Present were:

Patrick Gillespie, President	Larry Redmond, Councilman	Joseph Arena
Mark Proudman, Treasurer	Edward Testino, Councilman	Raj Patel
Russell J. Azzarello, Director	Michael Spina	John Vincenti

 

 

Absent were:

Robin Rosen, Secretary	Susan Gieser	Roman Sohor
Mayor Barbara Cannon	Thomas Galante	Michael D'Agnes
Peter Davis, VP	Alayne Shepler

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 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.

A motion was made by Mike Spina, seconded by Joseph Arena, and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the February Treasurer's Report.

A motion was made by Larry Redmond, seconded by Michael Spina, and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the March Bill List, with the correction to read Columbia Saving's Bank instead of Commerce Bank.

A motion was made by Larry Redmond, seconded by Mark Proudman, and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the February 19, 2003 Meeting Summary, with the addition of #5 on the last paragraph of the regular session to read "no compensation for sick time or vacation time" and removing "no compensation for time not used" from #4.

A motion was made by Michael Spina, seconded by Joe Arena, with Larry Redmond abstaining, for the approval of the February 19, 2003 executive session. The motion carried.

Russ Azzarello gave his Executive Director's Report.

Mr. Azzarello informed the Board that proposals received thus far for the O&Y property are narrative, not with site plans or architectural plans. They are concept as to how developers view the opportunity to develop 507 acres of land and what their thoughts are.

The closing on the old town hall property (Financial Resources) will be held on May 8, 2003.

Meetings have been held with Michael Alfieri regarding development of his property (near exit 120, Garden State Parkway). Mr. Alfieri has come forward with "first phrase", which is about 800,000 feet of office commercial in the form of three buildings.

Meetings were held with William Ruggierio, Township Attorney, and John Vincenti regarding the Sommer's property and how it can be developed.

New interest has been expressed at the Woodhaven site (Texas Road, Englishtown Road). Meetings have been held regarding the potential and how it can be developed.

Mr. Gillespie informed the Board that after the O&Y proposal deadline of March 31, 2003, a meeting will be scheduled with Anne Babineau to make determinations on how to proceed.

A motion was made by Joseph Arena, seconded by Michael Spina, and unanimously agreed upon for acceptance of the Executive Director's Report.

Larry Redmond informed the Board that Council passed the resolution to add the additional properties to the redevelopment area and it will now go to the Planning Board.

PRESENTATION - MCDONALD'S CORPORATION

McDonald's Corporation is interested in building a free standing McDonald's in the Browntown Shopping Center.

McDonald's strives to be a good neighbor. The Browntown shopping center is a tired center in need of attracting patrons. Landscaping will be accenting the site. The shopping center has been approached regarding this concept and the response has been favorable.

McDonald's can be a solid anchor bringing people to the shopping center.

A parking study will be done to ensure enough parking for the sports club and the McDonald's.

PRESENTATION - COMMERCE BANK

Commerce Bank is interested in building at the Laura's Pancake House site as part of the Lowe's project. Access will be combined with the Weichert building. The site will be brought up to grade.

This is a very benign use. The utility demand is light and there is no garbage or dumpster on the site.

They will have a reciprocal easement agreement with Weichert, which will get them off septic.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.