Water Resources and Flood Rahway River. Specific locations in Edison with Hazard Areas Map, based upon information recurring flooding problems, both acute and obtained from the New Jersey Department of chronic, have been identified in the storm water Environmental Protection. These wetlands and section of the Community Facilities/Utilities requisite transition areas provide constraints on Element. development for many of Edison’s vacant parcels, both privately and publicly owned. Scenic Corridors
Flood Hazard Areas Edison contains a significant amount of land having scenic value. The Dismal Swamp, the Short Hills Flood hazard is a measurement of the danger or north of Oak Tree Road, the proposed Middlesex probability of flooding. This term is generally Greenway, numerous stream corridors and historic applied to the nearly level areas adjoining the sites identified in the Historic Preservation Element channel of a stream or river. all represent crucial scenic resources with the potential for passive recreational opportunities and The 100- and 500-year flood hazard areas in Edison pedestrian and bicycle linkages. Edison is also are identified on the Water Bodies, Wetlands and fortunate to possess approximately seven (7) miles Flood Hazard Areas Map. Flood hazard areas are of waterfront along the Raritan River. It is crucial defined by the Federal Emergency Management that all areas of Edison identified as having a high Agency (FEMA). The Federal Emergency scenic value be preserved. Management Agency (FEMA) delineates these flood hazard areas on the Flood Insurance Rate Trees Maps (FIRM) as part of the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood hazard areas in Edison Community trees provide many benefits beyond are found along watercourses and their tributaries. beautifying Edison. Trees provide us with many The flood plain areas generally coincide with long-term environmental, social and economic wetland areas, although wetland areas are more benefits. Here are some of their most notable extensive than flood plain areas. A notably large contributions11: flood prone area is the land immediately adjacent to
11 New Jersey Community Forestry Program Web Site, January 18, 2002, http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry/community/benefits.html
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♦ Trees lend stability to the landscape, ♦ Trees increase property values and anchoring the soil with their roots and salability. Some statistics suggest that reducing erosion. landscaping can speed the sale of a home by five to six weeks and may add between ♦ They mediate the effects of flooding by seven and 14 percent to a home's value. In absorbing and storing runoff. some neighborhoods, mature trees may have appraised values of between $1,000 ♦ They filter the groundwater, reducing the and $10,000. levels of pollution from non-point sources. Critical Habitats ♦ They filter the air. Each year, an average mature tree absorbs up to 26 pounds of Over the course of Edison’s history, valuable carbon dioxide from the air and releases 13 forests and grasslands and other open space areas pounds of oxygen (enough for a family of have been converted to urban and suburban land four for an entire day!) Trees also remove uses. The remaining undeveloped areas in Edison other pollutants from the air. are threatened by future development. The loss of vegetative habitat results in the loss of wildlife ♦ Trees act as insulation, providing both noise species that depend on those habitats for survival. and energy reduction. A tree shelter can cut bothersome noise in half. In 1994, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species ♦ By providing shade in the summer, well- Program (ENSP) initiated a project to map the planned landscaping can reduce air- critical wildlife habitats of New Jersey in an effort conditioning costs up to 20 percent. to promote long-term and large scale protection of Strategically placed trees also block cold the state’s animal biodiversity and reduce winter winds. endangered species conflicts. The mission of the Landscape Project is to protect New Jersey’s ♦ Community trees provide valuable habitat biological diversity by maintaining and enhancing for wildlife, connecting our public parks rare wildlife populations within healthy, and open space. functioning ecosystems12. Critical wildlife habitats were analyzed in the technical report of the ♦ They make our city streets feel safer and Landscape Project by extracting the land cover type make shopping districts more inviting. (i.e., forest, forested wetland, emergent wetland and grassland) and the conservation status of the ♦ Mature trees improve our aesthetic species associated with the habitats13. This method environment, absorb noise, are traffic resulted in the identification of two critical wildlife calming, reduce stress and crime, and create habitats—The Dismal Swamp and the saline marsh a peaceful place to relax or socialize. found along the Raritan River.
12 Landscape Of The Raritan River Basin, A Technical Report for the Raritan Basin, Watershed Management Project, New Jersey Water Supply Authority, Draft - August 2001; p. 46 13 Ibid., p. 48
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The Dismal Swamp encompasses more than 200 acres of forested, scrub-shrub and emergent wetland types. The Dismal Swamp provides important resources for passerine birds, raptors, American woodcock, white- tailed deer, squirrels, opossum, raccoon, and various small mammals including beaver14.
Wetlands situated generally between Raritan Center and the Raritan River consist of 930 acres of emergent wetlands, ponds, and tidal creeks. Emergent wetlands of this area support state threatened and endangered species. These wetlands provide an essential habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, colonial waterbirds including the state listed yellow-crowned night-heron, raptors, passerines, furbearers, and anadramous fish in a highly urbanized area. This habitat system is in imminent danger of destruction from numerous unauthorized fills and degradation of adjacent wetlands from erosion of fill material. It is also noted that small patches of grassland and forested wetlands also provide suitable habitat for species throughout the Lower Raritan Watershed (below Lawrence Brook).
11.2 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
Preserved Open Space
Approximately six percent of the 19,664 acres of gross municipal area16 can be classified as public park land or dedicated open space as a direct result of the governing body’s proactive approach to open space planning. These publicly-held lands are classified as parks or preserved open space on the Existing Land Use Map. The following table summarizes the total acreage of public parks and preserved open space by governmental jurisdiction.
14 Ibid., p. 41 15 Ibid. 16 Gross area in Edison is based on US Census tract shape files (2000 census). NJDEP data indicates the presence of approximately 464-acres of open waters resulting in 19,200-acres of land area. These figures were developed using a combination of NJDEP and US Census Bureau Geographic Information System digital data, but have not been verified by such data sources and are not state-authorized.
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TABLE 11.2-1 Total Acres of Public Parks & Preserved Open Space ACRES17
JURISDICTION DEVELOPED OR WHOLLY PARTIALLY UNDEVELOPED TOTAL DEVELOPED State of New Jersey 36 27 63
Middlesex County 368 15 383
Union County 4 30 34 Parks Commission Edison 228 535 763
Total 636 607 1,243
State and County Parks and Open Space
Edison contains one state park and an ecological preserve, two county parks, two county conservation areas and a small portion of a county golf course. Middlesex County College also offers recreational facilities to area residents. Table 11.2-2 outlines public open space not under the jurisdiction of Edison.
17 Figures shown are based on a combination of municipal tax records (Mod IV data as of July 5, 2001) and the official Recreation Open Space Inventory (ROSI) on file with the NJDEP.
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TABLE 11.2-2 State & County Parks & Open Space (Acreage Per Edison Tax Records)
PLANNING FACILITY NAME JURISDICTION ACRES DISTRICT18 Two Edison State Park State of New Jersey 36
Three Kilmer Woods State of New Jersey 27 Ecological Preserve One Union County Golf Course Union County 4
One Ashbrook Reservation Union County 30
Two Roosevelt Park Middlesex County 203
Five Thomas A. Edison Park Middlesex County 165
One Beaver Crossing Middlesex County 15
Total Acres 480
Municipal Open Space
Edison currently maintains two categories of municipal open space. The first category is Edison-owned land listed in the Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI) on file with the NJDEP. The ROSI lands are considered highly-protected and have been placed in the Open Space Recreation – Conservation (OSR- C) Zoning District. The second category of municipal open space is vacant Edison-owned lands that have been placed in the OSR-C Zoning District but are not in the ROSI. These lands are considered partially protected open space land.
NJDEP ROSI — Highly-Protected
The current Recreation Open Space Inventory (ROSI) on file with the NJDEP designates 534.9 acres of land as wholly undeveloped open space, which includes a recent acquisition on a portion of the Petti Farm (27 acres). When combined with the 227.5 acres of developed or partially developed parks, the total
18 Refer to Recreation section of the Community Facilities Element for description of planning districts.
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CONSERVATION ELEMENT highly-protected municipally preserved open space in Edison is currently 762.4 acres. On the Existing Land Use Map, developed or partially developed municipal open space is depicted as “park” while wholly undeveloped open space is classified as preserved open space. The following tables summarize the NJDEP ROSI open space acreage figures. TABLE 11.2-3 NJDEP ROSI Open Space Acreage Summary (By Planning District) EXISTING MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE AREA
WHOLLY DEVELOPED OR PLANNING DISTRICT DEVELOPED PARTIALLY TOTAL DEVELOPED One 206.63 47.2 254.55 Two 0.00 1.65 1.65 Three 306.32 39.60 345.92 Four 0.00 105.27 105.27 Five 21.98 33.06 55.04 Grand Total 534.93 227.50 762.43 TABLE 11.2-4 Wholly Undeveloped ROSI Lands
PLANNING SITE NAME ADDRESS ACRES DISTRICT 1 Sherwood Forest Livingston Avenue & Belvidere Avenue 4.4 5 Clipper Park Clipper Avenue 0.5 1 Inman Avenue Park Inman Avenue & Amherst Street 9.6 3 New Brooklyn Road Park New Brooklyn Road & Meredith Road 4.1 3 Oak Tree Oak Tree Road 30.6 1 Edith Stevens Memorial Tingley Lane 57.0 Wildlife Preserve 1 Tingley Lane Park Tingley Lane & New Dover Road 73.5 1 Mark Polansky Park New Dover Road 9.6 1 Smith Farm Woodland Avenue 25.5 5 Mill Pond Park Mill Road 21.5 1 Petti Farm Woodland Avenue 27.0 3 Dismal Swamp Talmadge Road 271.7
Total Wholly Undeveloped Acres 534.9
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TABLE 11.2-5 Developed & Partially Developed ROSI Lands PLANNING PARK NAME ADDRESS ACRES DISTRICT 1 Beatrice Parkway Kingsbridge Drive & Beatrice Parkway 0.4 4 Blossom Street Blossom Street & Jefferson Blvd. 0.8 5 Boat Basin Meadow Road 3.5 4 Central Avenue (Papaianni Lake) Central Avenue & Linden Avenue 69.9 5 Crestwood Ballfield Overbrook Avenue & Crestwood Avenue 5.4 3 Edison Woods Park Karen Place & Rinear Drive 3.0 1 Elder Park Grove Avenue & Firethorn Drive 10.9 4 Ellmyer Park Blossom Street and Jefferson Blvd. 4.7 5 Gateway Park Howard Avenue 1.8 1 Dwyer Park Annette Drive & Gentore Court 8.2 2 Stephen J. Capestro Park Grandview Avenue & Roosevelt Blvd. 1.7 1 Lindquist Park (Hi Woods) West Grant & Hegel Avenue 3.0 4 Idlewild - Health Center Idlewind Road 2.4 3 Nevsky Park Dellancy Street & New York Blvd. 1.0 1 North Edison Park Cleveland Place & Grove Avenue 2.0 4 North Eighth Tennis Courts Eighth Avenue & Cellar Road 9.2 3 Oak Tree Tennis Courts Marion Street & Oak Tree Road 3.0 5 Old Post Park Gurley Road & Stevens Road 1.7 5 Thomas Swales/Edison Commons Park Way & Elm Street 5.4 3 Portland Street Tennis Courts Park Avenue & Portland Street 2.1 5 Yelencsics Park (Raritan) Woodbridge Avenue 8.8 4 Stelton Community Center/Park Plainfield Avenue & Hillside Avenue 3.9 4 Paternitti Park Vineyard Road 9.0 3 Winter Street Park George Avenue & Anita Avenue 8.4 1 Mark Polansky Park New Dover Road & Grove Avenue 23.4 4 Edison Athletic Association Fields Jefferson Boulevard 1.4 3 Kilmer Park Plainfield Avenue & Brunswick Avenue 7.9 4 Midtown Little League Glenville Road 3.2 3 N. Edison Little League Maryland Avenue 14.1 4 Edgemount Park Edgemount Road & North 8th Avenue 0.8 5 Dudash Park May Street & Liberty Street 6.5
Total Acres 227.5
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OSR- C Zoning District - parkland. Partially-Protected (not on ROSI) Criteria for Open Space Preservation According to municipal property tax assessment records19, approximately 1,154-acres of publicly- The following criteria should be considered when owned recreational and open space land is located identifying sites for acquisition and open space in the OSR-C Zoning District. Of this total in the preservation and when identifying lands already OSR-C Zone, approximately 1,139 acres is owned owned by Edison for inclusion on the official ROSI by Edison while an additional 15 acres is owned by filed with the NJDEP. Middlesex County (Beaver Crossing). Almost 400 acres of Edison-owned land falls under the 1. Purpose / Intended Use: The site should partially-protected category of open space. possess at least one of the following Partially-protected municipal open space is characteristics (not listed in order of depicted as “Vacant (public)” on the Existing Land priority), which will determine the intended Use Map. use of the site:
11.3 FUTURE OPEN SPACE ♦ land required to meet existing and PRESERVATION future needs for active and passive recreation; Open Space Needs ♦ land in need of preservation or The amount of total open space that needs to be conservation containing areas of preserved depends on how much land is needed for significant, recreational value, active and passive recreation as well as the amount scenic value, historic value or with of environmentally critical land requiring environmentally sensitive features; protection. Municipal recreational land needs can be defined using the “Balanced Land Use ♦ land that provides desirable Guideline” adopted by the State of New Jersey; additions to existing parks and open however, calculating conservation land needs space; requires the identification of those areas, which, if developed, would adversely impact the health, ♦ land deemed necessary for the safety, and general welfare of the public. establishment of parks, plazas or other public spaces in highly- The Balanced Land Use Guideline approach for developed areas that will enhance determining municipal open space needs represents community character and support only the amount of land needed for public redevelopment efforts; recreation. Please refer to the Recreation Element for the procedure of Balanced Land Use Guideline ♦ land with such qualities that, if calculations. The results of the municipal preserved or developed as recreational open space needs analysis indicate a recreational open space, will support deficit of approximately 240-acres of developed quality of life goals for Edison;
19 MOD IV data as of July 5, 2001.
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♦ land needed to create greenbelts and record may be acceptable where the purpose greenways; or of the acquisition and/or preservation is solely for the protection of natural ♦ land in agricultural production that resources. achieves other open space goals; 6. Existing Site Development. The existence 2. Natural Features. The site's topography, of structures suitable for use, renovation, or vegetation, soil, water resources, climate, expansion for park activities should be and existing or potential water/sanitary considered as a positive site feature. The facilities should be suitable for the use existence of structures, which, due to their intended and should comply with any condition or utility, would have to be specific development criteria for its removed, should be considered as a intended use. liability.
3. Size. The site should contain sufficient land 7. Costs. The cost of property acquisition and and be of a suitable configuration to associated purchase procedures including satisfactorily accommodate the intended use appraisals, closing costs and, where of the site, to protect any environmentally applicable, condemnation proceedings, and sensitive areas from encroachment by the estimated development, operating and incompatible peripheral uses and maintenance costs as offset by current and development, to ensure preservation, or to potential revenues must be carefully allow for reasonable operation and public evaluated. The existence of factors likely to use. result in significant additional acquisition difficulties or costs or possible total loss of 4. Location. The area around the site should the site to other uses including but not be free of undesirable uses such as waste limited to the rate of appreciation of land sites or heavy industrial uses which would values, development pressures, unreasonably detract from the site, any uses environmental contamination and associated which might unreasonably constrain site liabilities, or the existence of reservations or development or operation, and conditions contracts for acquisition will have a bearing such as excessive vandalism, which might on the establishment of fiscal priorities. suggest potential above-average security and repair expenditures. Ideally, for ease of 8. Consistency with Public Policy. The operation and optimum public safety and presence of community, citizen and political security there should be no public support for the proposed acquisition of a thoroughfares through the site. The site site is highly desirable. Acquisition, should have reasonable public access for its preferably, should reinforce local, regional, intended use and should comply with any and state planning efforts. Acquisition and specific location criteria for its proposed preservation of open space and recreational classification category. land should not inhibit the ability of Edison to provide adequate community facilities. 5. Access: The site should be accessible from the existing improved public road system, except that access by means of an unimproved right-of-way or easement of
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9. Possible Restrictions. The site should be free of restrictive deed or title conditions, rights-of-way or easements, or other regulatory provisions, which would unduly constrain acquisition, development, or operation of the site for its intended use. Some short-term restrictions such as life rights may be accepted in order to facilitate acquisition. Long term restrictions which preclude reasonable public use of the property or which are inappropriate to the site conditions and/or facility needs of Edison are unacceptable.
11.4 PRESERVATION OPTIONS AND TECHNIQUES
The most straightforward and effective way to preserve land is to buy it. There are few public or private entities, however, with the financial resources to purchase every parcel needed to fulfill its preservation goals. This is particularly true in a municipality with high land values. Fortunately, there are several options available beyond “fee simple” purchase. They include various easement, donation, institutional and partnership arrangements that can be tailored to the particular preservation goal, attributes of the land to be preserved and/or the ultimate use of that land.
The following is a summation of various preservation options as excerpted from the Trust for Public Land publication “Creating a Local Greenprint for Growth”.
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TABLE 11.4-1 Open Space Preservation Options
PRESERVATION OPTION PROS AND CONS
Fee simple ownership: • Gives public full access to the property Obtaining full ownership of the land. • Guarantees permanent protection • Expensive • Usually removes land from tax base • Ownership responsibility includes liability and maintenance
Conservation easement/ development rights: Legal • Less expensive than fee simple agreement a property owner makes to restrict the type and • Tailored to the protection requirements of the amount of development that may take place on his or her landowners and the property, and the desire of the property. A partial interest in the property is transferred landowner to an appropriate nonprofit or governmental entity either • Landowner retains ownership and property remains by gift or by purchase. As ownership changes, the land on the tax tolls, often at a lower rate because of remains subject to the easement restrictions. restricted use • Potential income and estate tax benefits from donation • More permanent and often more restrictive than land use regulations, which often change with the political climate • Public access may not be required • Easement must be enforced • Restricted use may lower resale value Purchase of land with lease-back: As part of purchase • Income through lease back contract, county agrees to lease land back to the seller, • Liability and management responsibilities assigned subject to restrictions. to lessee • Public access may not be available • Land must be appropriate for lease-back (e.g., agricultural)
Lease: Short or long-term rental of land. • Low cost for use of land • Landowner receives income and retains control of property • Does not provide equity and affords only limited control of property • Temporary
Undivided interest: Ownership is split between different • Prevents one owner from acting without the consent owners, with each fractional interest extending over the of the others whole parcel. Each owner has equal rights to entire • Several landowners can complicate property property. management issues, especially payment of taxes
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The following is a summation of various title acquisition techniques as excerpted from the Trust for Public Land publication “Creating a Local Greenprint for Growth”.
TABLE 11.4-2 Title Acquisition Techniques
ACQUISITION TECHNIQUE ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Fair market value sale: Land is sold at • Highest sales income (cash inflow) • Can be expensive its value at highest and best use. to seller
Bargain sale: Part donation/part sale - • Often the landowner is eligible for a • Seller must be willing to sell at less property is sold at less than fair market tax deduction for the difference than fair market value value. between the sale price and the fair • Can be expensive market value because the sale is treated like a charitable contribution Outright donation: A donation by • Allows for permanent protection • Ownership responsibility includes landowner of all interest in property. without direct public expenditure liability and maintenance • Tax benefits to seller since property’s fair market value is considerable contribution
Bequest: Landowner retains ownership • Management responsibility usually • Date of acquisition is uncertain until death. deferred until donor’s death • Donor does not benefit from income tax deductions • Landowner can change will Donation with reserved life estate: • Landowner retains use but receives • Date of acquisition is uncertain Landowner donates during lifetime but tax benefits from donation has lifetime use.
Land exchange: Exchange of • Low-cost technique if trade parcel • Properties must be of comparable developable land for land with high is donated value conservation value. • Reduces capital gains tax for • Complicated and time-consuming original owner of protected land Eminent domain: The right of the • Provides government with a tool to • High acquisition costs government to take private property for acquire desired properties if other • Can result in speculation on targeted public purposes upon payment of just acquisition techniques are not properties compensation. workable • Potentially expensive and time- consuming litigation Tax foreclosure: Government acquires • Limited expenditure • Land might not be appropriate for land by tax payment default. public open space, but can be sold to provide funds for open space acquisition • Cumbersome process
Agency transfer: Certain government • Limited expenditure • Surplus property available may not agencies may have surplus property be appropriate for park use or the inappropriate for their needs that could be owning agency may want to sell to a transferred to a park agency for public private party to generate revenues use.
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ACQUISITION FUNDING SOURCES greenways include trails or paths used for walking, bicycling, horseback riding or other forms of Edison Open Space Trust Fund recreation or transportation. The following descriptions represent existing and potential trail The trust fund is supported by a dedicated and greenway projects in Edison. maximum tax of one cent per $100 of assessed valuation in any given year. This funding will Route 1 Corridor supplement Edison’s continued participation in the State’s Green Acres land acquisition program. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is planning to begin a project in 2002 to Other Sources widen Route 1 with one additional lane in each direction from Green St. in Woodbridge south to Perhaps the most recognized park and open space Rt. 287 in Edison. This is known as the Route One preservation funding source is the Garden State 7L Project. The Middlesex County Planning Preservation Trust. New Jersey voters approved a Department has identified this project as NE 301, referendum in November 1998 to dedicate $98 302 and 303 in the Draft Middlesex County Bicycle million annually in dedicated state taxes toward Pedestrian Plan (November, 2001). This is a great land preservation over a 10-year period. The opportunity for increasing bicycle/pedestrian Garden State Preservation Trust Act, passed on opportunities along the Route One corridor in June 30, 1999, allocates $55.2 million annually for Edison. Green Acres Acquisitions of open space, parks and greenway, $36.8 million annually for farmland 1. The “Power Trail”. This multi-use trail purchases, and $6 million annually for historic would follow the utility corridor on the east preservation projects. The legislation also side of Route 1 (northbound) from the established the Garden State Preservation Trust, a Middlesex Greenway to Woodbridge nine-member board that receives applications and Center. This trail would connect shopping approves projects submitted by Green Acres and areas, neighborhoods, and parks, giving the State Agriculture Development Committee residents a safe place to walk, jog, or bike twice a year. This and other State administered along the Route 1 Corridor. A Menlo Park programs as well as Federal programs, County access ramp has been recommended, programs and donations from the private sector, linking the Power Trail to Roosevelt Park. including non-profits, should be used to leverage and supplement the local open space trust fund. 2. West Side Improvements. Currently on the west side of Route 1 (southbound) from 11.5 TRAILS & GREENWAYS the Menlo Park Terrace neighborhood in Woodbridge to Grand View Avenue West Greenways are corridors of protected public and in Edison, there are no safe ways to bike or private lands established along rivers, stream walk to Roosevelt Park, or to the Menlo valleys, ridges, abandoned railroad corridors, utility Park Mall. Sidewalks are incomplete; road rights-of-way, canals, scenic roads, or other linear shoulders are not striped for bike lanes. features. They link recreational, cultural, and Many things can be done to encourage natural features, provide pathways for people and bicycle/pedestrian improvements here. wildlife, protect forests, wetlands, and grasslands, and improve the quality of life for everyone. Some
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3. Crossing Route 1. There is a need for safe that stretches from the Goethals Bridge in Elizabeth crosswalks and overpasses so that residents to the Calhoun Street Bridge in Trenton. can get across the widened Route 1 to local stores, parks and schools. A member of the Middlesex Greenway Coalition, the Edison Greenways Group is working to create 4. Bicycle Racks. Many schools, businesses this first rails-to-trails greenway in Middlesex and parks are not equipped with bicycle County. The coalition has won federal, state and racks. A program to acquire and install foundation grants to finance the transfer of the bike racks would encourage people to use railroad property to Middlesex County for its use as bikes, reducing motor vehicle traffic. park land. The acquisition occurred on December 19, 2002. 5. Livable Places. By providing safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the Route 1 Raritan River Greenway corridor we can create a more attractive and livable community. This proposed greenway is a six-mile bicycle and pedestrian accessible linear recreational area with a Middlesex Greenway marina along the Raritan River. The Middlesex County Planning Department has identified the The proposed Middlesex Greenway will be created Raritan River Greenway as NE 328 in the Draft by converting a section of the Perth Amboy line of Middlesex County Bicycle Pedestrian Plan the abandoned Lehigh Valley Railroad into a 3.5 (November, 2001). This Greenway follows the mile linear park from Crows Mill Road in the Fords northern bank of the Raritan River from the Route section of Woodbridge to Middlesex Avenue in One Bridge to the area near Red Root Creek. Metuchen. Connected to several parks in the area, Opportunities to connect the Raritan River the greenway will weave throughout Edison, Greenway to the Middlesex Greenway should be Woodbridge and Metuchen like a green ribbon and examined. A dedicated bicycle/pedestrian lane help tie the communities together. The Middlesex could be established along existing public rights-of- Greenway can provide area residents with a viable way situated between the Raritan River waterfront transportation alternative and a living classroom for area and Dudash Park, providing a direct educational initiatives. The Middlesex County connection to the Middlesex Greenway. Planning Department has identified this project as NE 304 in the Draft Middlesex County Bicycle Other Greenway Opportunities Pedestrian Plan (November, 2001). ♦ Bonhamtown-Raritan River Trail. The Future plans call for extending the Middlesex Open Space Advisory Committee has Greenway to Somerset County and linking it with recommended a loop trail through the other green corridors along the Route 1 Corridor former Raritan Arsenal from Thomas and to the East Coast Greenway. The East Coast Edison County Park. Greenway Alliance is working to establish a premier trail extending from Calais, Maine to Key ♦ Dismal Swamp Nature Trails. The Edison West, Florida (2,600 miles). The East Coast Wetlands Association and the Edison Greenway Alliance is focused on completing the Greenways Group in cooperation with trail by 2010. The Middlesex Greenway is an Edison are evaluating the establishment of a important link in the New Jersey route (64 miles) trail system in the Dismal Swamp.
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♦ Clara Barton – Ash Brook Greenway. (ROSI); ensure that permanently preserved Although not currently identified or proposed, a recreational and open space lands are “power trail” (high voltage transmission line appropriately classified as either developed right-of-way) could potentially provide a and partially developed or wholly greenway link that connects Clara Barton, near undeveloped. Tano Mall, with the Ash Brook Reservation in Union County. Further investigation should be 6. Implement site sensitive design standards made into the feasibility of this potential 5-mile and zoning regulations, which would greenway link that could connect the Middlesex preserve Edison’s natural resources to the Greenway and the Ash Brook Swamp. greatest extent possible.
11.6 CONSERVATION PLANNING 7. Implement strategies that will protect the STRATEGIES degradation of steep slopes.
8. Protect all surface water bodies in Edison The following list constitutes the specific planning from measurable changes in water quality strategies that should be implemented, enabling characteristics. Because of their clarity, Edison to fulfill its goals and objectives for color, scenic setting, other characteristics of conservation and open space: aesthetic value, surface water of exceptional ecological significance, exceptional 1. Articulate environmental values through recreational significance, exceptional water ecologically responsible management and supply significance, or other exceptional environmental education programs. resource(s) should be protected.
2. Promote public awareness of environmental 9. Participate in the watershed planning and natural resource management and open process; develop strategies that will help space preservation efforts of Edison through protect critical watershed resources with full a variety of communicative methods, such beneficial uses for people and wildlife and as but not limited to: brochures, municipal coordinate land purchases with the goals of web site announcements, cable television, the watershed planning process to protect radio, notices in municipal bills and water quality and supply. publications, and informational meetings with community organizations. 10. Implement strategies to develop a framework for a watershed-based approach 3. Partner with government agencies and non- to stormwater & flood management related profit groups in acquiring open space. to both existing and future development of municipal land. 4. Develop a strategy that utilizes a variety of preservation methods and acquisition 11. Protect the resource and recreational value techniques. of wetlands in Edison through development regulations. 5. Continually provide the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 12. Protect vital ecological areas to prevent Green Acres program with an accurate significant adverse long-term impacts on the Recreation and Open Space Inventory natural functions of these sensitive areas.
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13. Promote recreational opportunities and easement purchases, density transfers and improve public access along the Raritan deed restriction programs at the State level River waterfront provided such access and or by other method deemed appropriate for development does not degrade the function the specific situation. and value of this natural resource system; restrict or limit development adjacent to 19. Encourage and provide incentive programs this environmentally sensitive area to to property owners who are willing to allow water-dependent uses and other uses public use of private recreational or open deemed compatible. space lands and facilities.
14. Maintain existing trees and plant new trees 20. Preserve and restore the functional integrity on public property, along public streets and of natural systems, including large rights-of-way through the implementation contiguous tracts of forest, wetlands, of sound planning and management grasslands and other natural land, to protect techniques, applying urban forestry biological diversity. principles. 21. Connect large contiguous tracts of forest, 15. Encourage the planting of new trees and grasslands and other natural lands with the maintenance/preservation of existing stream and river corridors by corridors and trees on private property by providing greenways so as to enhance their functional appropriate conditions, standards and integrity for biological diversity. procedures for the removal and replacement of trees and by implementing 22. Ensure coordination of planning efforts to tree planting requirements applicable support State and local resource-protection to development applications. efforts.
16. Protect scenic qualities of forested areas, 23. Identify and protect the habitats of resident stream corridors, topographic features and and migratory threatened and endangered vistas, and historic sites that are visible species. Manage the character, location and from public roads, trails and waterways magnitude of growth and development in from visually intrusive land uses. Preserve and adjacent to such habitats to avoid direct these qualities through setbacks and other or indirect negative impacts on threatened scenic corridor maintenance programs. or endangered species or their habitats.
17. Maintain stewardship of Edison’s 24. Support and facilitate efforts to create trails preserved open space lands; support and and greenways that can be developed sustain continued use of public open space between new and existing bicycle/ and recreational land. pedestrian trails or routes, parks, open space, nature trails, waterfronts, commercial 18. Promote and encourage the protection and centers, community facilities and residential enhancement of privately owned tracts of neighborhoods. open space, wetlands or forest lands, as well as privately-owned recreational facilities, as appropriate, through technical assistance,
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25. Encourage the provision of improved public access to public parks and open space where possible and appropriate, by establishing trails, scenic lookouts, pedestrian and bicycle connections, and parking areas.
26. It is recommended that the State Development and Redevelopment Plans Policy Map be updated to include additional local resources such as Thomas A. Edison County Park, Roosevelt County Park, Smith Farm, the Samek Donation and the Edith Stevens Memorial Wildlife Preserve.
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Water Resources Wetlands & Flood Hazard Areas
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Watershed Areas Map
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12.0 Farmland Preservation
he New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program the County. Farmland of statewide importance T is administered through the New Jersey does not quite meet the criteria for prime soils, but Department of Agriculture and its New Jersey State is still capable of yielding a decent amount of Agriculture Development Committee (SADC). produce. These soils are also generally found in Middlesex County has had an active Farmland the southern part of the County, adjacent to prime Preservation Program since September of 1985 soils. Edison contains few very small parcels of with the establishment of the Middlesex County land with prime and statewide importance soils. Agriculture Development Board (CADB). Municipalities have shown interest in the program Planning Areas by submitting proposals for large Agriculture Development Areas (ADAs), lands where the The New Jersey State Development and CADB has determined agriculture to be the Redevelopment Plan (SDRP) defined Planning preferred use. Areas throughout the state in order to provide a geographic guide for the application of SDRP While agriculture remains a $33 million industry policies. The majority of land in Edison has been for Middlesex County, Edison has little classified as Planning Area 1 – Metropolitan, with involvement in Farmland Preservation due largely only a small area designated as Area 5 – to the existing, established land development Environmentally Sensitive. Edison’s Planning patterns. Based on 2001 property tax information, Area 5 includes a Municipal Park. only seventy-one (71) acres or .31 percent of the total land area of Edison is devoted to farming. Priority Ranking From the years 1954 to 1997, Middlesex County saw its number of farms steadily decrease with new Incorporation of a Farmland Preservation Element residential, commercial and industrial in a municipal Master Plan is required to be eligible developments. While a significant acreage in the for State Planning Incentive Grants. The small southern municipalities has retained its agricultural parcels of land located in Edison have been ranked importance, northern areas including Edison have as Fifth Priority, according to its current production only a few producing farms remaining. status, dominant soil type, and planning area. While Middlesex County may endorse farmland Several circumstances have contributed to Edison’s preservation elements and seek to retain development and lack of land fit for preservation: consistency with regional planning, Edison’s Fifth Priority parcels do not contribute substantially to Agricultural Soils this cause.
There are two categories of soils that are of special importance for agriculture: prime soils and soils of statewide importance. As defined by the US Department of Agriculture, prime farmland has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce a substantial amount of crops using suitable farming techniques. These soils are generally found in the southern municipalities of
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13.0 Historic Preservation
dison has, in numerous instances, successfully initiative by community residents, the name was E intermingled its post-WWII residential changed from “Raritan Township” to “Edison neighborhoods, commercial corridors and industrial Township.” This was done to distinguish Edison facilities with its extensive historic resources. from other “Raritan Townships” in New Jersey, Neighborhoods such as Bonhamtown, Clara and to commemorate one of Edison’s most famous Barton, Menlo Park, Piscatawaytown, Stelton, New residents. Dover and Oak Tree continue to provide history, character and identity, and impart residents with a The following selected excerpts from the Official sense of community and a connection to the past. Edison Website (www.edisonnj.org) provide insight into Edison’s eventful past: “Those who Historic structures, sites and areas are abundant in find Edison's present eventful might not be too Edison, though they are widely scattered. Many of surprised to find its past equally rich in newsworthy the historic resources are isolated from each other, events. Edison, formerly known as Raritan and, regrettably, are contextually detached from Township, was first settled in the late 1600's, when their original settings. This is not to say, however, it was part of Woodbridge and Piscataway that there is no need to identify and preserve these townships and its first families included the historic resources. To the contrary, the spread-out Dunhams, Martins, Bonhams, Hulls and nature of these historic resources coupled with FitzRandolphs, to whom land grants were given. ever-mounting pressures for development makes their preservation all the more critical. “Many of these names live on in the community in the form of street names and section names. But 13.1 HISTORY people have lived in the Edison area since prehistoric times. Skull and bone fragments from Providing a background of Edison’s history the Stone Age have been discovered in the provides a reference for the area’s development Piscatawaytown area, and more recently, patterns, and provides insight regarding the arrowheads and cooking implements, ascribed to preservation of remaining historic resources. Indians living in the area, were found in an archeological dig in the Dismal Swamp. Incorporated originally as "Raritan Township" in March “Old Post Road, the earliest public road in eastern 1870, Edison was formed New Jersey, passes through Edison and is said to from parts of Woodbridge have been used by President George Washington as and Piscataway Townships. he traveled through the state on the way to his At the time of incorporation, inauguration in New York City in April 1789. A both the Boroughs of re-enactment of that journey took place in Edison Highland Park and Metuchen on April 13, 1989, during the celebration of the were within its boundaries. bicentennial of Washington's first inauguration. His By 1900, Metuchen had route was retraced, and special ceremonies were incorporated as a separate held at the historic St. James Church, Woodbridge Borough, and Highland Park Avenue. followed suit five years later. In 1954, following an “The Bonhamtown area of Edison, on the Old Post
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Road, is named after Nicholas Bonham, a along the Pennsylvania Railroad between New freeholder from 1682 to 1683. The hamlet is said to York and Philadelphia. The establishment of have been the site of an old Indian village and later Thomas Edison's industrial research laboratory - he a Continental Army camp and battleground during preferred calling it his "invention factory" - in 1876 the Revolution. Bonhamtown also served as the brought world fame to Edison as it became the site seat of justice for Middlesex and Somerset counties for some of the most innovative research and as early as 1683. By 1834, the village featured 10 manufacturing feats of the 19th century. While to 12 dwellings, two taverns, a store and a here, Edison invented more than 400 patented schoolhouse. items including the phonograph, the electric railway (which incidentally, ran along present day “Revolutionary War skirmishes took place in Middlesex Avenue) and the incandescent lamp. Bonhamtown, Oak Tree, Piscatawaytown and Christie Street, on which the Edison Memorial along Woodbridge Avenue. In fact, the St. James Tower now stands, was the first street to be Episcopal Church building served as a hospital for illuminated by incandescent lamps, and Mrs. wounded British soldiers during the war, and six Jordan's Boarding House, home to many of British soldiers killed in one of the area's Thomas Edison's workers, was the first residence skirmishes are buried in the cemetery at the church. so lighted. When Edison moved out of Menlo Park, On June 26, 1777 the American & British Armies the buildings fell into dilapidation, and the engaged in a battle from Oak Tree Road to Scotch Laboratory was even used as a chicken coop for a Plains, known as the Battle of Short Hills. while before it fell into a state of disrepair. The buildings were replicated by Henry Ford to his “Edison is also home to the second oldest Baptist Greenfield Village Museum, Dearborn, Michigan. Church in New Jersey and the 10th oldest in the nation. Stelton Baptist Church was formed in the “In 1937, the present Edison Memorial Tower was spring of 1689, and among its original members erected to commemorate the 10 years Thomas was the Stelle family, after whom the Stelton Edison spent at Menlo Park. In 1986, the Edison section of Edison is named. Through 1875, Historical Society erected 12 period street lamps however, the church was known as the First Baptist surrounding the tower to commemorate the Church of Piscataway. Present-day congregants illumination of Christie Street. The Edison celebrated the tercentennial of their church in year- Memorial Tower is located on the National long celebrations in 1989. Register of Historic Places.
“Edison grew in the second half of the 19th century “In 1954, a group of citizens proposed a change in as the attractiveness of the rural landscape became the name of the township, partially because of the more accessible with the opening of the confusion arising from the fact that several Pennsylvania Railroad and the Easton and Amboy municipalities in the state were named Raritan. The line. By the late 1800's, many residents commuted name the voters selected was Edison. This history to jobs in New York and other parts of New Jersey. of Edison, however, is more than a collection of facts and figures, chronologies of events and even a “One of the many passengers carried on the rich inventory of historic sites and buildings. It is a Pennsylvania line to Edison was Thomas Alva rich and varied legacy of the people groups, Edison, later to be known as the "Wizard of Menlo institutions and organizations that have helped Park". It is said that he chose the Menlo Park site form the community into what it is today.” for his laboratories because it was the highest point -David C. Sheehan, Edison Historian
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13.2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION ♦ Historically Significant Site: A site that is COMMISSION important, but may be altered to an extent that does not allow it to be named a On May 10, 2000, the Council established a “Landmark”. These sites will have markers Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in placed on the premises, but are not accordance with the provisions set forth in the governed by any ordinance. Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) at N.J.S.A. 40:55D-107 et seq. Additionally, the Land As of July 31, 2001, a total of fifty-seven (57) Development Ordinance was updated with potential landmarks and significant sites were standards for historic preservation to include: considered for placement in one of these two categories by the HPC. Ultimately, in accordance ♦Purpose statement with provisions set forth in the MLUL at N.J.S.A. ♦Definitions 40:55D-65.1, it will be the Council’s responsibility ♦HPC establishment to officially designate and regulate these historic ♦HPC duties sites and districts by Ordinance. Additionally, the ♦Historic landmark designation procedures Council will be responsible for adopting specific ♦Issuance of certificates of appropriateness design criteria and guidelines for development at ♦Regulated activities historic sites and districts. ♦Review standards and regulations ♦Violations Most recently, the HPC designated Stelton Baptist Church, 334 Plainfield Avenue and St. James The purpose of these historic preservation Episcopal Church, Woodbridge Avenue as local standards is to promote the educational, cultural, historic sites. The Stelton Baptist Church was the economic and general welfare of Edison through first site designated by HPC and the occasion was the preservation of historic buildings, places, sites, commemorated with a bronze plaque detailing the objects, and structures through the identification, church’s important contributions to Edison and development, restoration, and maintenance of New Jersey history. appropriate settings for such structures, which impart a distinct chronographic aspect of Edison The sites and districts also under consideration by and which serve as visible reminders of the the HPC are as follows: historical and cultural heritage of the Municipality, State and Nation.
The HPC has developed a preliminary list of sites recommended for historic designation, and has created two categories for identifying potentially historic significant sites and landmarks:
♦ Historic Landmark: Designated as historic by the Council and protected by law, pursuant to Section 17.86 of the Municipal Code.
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TABLE 13.2-1 HPC Potential Historic Resources POTENTIAL HISTORIC RESOURCE GENERAL LOCATION
1. Piscatawaytown Burial Ground Piscatawaytown 2. Piscatawaytown Commons Piscatawaytown 3. Old Town Hall Site Piscatawaytown (Now St.) 4. Old Town Hall Piscatawaytown (B. 264-G, L. 13-D) 5. Dunham House (Park Way) 6. Raritan Engine Co. #1 (1st Firehouse) Menlo Park (Route 27) 7. Piscatawaytown School Piscatawaytown (B. 345, L. 1-B)) 8. Martin House (Old Post Road) Piscatawaytown (30 Old Post Rd.) 9. Martin’s Dock Silver Lake Avenue/Raritan River 10. Player Avenue Theatrical City Player Avenue 11. Stelton School Stelton 12. Stelton Post Office Site Stelton 13. Stelton Train Station Stelton 14. Camp Kilmer Military Reservation Historic District Camp Kilmer (SHPO eligibility opinion rendered 8/11/87) 15. Smalley Burial Ground (Camp Kilmer) Camp Kilmer 16. Dunham Burial Ground (Baldwin Road) Baldwin Road 17. Dismal Swamp Talmadge Road 18. Woodbrook Farms (Park Avenue & Talmadge Park Avenue & Talmadge Road Road) 19. White Russian Settlement (Nevsky Street) Nevsky Street 20. Marconnier Chapel (Woodland Avenue) Woodland Avenue 21. Old Oak Tree Firehouse Oak Tree Road 22. Oak Tree Train Station Site Oak Tree Road near RR Bridge 23. Oak Tree School House (Marion Street) Marion Street 24. Oak Tree School (Oak Tree Road) Oak Tree Road 25. Martin House New Dover Road 26. New Dover United Methodist Church New Dover Road 27. Potters Crossing/Edler Park Grove Avenue
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POTENTIAL HISTORIC RESOURCE GENERAL LOCATION
28. John P. Stevens Estate Woodland Avenue 29. Robert T. Stevens Estate Woodland Avenue 30. The Lehigh Valley Railroad The Lehigh Valley Railroad 31. The Reading Railroad The Reading Railroad 32. The Pennsylvania Railroad The Pennsylvania Railroad 33 The Edison Copper Mine Coppermine Brook, near Paris Avenue 34. The Thomas and Mary Edison Home Lincoln Highway & Christie Street 35. Thomas Edison’s Laboratory Menlo Park 36. Menlo Park School (old schoolhouse) Menlo Park 37. Sarah Jordan Boarding House Site (Christie Street) Menlo Park 38. Thomas Edison’s Office Electric Railway Menlo Park 39. The Thomas Edison Electric Railway Menlo Park to Pumptown 40. Francis Upton’s House Menlo Park 41. Carmen’s Pond Rt. 27 & Dellwood Rd. Menlo Park 42. Clara Barton School Amboy Avenue. 43. The Amboy Avenue Trolley Amboy Avenue 44. Bloomfield Manor (Amboy Avenue) Amboy Avenue & Woodbridge Avenue 45. Yelenscics Homestead Woodbridge Avenue 46. Bonhamtown School Bonhamtown (2825 Woodbridge Avenue, B. 282, L. 6) 47. Bonhamtown Hotel Woodbridge Avenue (Victorian Manor) 48. Sand Hills School King George Post Road 49. Raritan Arsenal (Post HQ) Woodbridge Avenue 50. Raritan Arsenal Thomas A. Edison County Park (Thomas A. Edison County Park) 51. Lewis Nixon (Thomas A. Edison County Park) Thomas A. Edison County Park 52. The Lincoln Highway The Lincoln Highway 53. Light Dispelling Darkness Roosevelt Park 54. Roosevelt Care Center Roosevelt Park 55. John E. Toolan Kiddie Keep Well Camp Roosevelt Park 56. Roosevelt Park Roosevelt Park
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In addition to these sites provided by the Edison Historic Preservation Commission, consideration should be given to designating the following sites:
TABLE 13.2-2 Potential Historic Resources POTENTIAL HISTORIC RESOURCE GENERAL LOCATION 1. Our Lady of Peace Church (and school) Clara Barton (near Fords) 2. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Roman Catholic Bonhamtown (B. 281, L. 21) Church 3. Grace Reformed Church Bonhamtown (B. 282, L. 1) 4. Old Post Road Piscatawaytown/Bonhamtown 5. Menlo Park Veteran’s Memorial Home (SHPO eli- Menlo Park gibility opinion rendered 7/20/94) 6. E.G. Gough House – 18th Century Construction 2111 Woodbridge Avenue 7. Roosevelt Hospital Parsonage Road near Roosevelt Park—Clara Barton
13.3 STATE AND NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTERS The State of New Jersey has recognized and protected historic properties with a straightforward and effective law, the New Jersey Register of Historic Places Act, a statute that has been in effect since 1970. The law allows historic properties to be nominated and entered in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, which is maintained by the State Historic Preservation Office. Once a property is listed in the New Jersey Register, any public undertaking that would "encroach upon, damage or destroy" the registered historic property must by reviewed pursuant to this law and receive prior authorization from the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. Strictly private undertakings are not reviewable.
In 1966, prior to the New Jersey Act, the National Historic Preservation Act established a National Register of Historic Places to include significant districts, sites, structures, buildings, and objects of local, state, and national significance. The National Register is the Country’s official listing of the nation’s historic and cultural resources worthy of preservation. Given Edison’s rich history and numerous cultural amenities, said Act is of particular significance.
Edison has a rich history worthy of safeguarding, and National and State historic preservation laws are powerful tools that can be utilized by this well-established community. Properties eligible for inclusion include, not exclusively, buildings such as a house, barn or church; districts united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical developments; objects of functional, aesthetic, cultural or scientific value;
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The evaluation of properties involves an analysis of the significance of the proposed property in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture. Specifically, the site proposed for inclusion on the National Register must: (1) be associated with an historical event; (2) be associated with the lives of persons significant in the past; (3) embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or the work of a master, possess high artistic value, or represent a significant entity; or (4) have yielded or be likely to yield information important to prehistory or history.
Typically, under the National Register procedures, a state historic preservation officer (under advice of the local municipality) will nominate a site for inclusion on the national register. If the state board recommends approval of the nomination, the recommendation will be forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington D.C. Amendments to the Act in 1980 provide that a property will not be listed in the National Register if the owner objects. This Historic Preservation Element is not intended to be a summary of the Historic Preservation Act nor is it intended to outline the exact process that must be undertaken to declare a property on the National Register of Historic Places. Rather, it is intended to provide general information on the designation criteria and process, and to promote awareness of, and encourage the preservation of the unique history and character of Edison.
Several properties in Edison are identified on both the State and Federal Registers Historic Places. Those properties are as follows:
TABLE 13.3-1 Properties on the State and Federal Registers of Historic Places
HISTORIC RESOURCE LOCATION NATIONAL STATE REGISTER DATE REGISTER DATE Thomas A. Edison Memorial Tower Christie Street 11/30/79 10/9/79 (1937) Benjamin Shotwell House (1775) 26 Runyon’s Lane 6/4/87 4/28/87
Laing House of Plainfield Plantation 1707 Woodland Avenue 10/27/88 3/23/88 (18th c.) Homestead Farm at Oak Ridge Featherbed Lane (Oak Ridge 10/95 Golf Course) Roosevelt Care Center Parsonage Road 3/05/2002 1/09/2002 (Roosevelt Hospital)
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Additionally, the 1985 Supplement to the Middlesex County Inventory of Historic, Cultural and Architectural Resources identifies properties in Edison that may be eligible for the National or State Registers. These properties are as follows:
TABLE 13.3-2 Sites Eligible for National Register
HISTORIC RESOURCE LOCATION St. James Episcopal Church 2136 Woodbridge Avenue Mundy House 4001 Park Avenue Martin House 30 Old Post Road Bonhamtown School 2825 Woodbridge Avenue VanBuskirk House Unknown
TABLE 13.3-3 Sites Eligible for State Register
HISTORIC RESOURCE LOCATION Site of Oak Tree Engagement – 1777 Battle of Short Hills Oak Tree Road & New Dover Road Short Hills Battlefield North of Oak Tree Road, West of Tingley Lane, east of Woodland Avenue
Recommendations
1. Certified Local Government Status– In order to better preserve and protect the historic and cultural resources within Edison, it is recommended that the municipality pursue designation as a Certified Local Government. Achieving this designation will afford the HPC opportunities to receive grants for additional historic studies and preservation efforts. To participate, Edison must be certified by the State Historic Preservation Officer as meeting State and Federal program requirements for the designation and protection of historic properties and districts in the municipality.
2. Historic Resource Identification - It is recommended that the HPC make official recommendations regarding the designation of historic sites to the Municipal Council. Progress has already been made in this direction based on the foregoing list of sites under consideration. Criteria already incorporated into Edison’s land development ordinance can be invoked to evaluate the merits of designation. Sites worthy of designation include those:
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♦ That are associated with the events that Additionally, identification of historic properties have made a significant contribution to the and districts involves the process of architectural broad patterns of the municipality’s history; survey, evaluation and treatment. The NJ State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recently ♦ That are associated with the lives of persons issued detailed guidelines for architectural survey. significant in the municipality’s past; Through these and other publications and information resources, the SHPO provides ♦ That embody distinctive characteristics or a guidance and assistance for anyone undertaking type, period, or other method of such identification efforts in New Jersey. It is construction; that represent the work of a recommended that the HPC consult these master; that possess high artistic values; or guidelines when refining the list of historically that represent a significant and significant sites and historic landmarks. distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; Following the HPC’s formal recommendations, the Municipal Council can officially designate and ♦ That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, regulate these historic sites and districts by information important to prehistory or Ordinance. Additionally, the Municipal Council history; should adopt specific design criteria and guidelines for development at historic sites and districts. The ♦ That are otherwise of particular historic Planning Board has the statutory responsibility to significance to the Township of Edison by make recommendations regarding the designation reflecting or exemplifying the broad of historic sites when reviewing any future historic cultural, political, economic, or social preservation ordinance. history of the nation, state, region or community. 3. Standards for Architectural Review – The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Consideration should be given to the delineation of Treatment of Historic Properties offers basic specific historic districts in Edison. Based on the historic preservation guidance for identifying, prevalence and concentration of historic landmarks retaining, and preserving the form and details of and sites in certain defined areas, The municipality historic properties. These standards emphasize may wish to create unique historic zones (with maintaining and protecting, repairing, and distinct use and bulk requirements), or historic finally replacing only when maintenance or “overlay” districts that promote historic resource repairs are not feasible or cost-effective. The preservation. Areas that may qualify as historic Standards also include guidance for replicating districts include sections of Piscatawaytown, Clara or reconstructing missing elements and adding Barton and Bonhamtown. In fact, large sections of to or altering historic properties. Edison’s LDO Clara Barton and Piscatawaytown contain housing should be updated to incorporate updated stock with a median age exceeding fifty (50) years, definitions of “preservation” and as does an area located between Gaskill Avenue, “rehabilitation” as set forth in these standards. Knapp Avenue, Suttons Lane and Route 27. The These Standards for the Treatment of Historic neighborhood proximate to the Edison Train Properties are as follows: Station contains concentrations of older homes that may be worthy of preservation in the form of a district.
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Preservation Standards be retained and preserved.
“Preservation” is defined as the act or process of ♦ Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and applying measures necessary to sustain the existing construction techniques or examples of form, integrity, and materials of a historic property. craftsmanship that characterize a property Work, including preliminary measures to protect will be preserved. and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic ♦ The existing condition of historic features materials and features rather than extensive will be evaluated to determine the replacement and new construction. New exterior appropriate level of intervention needed. additions are not within the scope of this treatment; When the severity of deterioration requires however, the limited and sensitive upgrading of repair or limited replacement of a distinctive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and feature, the new material will match the old other code-required work to make properties in composition, design, color, and texture. functional is appropriate within a preservation project. ♦ Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the ♦ A property will be used as it was gentlest means possible. Treatments that historically, or be given a new use that cause damage to historic materials will not maximizes the retention of distinctive be used. materials, features, spaces, and spatial relationships. Where a treatment and use ♦ Archeological resources will be protected have not been identified, a property will be and preserved in place. If such resources protected and, if necessary, stabilized until must be disturbed, mitigation measures will additional work may be undertaken. be undertaken.
♦ The historic character of a property will be Rehabilitation Standards retained and preserved. The replacement of intact or repairable historic materials or “Rehabilitation” is defined as the act or process of alteration of features, spaces, and spatial making possible a compatible use for a property relationships that characterize a property through repair, alterations, and additions while will be avoided. preserving those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values. ♦ Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. ♦ A property will be used as it was Work needed to stabilize, consolidate, and historically or be given a new use that conserve existing historic materials and requires minimal change to its distinctive features will be physically and visually materials, features, spaces, and spatial compatible, identifiable upon close relationships. inspection, and properly documented for future research. ♦ The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of ♦ Changes to a property that have acquired distinctive materials or alteration of historic significance in their own right will features, spaces, and spatial relationships
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that characterize a property will be The new work will be differentiated from avoided. the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and ♦ Each property will be recognized as a proportion, and massing to protect the physical record of its time, place, and use. integrity of the property and its Changes that create a false sense of environment. historical development, such as adding conjectural features or elements from other ♦ New additions and adjacent or related new historic properties, will not be undertaken. construction will be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the ♦ Changes to a property that have acquired essential form and integrity of the historic historic significance in their own right will property and its environment would be be retained and preserved. unimpaired.
♦ Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and Restoration Standards construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property “Restoration” means the act or process of will be preserved. accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular ♦ Deteriorated historic features will be period of time by means of the removal of features repaired rather than replaced. Where the from other periods in its history and reconstruction severity of deterioration requires of missing features from the restoration period. replacement of a distinctive feature, the new The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, feature will match the old in design, color, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code- texture, and, where possible, materials. required work to make properties functional is Replacement of missing features will be appropriate within a restoration project. substantiated by documentary and physical evidence. ♦ A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that ♦ Chemical or physical treatments, if reflects the property’s restoration period. appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that ♦ Materials and features from the restoration cause damage to historic materials will not period will be retained and preserved. The be used. removal of materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial relationships ♦ Archeological resources will be protected that characterize the period will not be and preserved in place. If such resources undertaken. must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken. ♦ Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. ♦ New additions, exterior alterations, or Work needed to stabilize, consolidate and related new construction will not destroy conserve materials and features from the historic materials, features, and spatial restoration period will be physically and relationships that characterize the property. visually compatible, identifiable upon close
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inspection, and properly documented for Reconstruction Standards future research. “Reconstruction” means the act or process of ♦ Materials, features, spaces, and finishes that depicting, by means of new construction, the form, characterize other historical periods will be features, and detailing of a non-surviving site, documented prior to their alteration or landscape, building, structure, or object for the removal. purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location. ♦ Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of ♦ Reconstruction will be used to depict craftsmanship that characterize the vanished or non-surviving portions of a restoration period will be preserved. property when documentary and physical evidence is available to permit accurate ♦ Deteriorated features from the restoration reconstruction with minimal conjecture, and period will be repaired rather than replaced. such reconstruction is essential to the public Where the severity of deterioration requires understanding of the property. replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, ♦ Reconstruction of landscape, building, texture, and, where possible, materials. structure, or object in its historic location will be preceded by a thorough ♦ Replacement of missing features from the archeological investigation to identify and restoration period will be substantiated by evaluate those features and artifacts that are documentary and physical evidence. A false essential to an accurate reconstruction. If sense of history will not be created by such resources must be disturbed, mitigation adding conjectural features, features from measures will be undertaken. other properties, or by combining features that never existed together historically. ♦ Reconstruction will include measures to preserve any remaining historic materials, ♦ Chemical or physical treatments, if features, and spatial relationships. appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that ♦ Reconstruction will be based on the cause damage to historic materials will not accurate duplication of historic features and be used. elements substantiated by documentary or physical evidence rather than on conjectural ♦ Archeological resources affected by the designs or the availability of different project will be protected and preserved in features from other historic properties. A place. If such resources must be disturbed, reconstructed property will re-create the mitigation measure will be undertaken. appearance of the non-surviving historic property in materials, design, color, and ♦ Designs that were never executed texture. historically will not be constructed. ♦ A reconstruction will be clearly identified as a contemporary re-creation.
♦ Designs that were never executed historically will not be constructed.
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he Municipal Land Use Law requires that all Land in East Brunswick closest to Edison has an T municipal master plans include a specific Industrial-Manufacturing land use classification, policy statement indicating the relationship of the and is home to the Edgeboro solid waste and proposed development of the municipality, as landfill facility. The recommendations in this developed in the master plan to (1) the master plans Master Plan for development of a seaport village of contiguous municipalities, (2) the master plan of along the Raritan River may be inconsistent with the county in which the municipality is located, (3) East Brunswick’s Industrial-Manufacturing zoning. the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, This Master Plan recommends conserving much of and (4) the district solid waste management plan of Planning District 5 closest to East Brunswick that is the county in which the municipality is located. vacant, publicly owned, the site of several landfills, The intent is to coordinate local planning policies and encumbered by severe wetlands and flood plain with regional priorities and interests, and to lessen regulations. This recommended use would not be potential inconsistencies. consistent with the present zoning in East Brunswick. Edison endorses Middlesex County’s Contiguous Municipalities plan to make the northerly banks of the Raritan River accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists for Clark recreational purposes.
The Township of Clark, which is located within Highland Park Union County, adjoins Edison at its northerly border in Planning District 1. The common The Borough of Highland Park borders Edison at municipal border traverses the Ashbrook its southwestern corner in Planning Districts 3 and Reservation tract and the Oak Ridge Golf Course, 4. Major thoroughfares such as Route 27, and is adjacent to developed residential lots along Woodbridge Avenue and Kilmer Road (Cedar Sheryl Drive and Oxford Road in Edison and along Lane), as well as numerous local roadways, provide Willow Way in Clark. A recreational facility functional connections between the two operated by Clark is also at the municipal border. municipalities. The sole roadway connection between the two Townships is Featherbed Lane. Edison zoning Much of the land in Edison adjacent to Highland classifications are residential, while Clark sets forth Park is fully developed with residential uses. both residential (R-150) and Public (P) zoning Often, based on the seamless qualities of these classifications. Edison’s zoning and land use neighborhoods, it is difficult to decipher where policies are consistent with adjacent development Edison ends and where the Borough begins. patterns in Clark. Commercial uses in the Edison along Route 27 and Woodbridge Avenue abut similar uses in Highland East Brunswick Park. A utility facility with some undeveloped areas is located adjacent to Highland Park along The Township of East Brunswick is located to the Kilmer Road. Additionally, a large section of the southwest of Planning District 5 in Edison, and is Kilmer Woods (Rutgers Environmental Preserve) separated from Edison by the Raritan River near conservation area stewarded by Rutgers University the junction of the South River. No existing or crosses the common municipal boundary. proposed roadways connect the two municipalities.
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No substantial changes to existing land use or Properties in Planning District 4 are separated and circulation policies are proposed adjacent to isolated from Metuchen by Route 287. The only Highland Park Borough. It is projected that roadways that connect Edison to Metuchen in this whatever undeveloped land within Edison that is area are Route 27, Main Street and Whitman adjacent to the Borough will develop in accordance Avenue. Edison’s zoning and land use policies in with existing zoning. Further, a review of this area are consistent with development in Highland Park’s master plan and zoning regulations Metuchen. shows substantial consistency with Edison’s planning policies. A small section of Planning District 5 is located to the southeast of Metuchen. Local roadways such as Metuchen Orchard Street and Marsh Avenue connect the two municipalities. Residential land uses are The Borough of Metuchen is encircled by Edison. predominant in this area. This Master Plan Land adjacent to the common municipal border is endorses the County’s rails-to-trails Middlesex mostly developed. Planning Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5 Greenway project, which would provide an are adjacent to Metuchen. improved bicycle path between Edison and Metuchen along the abandoned Lehigh Valley Planning District 2 is located to the northeast of Railroad. Metuchen. Primary roadways that connect Edison and Metuchen in this area include Route 27, New Brunswick Amboy Avenue, Grandview/Woodbridge Avenue, and Grove Avenue. Residential land uses are The City of New Brunswick is located to the predominant along this municipal border, though southwest of Planning Districts 4 and 5 in Edison, limited commercial areas are located along Route and is separated from Edison by the Raritan River. 27 and Amboy Avenue. A section of a utility Two major highways, the New Jersey Turnpike (I- easement traverses Metuchen. It is recommended 95) and Route 1, provide roadway connections that both municipalities investigate the feasibility between the two municipalities. of utilizing this easement as a regional bikeway. Edison’s zoning and land use policies in this area Land uses in New Brunswick near the southerly are consistent with development in Metuchen. banks of the Raritan range from residential (R-2 Single-Family, R-6 Multi-Family) to highway- Planning District 3 is located to the northwest and oriented commercial in the C-5 Zone. The west of the Metuchen border. Primary roadways expansive Loew’s multiplex theater and other that connect Edison and Metuchen in this area planned commercial development recently replaced include Grove Avenue and Plainfield Avenue/ the U.S. Route 1 Flea Market near the Edison Central Avenue. Again, residential land uses are border, and access to this site is provided via Route predominant in this area of Edison. A section of 1 southbound directly from Edison. Land directly the environmentally sensitive Dismal Swamp abutting the Raritan River is located in the New adjoins Metuchen in this area, as does an Brunswick’s Recreation/Open Space/Preservation/ unimproved section of the multifamily Durham Conservation (ROPC) land use district. Woods development. Edison’s zoning and land use policies in this area are consistent with Edison’s zone plan sets forth a combination of development in Metuchen. residential (RB Residential and LR Multifamily Residential) and industrial (LI) land use
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CONSISTENCY REVIEW classifications in the areas closest to New South River. No existing or proposed roadways Brunswick along the Raritan River. Steep slopes connect the two municipalities. Land in Sayreville and some unimproved wooded areas directly abut closest to Edison is mostly non-residential zoning the river, as does a small commercial marina. classifications including Marine Waterfront (MW), Environmentally sensitive areas with severe Prime (P) and Industrial (I), as well as residential development constraints are situated on the easterly zone classifications (R-7). Sayreville’s zone side of the NJ Turnpike in Edison. Zoning that classifications are consistent with Edison’s nearby encourages highway-oriented establishments (GB- Light Industry (LI) Zone along the banks of the H) is situated along Route 1 on the northerly side of Raritan River. It is noted that much of Planning the river. Edison’s master plan policies are District 5 closest to Sayreville is vacant, publicly consistent with nearby development in New owned, and encumbered by severe wetland and Brunswick. flood plain regulations. The environmental sensitivity of this area places severe constraints on Piscataway potential development. Edison endorses Middlesex County’s plan to make the northerly banks of the Piscataway Township borders Edison at its Raritan River accessible to pedestrians and westernmost section in Planning District 3. County bicyclists for recreational purposes. This would be Route 529 (Stelton Road/Plainfield Avenue), inconsistent with industrial zoning in Sayreville. Suttons Lane, Ethel Road and New Durham Road provide links between the two municipalities. Scotch Plains
Areas southwest of Route 529 adjacent to The Township of Scotch Plains, which is located Piscataway are primarily facilities operated by within Union County, adjoins Edison at its Rutgers University, or lands devoted to Camp northerly border in Planning District 1. The Kilmer. These areas are in Edison’s Light Industry common municipal border is not well defined by (LI) Zone District, a designation that is specific roadways, property lines, or other substantially consistent with the adjoining geographic or topographic features. Developed Education (E) and Light Industrial (LI-I) Zoning residential neighborhoods traverse the municipal Districts in Piscataway. The Edison Historic border, as does a portion of Union County’s Preservation Commission has expressed interest in Ashbrook Reservation. Rahway Road and Old identifying Camp Kilmer as either a historic Raritan Road provide the only roadway landmark or as a historically significant site. Lands connections between the two municipalities. northeast of Route 529 in Edison extending to New Zoning classifications both in Edison and Scotch Durham Road are fully developed and almost Plains are residential in this area. Edison’s zoning exclusively devoted to single-family and and land use policies in are consistent with multifamily residential uses, a development pattern development patterns in Scotch Plains. that is consistent with the adjoining land uses and zoning in Piscataway. South Plainfield
Sayreville The Borough of South Plainfield adjoins Edison at its westerly border in Planning Districts 1 and 3. The Borough of Sayreville is located to the south of The municipal border is well defined by the Planning District 5 in Edison and is separated from centerline of Woodland Avenue in the extreme Edison by the Raritan River near the mouth of the northwestern section of Edison. The distinction
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CONSISTENCY REVIEW between the municipalities is not as readily South Plainfield along the Lehigh Valley railroad. identifiable by a roadway or other physical feature south of Oak Tree Road, as this area primarily Woodbridge consists of the Dismal Swamp, industrial areas and some residential neighborhoods. There is industrial The Township of Woodbridge abuts the entire development in South Plainfield along the border eastern boundary of Edison in Planning Districts 1, from Metuchen Road to Oak Tree Road that is 2 and 5. inconsistent with existing residential development in Edison. Some of these industrial businesses Planning District 1 is located adjacent to the have been fined as a result of complaints received Colonia and Iselin sections of Woodbridge, with by Edison residents. the municipal boundary following the centerline of Wood Avenue. Primary roadway connectors Notable thoroughfares that provide circulation between the two municipalities include Inman connections between the two municipalities include Avenue, New Dover Road and Oak Tree Road. Old Raritan Road, Oak Tree Road, Park Avenue, Planning District 1 is entirely developed adjacent to Coolidge Street and New Durham Road. Woodbridge with residential neighborhoods in Additionally, Interstate Route 287 connects the two Edison’s Residential (R-BB) Zone, and includes municipalities, with interchanges 3 and 4 in the commercial areas in the Office Service (O-S) Zone vicinity of the municipal border. Active and along Oak Tree Road. These land uses and zone inactive Conrail railroad spurs also link the two classifications are consistent with land use patterns municipalities. The Borough of South Plainfield and policies in proximate areas of Woodbridge. has also proposed extending Helen Street through the Dismal Swamp which is inconsistent with Planning District 2 is located adjacent to the Iselin recommendations in the Conservation Element of and Fords sections of Woodbridge. Primary this Master Plan to conserve wetlands, particularly roadway connectors between the two municipalities in the Dismal Swamp area. include Oak Tree Road, Route 27, Thornall Street, Route 1, Amboy Avenue and Woodbridge Avenue. Edison’s zone plan sets forth primarily residential Planning District 2 is largely developed at the zoning classifications along the common municipal municipal boundary with a range of land uses, and border. Development in Planning Districts 1 and 3 vacant, developable land is scarce. Numerous adjacent to South Plainfield is projected to be residential and non-residential zones abut the consistent with Edison’s zone plan. Areas in adjacent areas of Woodbridge. Policy initiatives Planning District 1 on the east side of Woodland include the acquisition of additional open space Avenue are zoned for lower density residential areas near Menlo Park Terrace. Edison’s zoning development than proximate neighborhoods in and land use policies in this area are consistent with South Plainfield. Certain vacant lands generally adjacent areas of Woodbridge Township. situated between New York Boulevard and Michele Circle along the common municipal border in Planning District 5 is located adjacent to the Planning District 3 have been identified as Keasbey and Fords sections of Woodbridge south appropriate parcels for open space acquisition for of the former Lehigh Valley Railroad. Primary annexation to the Dismal Swamp open space. The roadway connectors between the two municipalities Master Plan endorses the County’s rails-to-trails include Woodbridge Avenue, King Georges Post Middlesex Greenway project, which would provide Road and Industrial Highway. Edison’s zoning an improved bicycle path between Edison and along the common municipal border includes the
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Light Industry (LI) and the Research/Office/Lab growth management goals. The County has also (ROL) districts, and development within these authored a Transportation Plan (May 1999) and a districts reflects these zoning designations. Much Bicycling Guide (September 2001). It is a of Woodbridge’s zoning and land development specifically stated goal in the Bicycle and patterns echo those of Edison, the sole exception Pedestrian Circulation Plan of this Master Plan that being a multifamily residential development to the Edison will support the efforts of Middlesex east of King Georges Post Road. Areas south of County in developing the Middlesex County Industrial Highway in Woodbridge are situated Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan. within a designated redevelopment area, and an adopted redevelopment plan encourages heavy Other plans prepared by the County include the industrial uses. This largely vacant redevelopment Open Space and Recreation Plan (October 10, area in Woodbridge is located adjacent to 1995) and the Lower Raritan-Middlesex County undeveloped areas of Edison extending to the Water Quality Management Plan (May 1998). The Raritan River that were formerly part of the Raritan Conservation Element of this Master Plan is Arsenal. Current industrial development plans as consistent with and specifically supports the well as underlying zoning for this adjacent area of preservation of environmentally sensitive property Woodbridge are not consistent with the as articulated in the County Open Space and recommendations in this Master Plan. Edison’s Recreation Plan. master plan supports development of this area with a seaport village including a variety of housing While the County does not have a current types, including senior housing, and an assortment Comprehensive Master Plan in place, this Master of commercial and mixed-uses, not industrial uses. Plan is substantially consistent with, and in many Though sections of this undeveloped area are cases directly in support of many of the policies encumbered by wetland regulations, flood hazard and recommendations contained in the various areas and other potential environmental liabilities, County planning documents. Edison seeks to create a vibrant community at the Raritan waterfront, and supports policies that District Solid Waste and Recycling Plan reestablish the visual and functional relationship to the river. Edison maintains a Division of Recycling and a recycling center on Meadow Road. Said facility Middlesex County Master Plan recycles materials such as newspapers, junk mail, magazines, bottles, cans and glass, cardboard and Middlesex County has not prepared a full motor oil. In addition, the Edison sanitation Comprehensive Master Plan update since 1970 and department is responsible for curbside pick-up of has not recently authored a future land use plan. trees and leaves. The County does, however, engage in strategic planning by focusing on a particular issue and Edison’s municipal programs are consistent with preparing a plan to address same. More the policies and principles of the Middlesex County specifically, in recent years the County has Division of Solid Waste Management. The County published several Growth Management Plans (June holds a household hazardous waste drop off event 1990, July 1992 and December 1995), which are in Edison at Middlesex County College. specifically addressed in the Future Land Use Plan of this document. This Master Plan is consistent with and proactively supports many of the County
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State Development and Redevelopment Plan cooperative regional planning efforts. Promote diversification of land uses, In 1985, the New Jersey State Legislature adopted including housing where appropriate, in the State Planning Act, which articulated the need single-use developments and enhance for sound and integrated statewide planning. On their linkages to the rest of the March 1, 2001, the State Planning Commission community. Ensure efficient and (SPC) adopted the new State Development and beneficial utilization of scarce land Redevelopment Plan (SDRP). The plan approved resources throughout the Planning Area by the Commission supersedes the document that to strengthen its existing diversified and had been in place since June 12, 1992. Municipal compact nature. compliance with the SDRP is strongly encouraged. The SDRP may be used as guide for municipal, (2) Housing: Provide a full range of county and regional planning, State agency housing choices through redevelopment, functional planning and infrastructure investment new construction, rehabilitation, decisions. Broad statewide policies are articulated adaptive reuse of non-residential in the SDRP, which also includes a policy map for buildings, and the introduction of new a range of “Planning Areas.” housing into appropriate non-residential settings. Preserve the existing housing Planning Areas stock through maintenance, rehabilitation and flexible regulation. Edison comprises two planning areas as set forth by the SDRP’s Middlesex County Policy Map. The (3) Economic Development: Promote majority of Edison is located in the Metropolitan economic development by encouraging Planning Area (PA-1), with limited areas located in strategic land assembly, site preparation the Environmentally Sensitive Planning Area (PA- and infill development, public/private 5) at the Dismal Swamp and proximate to the partnerships and infrastructure Raritan River. improvements that support an identified role for the community within the As the most “urban” planning area included in the regional marketplace. Encourage job SDRP, the PA-1 seeks to provide for much of the training and other incentives to retain state’s future redevelopment, revitalize cities and and attract businesses. Encourage towns, promote growth in compact forms, stabilize private sector investment through older suburbs, redesign areas of sprawl, and protect supportive government regulations, the character of existing stable communities. policies, and programs, including tax Policies included in all elements of the Master Plan policies and expedited review of advance the SDRP relative to the intent of the PA- proposals that support appropriate 1. Moreover, the Edison Master plan supports and redevelopment. furthers the following policy objectives set forth for the PA-1: (4) Transportation: Maintain and enhance a transportation system that capitalizes (1) Land Use: Promote redevelopment and on high-density settlement patterns by development in Cores and encouraging the use of public transit Neighborhoods of Centers and in Nodes systems, walking, and alternative modes that have been identified through of transportation to reduce automobile
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dependency, link Centers and Nodes, through redevelopment and reclamation and create opportunities for transit projects. oriented redevelopment. Facilitate efficient goods movement through (8) R e d e v e l o p m e n t : Encourage strategic investments and intermodal redevelopment at intensities sufficient to linkages. Preserve and stabilize general support transit, a broad range of uses aviation airports and, where appropriate, and efficient use of infrastructure. encourage community economic Promote design that enhances public development and promote safety, encourages pedestrian activity complementary uses for airport property and reduces dependency on the such as business centers. automobile.
(5) Natural Resource Conservation: (9) Historic Preservation: Encourage the Reclaim environmentally damaged sites preservation and adaptive reuse of and mitigate future negative impacts, historic or significant buildings, Historic particularly to waterfronts, scenic vistas, and Cultural Sites, neighborhoods and wildlife habitats and to Critical districts in ways that will not Environmental Sites and Historic and compromise either the historic resource Cultural Sites. Give special emphasis to or the area’s ability to redevelop. improving air quality. Use open space to Coordinate historic preservation with reinforce neighborhood and community tourism efforts. identity, and protect natural linear systems, including regional systems that (10) Public Facilities and Services: link to other Planning Areas. Complete, repair or replace existing infrastructure systems to eliminate (6) Agriculture: Use development and deficiencies and provide capacity for redevelopment opportunities wherever sustainable development and appropriate and economically feasible to redevelopment in the region. Encourage meet the needs of the agricultural the concentration of public facilities and industry for intensive agricultural services in Centers and Cores. production, packaging and processing, adding value operations, marketing, (11) Intergovernmental Coordination: exporting and other shipping. Provide Regionalize as many public services as opportunities for farms, greenhouses, feasible and economical to enhance the farmers markets and community cost-effective delivery of those services. gardens. Establish multi-jurisdictional policy and planning entities to guide the efforts of (7) Recreation: Provide maximum active State, county and municipal and passive recreational opportunities governments to ensure compatible and and facilities at the neighborhood, local coordinated redevelopment. and regional levels by concentrating on the maintenance and rehabilitation of In the Environmentally Sensitive Planning Area existing parks and open space while (PA-5), the SDRP’s intention is to protect expanding and linking the system environmental resources through the protection of
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CONSISTENCY REVIEW large contiguous areas of land, accommodate Focus multi-family and higher-density, growth in Centers, protect the character of existing single-family housing in Centers. Any stable communities, confine programmed sewers housing in the Environs should be and public water services to Centers, and revitalize planned and located to maintain or cities and towns. Edison’s Master Plan seeks to enhance the cultural and scenic qualities further the intent of SDRP in the areas of Edison and with minimum impacts on such as the Dismal Swamp and the Raritan River environmental resources. watershed and estuary that contain sensitive environmental resources and critical areas, and (3) Economic Development: Support supports the following policy objectives articulated appropriate recreational and natural for the PA-5: resource-based activities in the Environs and locate economic development (1) Land Use: Protect natural systems and opportunities that are responsive to the environmentally sensitive features by needs of the surrounding region and the guiding development and travel and tourism industry in Centers. redevelopment into Centers and Any economic development in the establishing Center Boundaries and Environs should be planned and located buffers and greenbelts around these to maintain or enhance the cultural and boundaries. Maintain open space scenic qualities and with minimum networks, critical habitat and large impacts on environmental resources. contiguous tracts of land in the Environs by a variety of land use techniques. (4) Transportation: Maintain and enhance Development and redevelopment should a transportation system that protects the use creative land use and design Environs from scattered and piecemeal techniques to ensure that it does not development and links Centers to each exceed the capacity of natural and other within and between Planning infrastructure systems and protects areas Areas. Encourage alternatives to the where public investments in open land single-occupancy vehicle whenever preservation have been made. feasible. Accommodate the seasonal Development and redevelopment in the demands of travel and tourism that Environs should maintain and enhance support recreational and natural the natural resources and character of resource-based activities. In Centers the area. emphasize the use of public transportation systems and alternatives (2) Housing: Provide for a full range of to private cars where appropriate and housing choices primarily in Centers at feasible and maximize circulation and appropriate densities to accommodate mobility options throughout. projected growth. Ensure that housing in general — and in particular affordable, (5) Natural Resource Conservation: senior citizen, special needs and family Protect and preserve large, contiguous housing — is developed with access to a tracts and corridors of recreation, forest range of commercial, cultural, or other open space land that protects educational, recreational, health and natural systems and sensitive natural transportation services and facilities. resources, including endangered species,
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ground and surface water resources, potential to become Centers or in ways wetland systems, natural landscapes of that support Center-based development exceptional value, critical slope areas, to accommodate growth that would scenic vistas and other significant otherwise occur in the Environs. environmentally sensitive features. Redevelop with intensities sufficient to support transit, a range of uses broad (6) Agriculture: Promote agricultural enough to encourage activity beyond the practices that prevent or minimize traditional workday, efficient use of conflicts with sensitive environmental infrastructure, and physical design resources. Guide development to ensure features that enhance public safety, the viability of agriculture and the encourage pedestrian activity and retention of farmland in agricultural reduce dependency on the automobile to areas. Encourage farmland retention and attract growth otherwise planned for the minimize conflicts between agricultural Environs. practices and the location of Centers. Ensure the availability of adequate (9) Historic Preservation: Encourage the water resources and large, contiguous preservation and adaptive reuse of tracts of land with minimal land use historic or significant buildings, Historic conflicts. Actively promote more and Cultural Sites, neighborhoods and intensive, new-crop agricultural districts in ways that will not enterprises and meet the needs of the compromise either the historic resource agricultural industry for intensive or the ability for a Center to develop or packaging, processing, value-added redevelop. Outside Centers, coordinate operations, marketing, exporting and historic preservation needs with open other shipping through development and space preservation efforts. Coordinate redevelopment. historic preservation with tourism efforts. (7) Recreation: Provide maximum active and passive recreational and tourism (10) Public Facilities and Services: Phase opportunities at the neighborhood and and program for construction as part of local levels by targeting the acquisitions a dedicated capital improvement budget and development of neighborhood and or as part of a public/private municipal parkland within Centers. development agreement the extension or Provide regional recreation and tourism establishment of public facilities and opportunities by targeting parkland services, particularly wastewater acquisitions and improvements that systems, to establish adequate levels of enhance large contiguous open space capital facilities and services to support systems. Ensure meaningful access to Centers; to protect large contiguous public lands. areas of environmentally sensitive features and other open spaces; to (8) R e d e v e l o p m e n t : Encourage protect public investments in open space environmentally appropriate preservation programs; and to minimize redevelopment in existing Centers and conflicts between Centers and the existing developed areas that have the Environs. Encourage private
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investments and facilitate public/private 5. They are summarized as follows: partnerships to provide adequate facilities and services, particularly ♦ Lands east of Woodland Avenue, north of wastewater systems, in Centers. Make Oak Tree Road and west of the Conrail community wastewater treatment a freight line. This area includes preserved feasible and cost-effective alternative. woodlands and agricultural lands, and is home to the Edith Stevens Memorial (11) Intergovernmental Coordination: Wildlife Preserve, the Samek Donation, the Coordinate efforts of State agencies, Smith Farm and the Petti Farm. county and municipal governments to ensure that State and local policies and ♦ Preserved woodlands and stream corridors programs support environmental associated with the Beaver Crossing protection by examining the effects of development. financial institution lending practices, government regulation, taxation and ♦ Wooded sections of the Ashbrook other governmental policies and Reservation. programs. ♦ Vacant land on the north side of Inman Critical Environmental Sites Avenue opposite the Inman Grove commercial center. Critical Environmental Sites (CES) identified in the SDRP are used to help organize planning for new ♦ Wetland areas on an island in the Raritan development by singling out the elements of natural River located between Edison and systems, small areas of habitat and other features Sayreville. that should continue to be expressed in the future landscape through protection and restoration. The Master Plan intends to promote the policies of Features associated with a CES include aquifer the SDRP relating to Critical Environmental Sites recharge areas, public water supply reservoirs, through open space acquisition and via the creation shorelines, critical slope areas, coastal wetlands and of greenway links. freshwater wetlands, ponds, staging areas for migratory species, stream corridors, wildlife Parks and Natural Areas corridors and prime forested areas. Designating an area as a CES means that the site is of local, One of the goals of the SDRP is to preserve and regional, or statewide significance, and that its enhance areas with historic, cultural, scenic, open protection and enhancement is of primary space and recreational value. The SDRP uses the importance. It also highlights the need to preserve, term “Parks and Natural Areas” to include an array wherever possible, the connection to the natural of publicly dedicated land which contributes to the systems of which the site is a part. attainment of this goal. The Parks and Natural Areas designation differs from the Planning Area Edison is home to numerous Critical designations, as it has a more focused purpose and Environmental Sites, all of which have been shown use. Unlike Planning Areas, Parks are not areas as overlays on the SDRP Policy Map. These sites where the objectives for land use, housing, and were identified through the Cross-Acceptance economic development can be applied. Rather, process, and are located in Planning Districts 1 and these lands represent public investment specifically
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By mapping specific Parks and Natural Areas on the Policy Map, the SDRP intends to provide for the protection of critical natural resources, provide public recreational and educational opportunities, ensure the maintenance of associated facilities; and ensure the connection of these areas into a system of open lands.
Two areas have been shown on the SDRP Policy Map as Parks and Natural Areas:
♦ Conserved areas of the Petti Farm located on the westerly side of the Conrail freight line in Planning District 1.
♦ Edison State Park on the northerly side of Route 27 in Planning District 2.
The Master Plan intends to promote the policies of the SDRP relating to Parks and Natural Areas. It is recommended that the SDRP’s Policy Map be updated to include additional municipal resources such as Thomas A. Edison County Park, Roosevelt County Park, Smith Farm, the Samek Donation and the Edith Stevens Memorial Wildlife Preserve.
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