In many towns now in NJ (that have no noticeable Orthodox population, such as mine, but also in more rural-type areas), laws are being passed setting minimum curb space (for example) for new constructions to prevent those large lots from being “overdeveloped”. There are also more requirements for off-street parking; these places are simply seeking to prevent urban sprawl.
Other posters have indicated the Orthodox want an urban environment where places are accessible on foot (to deal with Sabbath restrictions); understandable, but I don’t know how they expect to find that in what is one of the most expensive areas on the planet. That would explain why the run-down section of Jersey City is an option, but they can’t at the same time discount the plight of the people that would be moved aside to make way for them.
Absolutely. This is an ongoing, recurring issue,and some sort of a happy medium must be found to balance all the interests. Current residents feel put upon. Hasidim feel shut out, and they have an undeniable need for housing somewhere. And both are right and both are wrong in various ways. Some sort of get-together should be arranged for everyone to have their say and put their heads together. Best leave the government out of it. Too heavy-handed and/or self-serving to come up with any real solutions.