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An ordinance that makes several changes to a plan that sets the framework for how the Springwood Avenue corridor will be redeveloped passed its first reading Wednesday.

The Michaels Organization, a Marlton-based company that specializes in affordable, mixed-financed housing, seeks to build a mix of 64 residential townhouse and multi-family units within three buildings on vacant lots on Springwood Avenue, between Memorial Drive and Atkins Avenue.

Revisions include increased building heights, lowering the parking requirement for affordable housing units from one-and-a-half spaces per unit to one, providing access to rear parking areas, and a provision to eschew retail on the first floor of some buildings in favor of space for residential support services to host job readiness, computer, life skills, health and wellness programs, and provide enrichment programs for area youths.

The vote passed 4-1. Mayor Myra Campbell, Deputy Mayor Sue Henderson, Councilman John Loffredo and Councilwoman Amy Quinn voted yes. Councilman John Moor provided the dissenting vote.

Approval on the parking amendment comes in opposition to the city’s planning board, who voted against the amendment to increase the height of one of the buildings by a single story to accommodate duplex units, which do not increase the unit count but do increase the bedroom count. Board members expressed concern that future parking needs in the area would not be met, and specifically, that some residents would have to walk more than 200 feet to get to their parking space.

A total of 77 parking spaces will be provided for the 64 one, two, and three bedroom units.

Councilman Moor, who sits on the planning board, held firm on his vote against the amendments largely due to concerns for parking

“We’ve done a great job of screwing up parking on the East Side, now we’re going to screw it up on the West Side,” he said.

Don Sammet, the city’s director of planning and redevelopment, disagreed that the parking would not be sufficient in the area as ample spaces will be provided near the site and forsaking a retail component leaves street parking available for people that work for the support service, which would largely be used by residents of the development.

The development on Springwood Avenue is sorely needed and is “a long time coming,” Sammet said.

The amendments allow the developer to move forward to seek funds for the development through the NJ Mortgage and Finance Agency, which has a late October deadline.

In addition to the plan amendments, moving forward the developer and the city must have a finished redeveloper agreement to operate with, including a program for payments in lieu of taxes [PILOT], and site plan approval from the city planning board.

Moor also railed against entering into a PILOT agreement with the developer when they have not yet purchased the land.

“They are looking for a PILOT and they haven’t settled the land, they have nothing gained except they need a deadline met,” he said.

City Manager John “Jack” Kelly said land negotiations for any development project are rarely completed without having the project approvals and resources for financing in place.

All four other council members view the development as integral to the growth of the city’s West Side

“We’ve been waiting for this for a very long time,” said Henderson, who pointed out she and Councilman Loffredo have seen plenty of developers present plans that never came to fruition in their time on the dais, and that The Michaels Organization has a reputation for completing projects.

“I don’t want to see this fail, this [the development] is needed,” Henderson said.

The city has hired a parking consultant to help ameliorate parking problems citywide and PILOT programs have been allowed all over the city, said Quinn.

“To take a hard, fast line right now in an area that needs to be developed would have irrevocable harm,” Quinn said.

Campbell agreed, noting her concern that preventing the development would, in her view, only allow the surrounding area to fall further behind.

If the funds are secured, the project would begin construction in 2015.

Members of the public will have a chance to weigh in on the ordinance during the public comment period held prior to the second reading and final vote scheduled for Aug. 20.

[CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated the amendments passed but failed to mention the measure is still subject to public comment and a final vote. This version has been updated to reflect that change. The Sun regrets this error.]

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