Madison Council opposes state bill which could threaten Drew Forest
By BRETT FRIEDENSOHN Managing Editor, Madison Eagle Nov 11, 2025
MADISON – The Borough Council voted Monday, Nov. 10, to oppose a bill introduced in the state Senate which would allow nonprofits such as universities to bypass municipal boards and master plans in order to build affordable housing, amid concerns it could negatively impact the Drew Forest.
The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Troy Singleton, D-Burlington, would enable an organization such as Drew University to build on any area of its property, including the 53-acre forest area, without requiring the borough to first re-zone the land, according to a statement provided by the Friends of the Drew Forest organization.
Also under the bill, developers would be allowed to build housing at a density of 40 units per acre and at heights up to one story taller than the tallest building in a given town, according to the Friends organization. The organization stated that developers would be allowed to build housing developments that are 80% market-rate and 20% affordable.
In addition, developers would be able to enter into automatic agreements for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs), which is something that usually happens when towns designate areas in need of redevelopment, according to the Friends organization
State Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, said at the council meeting that the legislation is “really misguided,” and that the state Legislature has never passed a bill to remove so many powers from municipalities.
“When I saw this legislation pop up on the Senate agenda, I thought of Madison immediately, because of the impact that this would have on the Drew Forest,” Bucco said. “It is incredible. So it is incumbent upon all of us to speak up against this legislation.
Bucco also said the densities that are being talked about are not conducive to single-family home construction.
“You’re not offering somebody the American Dream,” Bucco said. “You’re not going to provide generational wealth by allowing somebody to purchase a home and then be there for the future.”
Mayor Robert Conley said the borough has been required to offer a plan to meet its Fourth Round affordable housing obligations, which last from 2025 to 2035, which has been required of all New Jersey municipalities.
“We had been committed to providing affordable housing, long before we ever had to,” Conley said. “But we have never done it turning a blind eye to good planning. And that’s what this bill does, exactly that, turn a blind eye to good planning.”
Lydia Chambers, co-chair of the Friends of the Drew Forest, said the Friends have been working on their effort to save the forest for four and one-half years, and just as they felt they were getting close to accomplishing that goal, this new threat has appeared.
“Never would we imagine the New Jersey State Legislature propose a bill like this that would spur high-density housing developments in Madison and across the state without regard to local oversight,” Chambers said. “The fact that the Drew campus, and thus the forest, is zoned university use has been key to keeping it safe from development. Take that away, and it could be bulldozed.”