Summit Council Candidate Calls for Old Firehouse Rethink

A deal for Summit's Old Firehouse property has collapsed, and K&K Developers has filed a lawsuit as a result. The development failure is prompting reconsideration of how the city meets its 345-unit affordable housing obligation.

At the July 15 Common Council meeting, Democratic Council candidate Liz Skoler addressed the situation publicly and proposed a revised approach. "The collapse of the deal for the Old Firehouse property and resulting lawsuit by K&K Developers is unfortunate for Summit. This valuable piece of land has stood dormant for too long. But perhaps there is a silver lining to this dispute, allowing for a revised strategy for satisfying the 345-unit Affordable Housing obligation," Skoler said.

The K&K plan for the Old Firehouse had called for 44 total units, of which 8 would have been affordable. A separate 2024 proposal for the same site had proposed 42 units at 100% affordable, but that plan was rejected.

Skoler argued that Summit could revise where it accommodates its affordable housing obligation without changing the total unit count. "In principle, Summit could change where it plans to accommodate its affordable housing obligation while keeping the same total number of units. It can revise plans under certain circumstances, such as those that have arisen here, where a developer has withdrawn from a project," she said.

The Old Firehouse property falls within the Morris-Broad Crossroads Zone District. Separately, a 25-unit veterans-supported affordable housing project is planned for the Shunpike neighborhood as part of the Russo settlement.

Skoler raised concerns about the Shunpike site, citing limited walkability, limited transit access, and the neighborhood's single-family character. She also noted concerns about traffic, density, environmental impact, and proximity to a firing range.

Skoler proposed a middle path on the Old Firehouse. "I believe it is possible to revise the plan while still providing a realistic opportunity to produce the 345 units of affordable housing, a revision that does not go as far as the rejected 2024 proposal for 42 units 100% affordable at the Old Firehouse, but which accommodates more than the 8 while still balancing affordable housing with commercial uses and municipal finances," she said.

The July 15 Common Council meeting was not recorded. No Council response to Skoler's proposal is on record.

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FAQ

Q: What happened to the Old Firehouse development deal in Summit?
A: K&K Developers' plan for the Old Firehouse property collapsed, and the developer has filed a lawsuit as a result. The deal's failure is prompting the city to reconsider its approach to meeting its 345-unit affordable housing obligation.

Q: How many affordable units did the K&K plan include?
A: The K&K proposal called for 44 total units at the Old Firehouse, of which 8 would have been affordable.

Q: What was the 2024 proposal?
A: A 2024 proposal for the same site proposed 42 units at 100% affordable. That plan was rejected by the city.

Q: What is Summit's affordable housing obligation?
A: Summit must accommodate 345 units of affordable housing as part of its Regional Contribution Agreement and court-ordered obligations.

Q: Who proposed a revised housing strategy?
A: Liz Skoler, a Democratic candidate for Summit Common Council, proposed a revised approach at the July 15 Common Council meeting.

Q: What did Skoler propose?
A: Skoler proposed that Summit could revise where it accommodates its affordable housing obligation without changing the total 345-unit count. She suggested the Old Firehouse could accommodate more than the 8 units K&K proposed while balancing affordable housing with commercial uses and municipal finances.

Q: What is the Shunpike veterans housing project?
A: A 25-unit veterans-supported affordable housing project is planned for the Shunpike neighborhood as part of the Russo settlement.

Q: What concerns did Skoler raise about the Shunpike site?
A: Skoler cited limited walkability, limited transit access, the neighborhood's single-family character, and concerns about traffic, density, environmental impact, and proximity to a firing range.

Q: Was the July 15 Council meeting recorded?
A: No, the Common Council meeting was not recorded. No Council response to Skoler's proposal is on record.