Present were:

Mayor Barbara Cannon	Russell J. Azzarello, Director	Raj Patel
Patrick Gillespie, President	Edward Testino, Councilman	Michael Spina
Peter Davis, Vice-president	Joseph Arena	John Vincenti
Mark Proudman, Treasurer	Michael D'Agnes
Robin Rosen, Secretary	Anita Greenberg

 

 

 

Absent were:

Larry Redmond, Councilman

Roman Sohor

Alayne Shepler

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:45 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 Mike D'Agnes and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the April Treasurer's Report.

A motion was made by Edward Testino, seconded by Mike D'Agnes and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the May Bill List.

A motion was made by Mike Spina, seconded by Edward Testino and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the April 9, 2003 meeting summary.

Russell Azzarello gave his Executive Director's report.

Mr. Azzarello attended the Monroe Economic Development breakfast meeting on May 1, 2003. The Chief of the Newark/Port Elizabeth Harbor was the guest speaker. Approximately 200 people attended.

Larry Fishman, Ocean Acquisitions, is interested in developing a hotel on Texas Road and Route 9.

Dr. Holmes from Rutgers University and NJIT is researching the possibility of a campus in Old Bridge Township. Mr. Azzarello feels that recognition, identity and image would be greatly enhanced if we could consider a campus site.

Amenities needed would be a campus site and housing for the students.

Mr. Azzarello, Sam Rizzo and John Vincenti met with Paul Drake from the New Jersey Smart Growth Planning and Program Resources. They offer both financial and technical assistance in programs. We have Town Center and the O&Y site as amenities. Smart Growth wants to recognize areas that become less auto dependent.

Mr. Drake will include Old Bridge Township in his pursuits in Trenton as he moves forward with the "Big Map" designations.

Mr. Azzarello attended Bizmania, where Provident Bank expressed an interest in locating to Old Bridge Township.

The grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is in place and the first payment to Anne Babineau will be disbursed.

Mr. Azzarello is working with our local cable station interviewing new businesses in town. The program, "Old Bridge Means Business", will air on the local cable channel and will start with the businesses located in Town Center.

A motion was made by Joseph Arena, seconded by Mark Proudman and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the Executive Director's Report.

Anita Greenburg introduced herself to the members of the Board.

Mr. Vincenti stated that one of the positive things that came out of the meeting with Paul Drake regarding the "Big Map" is that people now recognize that the State Planning Commission is not a bad deal and can be the lead agency in identifying what appropriate development should be contemplated and involving municipalities in the cross acceptance plan.

Discussion was held on the hiring of a planner. Mr. Vincenti and Mr. Azzarello have drafted and RFP for a planner. Mr. Vincenti suggested that we utilize a short list (three or four) and have those individuals submit a proposal.

A motion was made by Mike Spina, seconded by Peter Davis and unanimously agreed upon to authorize the board to contact three or four planners who are deemed qualified in redevelopment and request proposals. Materials will be prepared for the Board to consider at the next meeting.

Mr. Gillespie suggested that the June 11, 2003 meeting be changed to 7:30 pm.

A motion was made by Joseph Arena, seconded by Mike Spina and unanimously agreed upon to change the June 11, 2003 meeting from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

The issue of tax abatement for Kara Homes was discussed. Kara Homes has represented to the Board that the potential for having an abatement would be a material fact and issue on choosing whether or not they will relocate to Old Bridge.

A motion was made by Patrick Gillespie, seconded by Mike Spina, with Peter Davis abstaining, for approval of the resolution for Kara Homes Corporate Headquarters/Parkway Zone.

The Mayor stated she feels tax abatement should be something that we look at in terms of the whole township with guidelines.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.