Economic Development Corporation
Meeting Summary July 24, 2002
Present were:
| Mayor Barbara Cannon |
Dave Merwin |
Kevin Calogera, Councilman |
| Patrick Gillespie, President |
Alayne Shepler |
Michael D'Agnes |
| Mark Proudman, Treasurer |
Rocky Donatelli |
Kiran Desai |
| Charles Applebaum |
Larry Redmond, Councilman |
John Vincenti |
| Roman Sohor |
Edward Testino, Councilman |
Russell J. Azzarello, Director |
Absent were:
| Peter Davis, VP |
Susan Gieser |
Robin Rosen, Secretary |
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.
Members of the board wished Mayor Cannon a Happy Birthday.
A motion was made by Patrick Gillespie, seconded by Dave Merwin and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the June Treasurer's Report.
A breakdown was requested from David Merwin regarding payments to J.J. Harrigan and Cerra Insurance Agency over the last twelve months.
A motion was made by Larry Redmond, seconded by Rocky Donatelli, with one abstention, for the approval of the July Bill List. The motion carried.
A motion was made by David Merwin, seconded by Mark Proudman, with three abstentions, for the approval of the May 22, 2002 meeting summary. The motion carried.
Russell Azzarello informed the board that we have submitted our grant application to the NJEDA and indications are positive that we will receive a $50,000 grant which we will pay back with no interest at the time of the completion of the project.
Mr. Azzarello discussed various meetings held during the month with developers.
Mr. Azzarello has been meeting with large businesses along the Route 9 corridor, Home Depot, Lowes, Future Chevrolet, to research long range contributions to economic development.
Mr. Azzarello met with Anne Babineau and gave her a tour of the community as well as the O&Y property. We will have a formal agreement on the payment schedule in the future.
Bayshore Wellness Center will soon be occupying the former Wiz in Gateway Shopping Center. Their representative is Lamar Realty. They are on the Zoning Board agenda for October. Their application needs a use variance.
The Calvary Chapel on White Oak Lane has secured land in Howell Township. Inquiries have been received from a theater group seeking space and seating for approximately 2,000 people.
We will solicit the private sector for proposals on suitable uses for the O&Y property. Information will be put together on the property and available to interested developers for a fee.
We have asked Anne Babineau to review the RFP and offer comments and suggestions prior to distribution.
A two or two and one half month return date will be expected on the responses from the RFP's.
Mr. Azzarello informed the board that Globespan-Virata no longer will be occupying Atrium II and therefore the tax abatement will no longer be in place.
The NAIOP will be contacted as a starting point.
Mr. Robert McGowan was present to discuss active adult communities and age restricted housing. This was a non site specific presentation.
John Vincenti and Charles Applebaum recused themselves. Mr. Applebaum chose to stay and listen to the presentation.
Mr. McGowan's presentation centered around the economic opportunity as well as the social need for active adult communities.
Mr. McGowan stated that Kara Homes is looking to establish its corporate headquarters in Old Bridge and is looking for land. They would like to build at least a 50,000 sq. ft. building that makes a statement. They are presently renting space on Route 18.
Active adult communities are for ages 52/55 and older. An appropriate community has good open space and is gated with controlled access to the property. An appropriately sized recreational facility is also an amenity.
The price range for these units would be from just under $300,000 to just over $400,000. The active adult community produces no school age children.
Mr. Sohor stated that although the presentation has positive economic factors, the reality is that what drives problems in a suburban community like Old Bridge is population, and as you add housing regardless of what types of housing you drive up the cost of municipal government.
Mr. Sohor feels that we have to look at our total infrastructure from one end of town to the other. We have no transportation within the town. Bringing in so many extra people will deteriorate things we take for granted in the town.
Mr. Sohor suggested redeveloping some existing areas in the township, perhaps some of the old apartment complexes which are in serious need.
Mr. Gillespie raised the question of where those occupants of the apartments would go.
Mr. Redmond stated that during a meeting with Tom Sheehan, who is doing the Master Plan, it was specifically asked that he identify areas of town where this type of community would be appropriate.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
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