Gloucester Township, N.J. – A proposed 743‑unit housing development known as Freeway Pointe was slated for a zoning board vote on Wednesday night, but the board granted a continuance at the request of developer Lennar Homes. The hearing has been rescheduled for Oct. 28.
Project details and resident concerns
Freeway Pointe would occupy a 154‑acre former golf‑course site on Sicklerville Road. The plan calls for a mix of single‑family homes, townhouses, stacked homes and affordable apartments. Residents opposing the project argue the proposal exceeds the property’s current R‑1 zoning, which typically allows about one single‑family home per acre.
“I think developers should plan their developments based on the township’s plans and not ask the township to modify our plans for their development,” said Denise Coyne, a Gloucester Township resident. “You bought it as an R‑1, let’s keep it as an R‑1, simple as that,” added Nancy Gentile of Blackwood, who helped organize the neighborhood group Friends of Freeway.
Board postpones vote
At the Wednesday meeting, dozens of residents gathered expecting a vote. Instead, an attorney for Lennar Homes requested a continuance, citing the unavailability of key witnesses. This marks at least the second postponement requested by the developer.
“It’s frustrating,” one attendee said. “All these folks came out tonight and just wasted their time,” said David Postiglione of Sicklerville. Lorraine Rhoda of Gloucester Township added, “We’ll just get more people to come next time.”
Broader impact worries
Opponents say the cumulative effect of approved and pending projects in the area could strain traffic, municipal infrastructure, schools and open space. The historic Freeway Golf Course, the nation’s first Black‑owned 18‑hole course, closed in 2015 and has since been the focus of several development proposals, including a warehouse project that was withdrawn after public opposition.
“If we do need to grow as a community, let’s just do it thoughtfully,” Gentile said.
Next steps
The zoning board has tentatively set the next hearing for Oct. 28. Attorneys for both the developer and the objectors declined to comment after the meeting.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
