A Citizens Group Known as 'Neighbors for Smart Planning' Forms in Montgomery, Meeting Tonight

By Barbara A. Preston | July 9, 2025

A group of Montgomery residents who say they mostly support affordable housing object to where and how their town officials' plan to build it, will meet at the Montgomery Library in the community room tonight at 5:30 pm.

Locals who wish to learn more about this group are invited to attend.

The group plans to explore creative options to providing affordable housing. They plan to formally object to the Round 4 Plan that both the Montgomery Township Committee and the Planning Board voted to approve.

There is an August 31 deadline to submit a formal objection to the state.

One of the properties owned by Kenvue on Grandview Road in the Sourlands.

Photo by Barbara A. Preston

Longtime resident Nancy Castellano told The Montgomery News that the township did not do an adequate job of notifying its residents of an important public hearing on the Round 4 plan.

"Many believe that publishing a critical notice only in the Bridgewater Courier News, a paid subscription that few actually read, and not in The Montgomery News (a free paper most residents do read (just 10 days before the meeting) did not fully meet the law’s [public notice] intent," Castellano said.

Advertisement

"This lack of transparency raises deeper questions. Other towns fought responsibly to reduce their obligations: Hillsborough lowered its affordable housing units from 565 to 223. Mahwah dropped its obligation from 629 to just 3 by using existing homes and more accurate credits. Why did Montgomery Township not even attempt to negotiate a fairer number?" she asks.

There is some question regarding whether there was an actual "reduction" in Hillsborough. The state Department of Community Affairs assigned Hillsborough a goal of 565 affordable housing units. After analyzing the amount of vacant land in the township, Hillsborough said it has a realistic development potential of 223 units, leaving an unmet need of 342 units. The township is working to meet the 223-unit goal.

One of the office buildings on the Kenvue site on Grandview Road.

Photo by Barbara A. Preston

Castellano asked: "Why choose the Kenvue site — arguably one of the least practical options for low- and moderate-income families? How does demolishing an income-producing, architecturally significant I. M. Pei building help working families?

"How does it help if the site has no reliable public transit, sidewalks, or nearby services? Who pays for the new roads, sewer lines, and schools needed for an isolated, reportedly contaminated area that may even contain historic burial grounds? Why destroy open space and a landmark when other, more suitable sites may exist?"

Grandview Road in Skillman at the location of the Kenvue sites.

Photo by Barbara A. Preston

The State’s Land Capacity Factor (LCF) rules limit development on rural land. "Instead of transparency and leadership, residents have seen blame-shifting, excuses, and a rushed process that denies people a seat at the table," Castellano said.

Neighbors for Smart Planning

The group is open to people who want to participate in a formal objection to the plan the township submitted to the state on how Montgomery plans to meet the 4th round affordable housing obligation.

The group released the following information to The Montgomery News.

The group will organize and form small groups to research:

• History & Preservation

• Environmental Impact

• Zoning & Land Use

• Affordable Housing Law

• Traffic & Transportation

• Alternative Sites

• Communications

The group is encouraging resident to "Bring ideas and to be ready to pick a group that interests them."

"We may also have a law firm ready to represent us — come hear more about it," the group's announcement said.