At the latest Planning Board discussion, Summit officials took a close, transparent look at a proposed 42-unit housing project that would have been built on less than one acre of land — a site connected to the former Broad Street West redevelopment area. The review made one thing clear: responsible growth means balancing development with practicality and community impact.
City leaders explained that the proposed project presented serious challenges, especially around parking, density, and cost. The developer planned for just one parking space per unit, which is far below state residential standards that generally call for two spaces per home. Even when using more flexible guidelines for sites near train stations (1.5 spaces per unit), the project still fell short by more than 20 parking spaces — a major concern for both residents and city planners.
Officials also highlighted financial risks tied to the proposal. The project would have drained the city’s affordable housing trust fund — roughly $2 million — and left taxpayers responsible for additional millions in potential shortfalls if state tax credits didn’t come through. As one city representative put it, “We’d be on the hook for an undefined amount in the seven figures — on top of what we already owe.”
The Broad Street West site includes four parcels, three owned by the city and one privately held, and has been studied extensively for over a decade. Thousands of Summit residents have offered feedback over the years, helping to shape a vision for the site that emphasizes innovative, community-minded design, including public parking, green space, and a balance between residential and commercial use.
The city reaffirmed its commitment to affordable housing, but emphasized that its plan — already approved and court-certified — calls for scattered-site development rather than concentrating all units in one dense location. That plan includes new group homes, senior housing, assisted living, and inclusionary housing throughout Summit.
City officials were quick to clarify misinformation circulating online: Summit is expected to produce at least 45 new affordable units through these projects — not just one, as some have claimed.
This conversation underscored a central theme of Summit’s leadership: careful, transparent decision-making that protects both taxpayers and neighborhood character. By standing firm, the city continues to ensure that future development is responsible, balanced, and built around the needs of Summit’s residents — not outside developers.
Together, we can keep Summit growing smart — protecting what makes our city special while planning thoughtfully for the future.