Rocky Hill Seeks an Exemption from Round 4 Affordable Housing Mandate

By Richard D. Smith | August 7, 2025

Just as Rocky Hill Borough lacked sufficient land to satisfy its Round 3 obligation, it lacks sufficient land to satisfy the new state mandate to provide 37 more units or credits to fulfill its Round 4 obligation.

The Rocky Hill 4th Round Housing Element, adopted by the Planning Board on June 10, seeks a “Vacant Land Adjustment (VLA).”

Municipalities can request an adjustment to their obligation based on the determination that there is not sufficient vacant or developable land within the municipality, as permitted by N.J.A.C. 5:93-4 and the Fair Housing Act. The end result would be the determination of the Rocky Hill Borough’s Realistic Development Potential (RDP) for new affordable housing units.

Municipalities seeking a VLA must identify sufficient parcels “likely to redevelop” during the current round of obligations to address at least 25% of the prospective need obligation.

Borough Council unanimously passed a resolution at its June meeting, as follows:

“The borough hereby commits to a Round 4 Present Need Obligation of 4 units and Prospective Need Obligation of 37 units described in this resolution, subject to all reservations of rights set forth above 3.

“The borough hereby directs its Affordable Housing Counsel to file a declaratory judgment complaint in Somerset County.”

It remains to be seen whether the borough’s position on its affordable housing obligations will be accepted by the courts.

Borough Council News

After the pledge of allegiance, Mayor Robert Uhrik praised the borough’s “fabulous Fourth of July” parade, especially the participation and enthusiasm among young people taking part on their decorated bikes and scooters.

Borough engineer Rob Martucci reported that repaving and repairs on Princeton Avenue have concluded successfully. The sidewalk connecting Rocky Hill and Montgomery is still underway, with efforts continuing to receive government funding.

Councilman Jon Lee, under his public safety report, said that signs are needed at the speed humps on Montgomery Avenue. Also, one sign is missing from Princeton Avenue. The borough is reaching out to Somerset County about this.

Meanwhile, he said, the State Police are continuing to monitor truck traffic on Washington Street, giving out tickets to truck drivers who are observed speeding or carrying oversized loads.

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The Franklin Township police are continuing to ticket speeders in the borough, as the borough has contracted them to do.

The Borough Council passed a resolution requesting Somerset County to do a study of Rocky Hill’s traffic situation and make recommendations. (A possible example, pointed out during discussion, might be to create a roundabout traffic circle on Washington Street at the intersection of Montgomery Avenue (where traffic often backs up). Building & Grounds committee chairman Luis Silvestre reports that he has done some maintenance, including repainting, of several public benches.

Richard Novak, who chaired the meeting in Mayor Uhrik’s absence, reminded all borough residents that they are required to obtain a permit before taking down a tree on their property. He also urged residents to contribute to street flood control by clearing branches, leaves and plants that may be covering nearby storm sewer grates.

Saturday, August 2, will be the next town hall meeting at 10 am in borough hall. The next borough council meeting will be Monday, August 11, at 7 pm.

What’s that Smell?

There was nothing polite about the all-too-robust odor of sewage which, over the last several months, periodically visited sections of Rocky Hill while the Montgomery Township Sewer Authority (MTSA) is undertaking a major refurbishing and upgrading of the facility.

“The worst is behind us,” said Christopher Lalicato, Montgomery’s director of Wastewater Operations.

Rocky Hill residents raised a figurative stink about the very real odor that was forcing them to stay indoors and keep their windows closed tightly.

Patrons refused to dine outdoors at the Rocky Hill Inn, One53, and Buy the Cup restaurants in town. Residents and business owners became activistic, contacting the Somerset County and the Montgomery health departments with formal complaints that brought on-site inspections.

One resident who got involved was Maren Perry. In June, she distributed fliers urging community members to contact the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.

Perry said, there were problems in addition to the stink: the noise and vibrations during the current extensive renovation of the Stage 2 plant.

Montgomery is making upgrades and building a flood wall around its Stage Two sewage treatment plant on the border with Rocky Hill.

“It’s definitely been impacting us,” she said. “It’s been incredibly disruptive. We haven’t been able to invite friends over, the odor is so strong.”

In an interview, MTSA Director Lalicato readily acknowledged the real quality of life issues. “It got quite odorous throughout the neighborhood,” he said. “We understand that. The concerns of the residents are paramount.”

So, why the odor?

As part of the major renovations, a flood wall is being built around the treatment plant, which had been inundated when storms caused the nearby small creek to overflow. And its processes and even physical components are being brought up to state of the art.

Lalicato said the project is awaiting some back-ordered parts from as far away as Sweden. It could take as long as December before the work is done.

The good news, Lalicato said, is there have been no spills or other discharges of untreated or even partially treated sewage back into the local water systems. “We’re meeting our DEP discharge permit,” Lalicato said.