Assemblyman O'Scanlon Joins Opposition to Proposed 39-Unit Development in Little Silver

Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, Jr. has joined those who are opposed to across from the railroad station in Little Silver.

When a similar project was approved when he was a borough councilman in 2007, he only voted for the zoning change that allowed it because the project was restricted to senior citizens, O'Scanlon said.

That approval lapsed after two years when nothing was built on the 15-acre wooded area on East View Avenue. Developer Javin L.P. has submitted a new proposal to the Planning Board that takes advantage of recent legislation that lifts the age restrictions on such projects. The current application, which the Planning Board is scheduled to continue reviewing Tuesday at 7 p.m., would include 32 townhouses and 7 garden apartments. Of these, eight units would be set aside as affordable housing for lower-income people.

"When the state legislature and Gov. Corzine introduced the statute that would permit the lifting of age restrictions on projects - such as the one before you now," O'Scanlon wrote in a letter to the Planning Board, "I protested vehemently. "There is absolutely no way to argue that the action the legislature took was not a usurpation of local zoning authority."

O'Scanlon, a Republican who represents parts of Monmouth and Mercer counties, said he has introduced legislation that would overturn the current statute.

"I in no way begrudge the developers of this property for wanting to develop it in such a way as to maximize its value," O'Scanlon wrote. "It should be noted that the Anarella family (who own the property) has owned property in Little Silver for decades and has been a good neighbor, taxpayer and part of the community that we all love."

O'Scanlon said it would be best if the proposal were changed to a plan "that both takes into account the concerns of the community and meets the demands of today's real estate marketplace."