Hawthorne Advances Redevelopment Plans to Address Affordable Housing Obligations

Borough aims to transform vacant industrial and commercial properties into mixed-use and affordable housing developments

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The borough of Hawthorne, New Jersey is advancing redevelopment plans for two key properties - the former Pan Chemical site and the former Hawthorne Chevy properties - in an effort to address long-standing affordable housing obligations. The proposals include the development of residential units, some of which will be set aside for affordable housing, as well as improvements to the adjacent transit area.

Why it matters

Hawthorne is working to comply with state-mandated affordable housing requirements through these redevelopment initiatives. The plans aim to transform vacant industrial and commercial properties into mixed-use and affordable housing developments, which could help the borough meet its housing obligations under the state's fourth round requirements.

The details

The redevelopment plan for the former Pan Chemical site at One Washington Avenue would allow for the development of a four-story, 69-unit residential building, with 14 of those units set aside for affordable housing. The plan also includes improvements to the adjacent transit area. For the former Hawthorne Chevy properties on Lafayette Avenue, the proposal is to develop 16 units of senior housing, with 20% set aside for affordable housing, on the former used car lot, and a three-story mixed-use building with retail on the first floor and 44 residential units on the former showroom property.

  • The proposals were introduced during the Borough Council's meeting on February 18, 2026.
  • The redevelopment plans are part of the borough's strategy to comply with state-mandated affordable housing requirements.

The players

Michael Pasquale

Borough Attorney who detailed the redevelopment plans during the Borough Council meeting.

Frank Matthews

Council President who responded to questions about the potential impact on local schools.

Arthur Mazzaca

Resident who raised questions about the potential impact on local schools during the public comment period.

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What they’re saying

“This redevelopment plan would allow for the development of a four-story, 69-unit residential development with 14 of those set aside for affordable housing.”

— Michael Pasquale, Borough Attorney (tapinto.net)

“They give you these traffic studies and projections of kids that they anticipate to be in school, but they are just estimates.”

— Frank Matthews, Council President (tapinto.net)

“Did you look at what's going to be happening for schools because you're going to have more kids coming in?”

— Arthur Mazzaca, Resident (tapinto.net)

What’s next

The borough is monitoring potential federal court decisions that could affect housing mandates, and has reserved the right to revisit the redevelopment plans in the event the United States Supreme Court strikes down the law.

The takeaway

Hawthorne's redevelopment initiatives aim to transform vacant industrial and commercial properties into mixed-use and affordable housing developments, helping the borough comply with state-mandated affordable housing requirements. However, the potential impact on local schools remains a concern for some residents.