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Announcement Regarding the Lambertville High School Redevelopment Area
On Friday, December 6, 2024, I sent a letter to K. Hovnanian Homes (KHH) informing them that the City will not extend their conditional redeveloper designation, which expires tomorrow. The decision follows two and a half years of multiple proposals and discussions regarding the possible redevelopment of the Lambertville High School Redevelopment Area (LHSRA).
In the months following the introduction of the Ordinance to amend the Redevelopment Plan, the City has heard the concerns of residents related to, among other issues, the potential impact of stormwater runoff to downhill neighborhoods and traffic circulation on Connaught Hill. There has also been significant concern that the former landfill area located on the property will not be closed, even if the proposed project were to proceed. Moreover, the City is now aware of contamination in groundwater wells that service certain residential properties near or adjacent to the property, which has raised additional concerns about the impact of the proposed development. For these reasons, the City has decided to step away from the project.
As you likely know, the LHSRA is a required element of the City’s 2020 Third Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. As such, I have also sent a letter to the Court advising them of the City’s decision.
The Council Members and I want to acknowledge how difficult this process has been for the community. Some of this may have been about different points of view, or a feeling of frustration in not knowing the specifics of confidential and continued negotiations, or concerns about environmental issues, or other feelings related to the possibility of large-scale change. Whatever you may be feeling, or have felt, I think it’s a good moment to reiterate that the Council Members and I have a deeply held appreciation for the trust we’ve been given to make the right decisions on behalf of the community.
A few of you have expressed concern about the end of the Third Round and the City’s ability to fully meet its present obligation. The Council Members and I have begun to consider a potential project, though it’s too soon to share any information about it. When I’m confident we’re in a place to discuss it in public, I will bring it forward—probably early in the new year.
Owing to the possible implications of this decision, the City will refrain from further public comment. And I respectfully ask the community to honor the process and the decision with care and thoughtfulness.
Yours in service,
Mayor Nowick
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