Economic Development Corporation
Meeting Summary April 24, 2002
Present were:
| Mayor Barbara Cannon |
Russell J. Azzarello, Director |
Kiran Desai |
| Patrick Gillespie, President |
Larry Redmond, Councilman |
Dave Merwin |
| Stan Koreyba for Peter Davis |
Edward Testino, Councilman |
Charles Applebaum |
| Mark Proudman, Treasurer |
Kevin Calogera, Councilman |
John Vincenti |
| Robin Rosen, Secretary |
Michael D'Agnes |
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Absent were:
| Rocky Donatelli |
Alayne Shepler |
| Roman Sohor |
Susan Gieser |
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.
Salute to the flag was followed by roll call.
Statement was made that the meeting was held in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act.
Discussion on the redevelopment plan will be postponed for the April agenda.
A motion was made by Dave Merwin, seconded by Larry Redmond and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the April bill list and the March treasurer's report.
A motion was made by Larry Redmond, seconded by Kiran Desai, with Kevin Calogera and Dave Merwin abstaining, for the approval of the March 20, 2002 meeting summary. The motion carried.
Mr. Azzarello gave an overview of the activities during the month. Mr. Azzarello met with members of the State EDA (Michael Conti) to get additional grant monies for a feasibility/planning study. The EDC is in the process of completing the application.
Meetings were held with local and outside business entities that are interested in Old Bridge. Areas around Blonder Tongue and some areas around our business park. The MCIA toured the property and offered their services in preparing the plan and/or RFP's.
Mr. Azzarello met with DEVCO for guidance and expertise on redevelopment.
The draft schedule of the O&Y inventory list was distributed. The idea is to try to figure out from a procedural point of view the things we can do to develop a better plan and to solicit the input and advice not only from the community at large, but from the private sector.
Retaining a redevelopment expert to assist the EDC is critical.
The chairman and executive director will get a few different proposals from redevelopment experts so the board can compare services and prices to secure services for the next meeting.
A motion was made by Larry Redmond, seconded by Dave Merwin and unanimously agreed upon to authorize Patrick Gillespie and Russell Azzarello to solicit three different proposals from redevelopment experts, one of which will include Anne Babineau, Wilentz, Goldman and Spitzer. Mr. Gillespie and Mr. Azzarello will make a recommendation at the May meeting.
The procedures for developers attending EDC meetings was discussed and reviewed. Question was raised as to whether the EDC should require a presentation coming before the EDC board to not have any applications before another board in the township.
A motion was made by Kevin Calogera, seconded by Kiran Desai to accept the procedures for developers attending EDC meetings, adding the amendment to prohibit applications which have already been started in front of the Zoning and Planning Boards. The motion was withdrawn until the end of the meeting.
The sexual harassment policy was reviewed and will become a permanent policy of the EDC.
A motion was made by Dave Merwin, seconded by Larry Redmond and unanimously agreed upon to adopt the sexual harassment policy.
Jonathan Heilbrunn, attorney for Checkers, was present to make a presentation. Mr. Elliot Rifkin, homeowner Whispering Pines, was present in the audience.
Mr. Kiran Desai recused himself from the remainder of the meeting.
Mr. Heilbrunn stated that notice had been given within 200 feet of the proposed development site.
The proposed development is a Checkers fast food restaurant and a 6,000 sq. ft., two story office building, which would house their headquarters located on three and on half acres - a big part of which are wetlands.
The Checkers is before the Zoning Board for a use variance at this time to eliminate tables and chairs inside the restaurant, thus allowing for the office building to be built, which would add a $600,00 ratable for the township.
Mr. Koryeba, Amboy Bank, who attended the meeting for Peter Davis, stated that he is the owner of the property and would like to see this parcel become a viable piece of property.
Mr. Vincenti stated that he doesn't feel the problems are from an economic development point of view. The comments he has heard are all related to site plan issues and the intensity of the use of the property, and is the combination of uses together with the environmental restrictions and the traffic restrictions a suitable use for this property.
Mr. Rifkin raised concerns regarding drainage and lighting on the property.
A motion was made by Dave Merwin, seconded by Mike D'Agnes to reinstate the motion as it stood before with the amendment regarding the procedures for developers attending EDC meetings. The motion carried with four yes and one nay.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
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