Kingwood: A Plan For Preserving Rural Character Through Controlled Development of Route 12

Kingwood is a 36-square mile, rural town located in western Hunterdon County along the Delaware River. Sparsely built, Kingwood today is a primarily residential and agricultural community distinguished by open spaces and scenic views. Positioned in desirable Hunterdon County, and outside the Highlands growth boundary, the community anticipates growth pressure as the economy rebounds.

In order to address anticipated growth pressure, Kingwood Township engaged in a Re-Examination of its Master Plan in 2011, at which time the governing body issued a survey to gauge residents’ priorities for growth and preservation. The survey showed that the community valued its rural and scenic character, and was particularly concerned about loss of that character along Route 12. State Route 12 serves as Kingwood’s primary east-west corridor, connecting the town to the historic downtowns of Frenchtown and Flemington. The subsequent planning process resulted in two ordinances that would balance growth along the corridor, while also attempting to preserve the scenic character. The first ordinance was a Scenic Corridor Overlay along Route 12 that called for increased setbacks from the road, restricted some uses like supermarkets and auto related businesses, and reduced the potential size of building in certain areas. The second ordinance established the zoning to create an ​“Eastern Gateway Village Center” at the town’s eastern end of Route 12. The intent of the village was to be a focus for future growth, while encouraging limited growth and preservation in surrounding areas.

In order to implement the balanced growth approach along Route 12, established by these overlays, Kingwood Township is establishing a transfer of development rights (TDR) program. Kingwood: A Plan for Preserving Rural Character through Controlled Development of Route 12 is a project to advance Kingwood Township’s ongoing efforts to implement a transfer of development rights (TDR) program for the Route 12 corridor. This project proposes to:

1. Advance efforts to develop a transfer of development rights program through the township’s implementation of the Route 12 Scenic Corridor Overlay (SCO) and Eastern Gateway Village Center Overlay (EGVCO) ordinances.
2. Explore opportunities for enhanced transportation and mobility in Kingwood and along Route 12 based on additional ridership demand resulting from a new population center along Route 12.
3. Highlight opportunities for Kingwood’s TDR program to serve as a model for similar communities in North Jersey.

The project’s study area encompasses the Route 12 corridor in Kingwood. For general research, analysis, engagement and implementation purposes, the entirety of Kingwood Township is also an area of focus. Products from this project include this strategic plan that outlines the path forward to develop and implement a TDR program, a compilation of chapters for a TDR Plan Element and a preliminary real estate market analysis.