Massive Gloucester Township housing development draws opposition as hearing is delayed

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (WPVI) -- A proposed housing development on the former Freeway Golf Course property in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, is drawing criticism from residents concerned about growth, density and infrastructure impacts after a scheduled zoning board vote was delayed Wednesday night.

The proposal, known as Freeway Pointe, would bring 743 housing units to the 154-acre site on Sicklerville Road.

The development plan includes single-family homes, townhouses, stacked homes and affordable apartments.

According to residents who oppose the project, the proposal exceeds the property's current R-1 zoning designation, which permits about one single-family home per acre.

Developer Lennar Homes is seeking a variance from the township zoning board to move the project forward.

"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 of Gloucester Township.

"You bought it as an R-1, let's keep it as an R-1, simple as that," said Nancy Gentile of Blackwood.

Gentile and several neighbors formed a group called Friends of Freeway to inform residents about the project. Dozens of residents attended Wednesday night's zoning board meeting expecting a vote, but instead, an attorney for the developer requested a continuance, citing unavailable witnesses.

The hearing marked at least the second time the matter has been postponed at the developer's request.

"It's frustrating," one attendee said.

"All these folks came out tonight and just wasted their time," said David Postiglione of Sicklerville.

"We'll just get more people to come next time," said Lorraine Rhoda of Gloucester Township.

Opponents said their concerns extend beyond the Freeway Pointe proposal itself. They argue that the combined impact of approved and proposed developments in the area could affect traffic, infrastructure, schools and open space.

The historic Freeway Golf Course is known as the first Black-owned 18-hole golf course in the nation, opening in the late 1960s.

It closed in 2015. Since then, the property was sold, and several development proposals have been submitted for it, including a warehouse project that was withdrawn after public opposition.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.

On Wednesday night, the zoning board tentatively rescheduled the hearing on Freeway Pointe for Oct. 28.

Attorneys representing the developer and objectors declined comment following the meeting.