Present were:

Patrick Gillespie, President	Russell J. Azzarello, Director	Nick Smolney
Peter Davis, Vice-president	Michael D'Agnes	Michael Spina
Mark Proudman, Treasurer	Raj Patel	Laheri Mehta
Robin Rosen, Secretary	Larry Redmond	John Vincenti

 

 

 

 

Absent were:

Mayor Jim Phillips	Joseph Arena	Kevin Ruffler
Edward Testino, Councilman

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:15 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 Larry Redmond, seconded by Nick Smolney and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the May and June 2004 Treasurer's Report.

A motion was made by Larry Redmond, seconded by Nick Smolney and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the June and July 2004 Bill List.

A motion was made by Larry Redmond, seconded by Mark Proudman and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the May 12, 2004 Meeting Summary.

Mr. Azzarello gave his Executive Director's Report.

Mr. Azzarello stated that there has been a significant amount of activity relative to the redevelopment plan.

The Ordinance for second reading of the Redevelopment Plan will be Monday, August 16, 2004 at 7:30 pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend the meeting to show support.

Target had been looking at the K-Mart location, but renovation requirements would have been too extensive.

The people who are handling the site say there is strong interest from Burlington Coat Factory.

There has been activity, which includes the Board of Education and Old Bridge Township at the Nike site. BJ's Club has shown interest and is looking for a 140,000 sq. ft. parcel. Negotiations are ongoing with the Board of Education.

Mr. Azzarello announced that Subaru will be the fifth car dealership represented by Oasis in Old Bridge.

Township representatives delivered the application to the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services, Local Finance Board for the establishment of the Redevelopment Agency.

Mr. Azzarello complimented Michael Jacobs, the new Business Administrator, and Nick Smolney for their hard work.

The only thing the Local Finance Board asked is that when the Redevelopment Agency is finally created that the budget be broken down specifically.

Mr. Azzarello stated that the 25th anniversary of the Old Bridge Division of Raritan Bay Medical Center held on June 12, 2004 was an outstanding success.

A motion was made by Mike Spina, seconded by Nick Smolney and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the Executive Director's Report.

Mr. Gillespie stated that the Crossroads Plan with the amendments from the Planning Board will be on the Agenda for the July 19, 2004 meeting. The second reading and public hearing will be August 16, 2004.

Mr. Gillespie stated that it would not be necessary for the Old Bridge Economic Development Corporation to have the August 11, 2004 meeting.

Mr. Gillespie opened the meeting the public.

Linda Seiler, Barbara Cannon and Richard Weisberg were in attendance.

Ms. Seiler requested a copy of the plan and asked if there was a way to post any changes in meeting time on the web site.

Barbara Cannon stated how she is opposed to the plan. Ms. Cannon stated that she felt this property was purchased strictly for economic development and to quickly put up age restricted housing and saying this is fulfilling a mission of economic development and to be a benefit to the community in terms of jobs and ratables is ludicrous. Ms. Cannon stated that she is disappointed in the EDC.

Ms. Cannon is concerned that other sites for economic development are going to be turned into housing.

Mr. Gillespie asked the former Mayor for her plan for commercial development. Mr. Gillespie stated that the things Barbara Cannon is saying are unfair. Mr. Gillespie stated that she had the chance during the past seven years of her administration to come forward with a plan and do something with the property.

Mr. Gillespie stated that the plan the EDC is putting forward is good enough to get a deal on the table and it is good enough to finally turn this property into a revenue generator. That is what the EDC's mission is.

Mr. Gillespie stated that this project is designed to cost the Township a bear minimum in services and to provide a maximum level of revenue both through the sale of the property and a positive ratable.

Mr. Gillespie stated that the members of the Board spent a lot of time working on this project regardless of which party appointed them.

Ms. Seiler raised some concerns regarding the density issues.

Mr. Redmond clarified the density issue and stated that prior to the recommendation of the Crossroads Plan, the Planning Board sent an Ordinance to the Council asking for the inclusion in the Master Plan and the Land Development Ordinance of age-restricted housing zones. The densities were set at 1.75 units per acre.

When the Crossroads Plan was first reviewed the density was changed from 2 units per acre to be in accordance with the 1.75 units per acre in the Master Plan.

Mr. Gillespie stated that when we are entertaining development proposals from a proposed redeveloper, we will be able to negotiate the amount of units to be built.

Mr. Vincenti explained that you have to consider density in the same context of a) what is permitted in the Municipal Land Use Law, b) what our Ordinance states, which is consistent with the MULU, and c) what you would allow for either a residential or commercial development.

The density of any project is based on total tract area inclusive of wetlands or any other environmental areas.

Ms. Seiler stated she was trying to understand the process as a citizen and not taking a position one way or another.

Richard Weisberg, resident of Old Bridge, was present.

Mr. Gillespie explained the Crossroads Plan briefly to Mr. Weisberg, stating that the Board concluded that this would be the highest and best use of the property.

Mr. Gillespie closed the public portion.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.