The approvals effectively change the site's zoning from business development to residential. The project itself consists of a village section of mid-rise condominium buildings and an estates section of single-family patio homes. The mix is heavily tilted toward the condo component, with 375 of the total number of homes in that category.

Also in the works is a 40,000-sf retail complex to service the residential component. The shopping center will be the subject of a future approval process. No price tag has been announced for the overall project.

Besides the golf course, the location includes two lakes and is surrounded by both farmland and extensive woodlands, according to Roger Gore, a partner in the Millburn, NJ-based Pine Hill Partners and a former New Jersey Affordable Housing Developer of the Year. The Lakes, however, is not in that category, with an amenity package that includes the plush Lake Club offering a variety of recreational options.

"It is only a matter of time before people recognize that Pine Hill, with its local amenities, has become one of the hot Camden County towns," Gore says. "It is a perfect match for an active-adult community."

The site plan "responds to hills and valleys on the property, especially emphasizing views and access to the two lakes," according to Gore. He notes that the clustering of the residential component will preserve more than 18 acres of open space.

Work is expected to begin shortly on the project.