Get Insight Unto Honeywell Process

The public will have a chance to learn more about the approval process for the proposed Honeywell redevelopment at the Wedensday, Feb. 15  township committee meeting.

Committeeman Jeff Grayzel suggested the public explanation at the Jan. 18 committee meeting because of the several layers of approval necessary for Honeywell to build on its Global Headquarters site on Park Avenue and Columbia Turnpike.

Honeywell is proposing a redevelopment that may include office facilities, residential units and open green space. In an outline of the plan on its website, it says a learning center, childcare center, and cafeteria will remain on the site for Honeywell employees, and a gym will be available for Honeywell employees and mixed-site campus residents and employees.

Planning Board Attorney Brian Burns outlined the process in a memo posted on the Morris Township website.

In brief, the first step would be for the township committee to approve a change to the township's master plan. Then the township’s zoning and land use ordinances would have to be amended. Approval for each amendment requires advertising and a public hearing.

Should the ordinance amendments be approved, Honeywell would be required to seek approval for a general development plan and then obtain standard construction approvals.

The township committee will explain this process in detail at the Feb. 15 meeting, but will not discuss the Honeywell project.

The planning board will hold a public comment session on the draft at the Monday, March 5 meeting, at 7:30 p.m.

In preparation for the public session, Citizens for Better Planning in Morris Township will meet to discuss the plan on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Morris County Library in the first floor conference room.