Change in Rio Grande redevelopment plan worries neighbors in Middle Township

Bill Barlow

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — A long-vacant stretch of land near Route 47 and North Railroad Avenue could see the construction of 189 new homes under a development proposal.

Some neighbors brought concerns about increased traffic in the once-quiet area to the Township Committee on Monday, as elected officials voted on an amendment to a development plan for the site.

Several of the neighbors had attended a recent previous meeting to ask the township to address traffic problems on the road, which had once been a dead-end and was now a means of connecting Routes 9 and 47 while avoiding the traffic-clogged intersection.

The redevelopment area stands across from the Railroad Avenue playground and park, which has become increasingly popular with the addition of a dog park, pickleball and new