Present were:

Patrick Gillespie, President	Edward Testino, Councilman	Larry Redmond
Peter Davis, Vice-president	Russell J. Azzarello, Director	Michael Spina
Mark Proudman, Treasurer	Michael Jacobs, Business Administrator	Thomas Downs, Attorney
Robin Rosen, Secretary	Joseph Arena

 

 

 

 

Absent were:

Mayor Jim Phillips	Nick Smolney	Kevin Ruffler
Raj Patel	Michael D'Agnes	Laheri Mehta

 

 

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 Peter Davis, seconded by Larry Redmond and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the April and May 2005 Treasurer's Reports and the May and June 2005 Bill Lists.

Mr. Gillespie wanted it noted for the record that we have received a bill from our attorney, Tom Downs, for $1,228.50 for litigation expenses associated with Crossroads. Discussions have been ongoing with Jerry Convery for a consolidated defense with the Township.

A motion was made by Mark Proudman, seconded by Mike Spina, with Peter Davis abstaining, for the approval of the April 13, 2004 Meeting Summary and Executive Session. The motion carried.

Mr. Azzarello gave his Executive Director's Report.

There has been preliminary interest at the intersection of Route 9 and Perrine Road (near the Exxon station) for a hotel. The property is not generating much tax benefit to the Township now.

Mr. Azzarello attended several meetings regarding the proposed golf course. Seven companies were present to discuss the RFP put together by the Golf Course Committee. The biggest factor is the funding. This will be a municipal golf course which will incorporate fee structuring.

This will be a good economic engine to Old Bridge which will appreciate the property values in the area.

The Township Council has had the first reading on the YMCA and it has now been sent to the Planning Board for review.

Mr. Azzarello has been asked to coordinate meetings with the planner and engineer regarding Mario's, a large construction company located on Bordentown Avenue, who needs an amended zoning approval.

Academy Honda has property located on Bordentown Avenue which they utilize for car storage. They are researching the possibility of more storage with Manhattan Woodworking.

CPS is also a company located on Bordentown Avenue which is a superfund site. They are remediating by pumping water out and treating it.

Mr. Azzarello has been attending meetings with Stanbury Development (LIfestyle Center on Route 9 and Texas Road) and the County Planning Board to have the County act as the applicant to the DOT and DEP for land and road improvement. The County acting as the applicant would expedite the approval process.

Robin Rosen (Oasis Ford) informed the Board that they will be building a Subaru dealership. They will need to go before the Zoning Board for a variance.

Mr. Azzarello met with BJ's and assisted in obtaining their demolition permits. BJ's will be renovating the interior of the building (former Home Depot site.)

Mr. Azzarello discussed marketing. There is a company called American Images which solicits local businesses in town to place ads in a brochure that would have information and content on Old Bridge Township. We would provide them with the contacts and the businesses would buy ad space and place an ad. The costs vary depending on the size of the ad.

The process generally takes approximately seven or eight months to complete and there is no cost to the Economic Development Corporation or the Township. Points of interest, statistics, and information can be included in the brochure.

Mr. Redmond suggested inquiring with the local schools and possibly implementing a slogan contest for use as an eye catching phrase selling Old Bridge Township.

A motion was made by Joe Arena, seconded by Larry Redmond and unanimously agreed upon for approval of the Executive Director's Report.

The Board expressed their unanimous agreement regarding the need for a hotel in Old Bridge.

Mr. Gillespie opened the meeting to the public. There was no comment.

A motion was made by Edward Testino, seconded by Larry Redmond, and unanimously agreed upon to cancel the July 13, 2005 EDC meeting and reconvene for the August 10, 2005 meeting, if we have a quorum.

Mr. Gillespie opened the meeting up to the public.

Mike Kanthal was in attendance at the meeting and expressed interest in the Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Azzarello had a meeting with Mr. Kanthal to discuss the function of the EDC. Mr. Azzarello thanked him for coming.

Mr. Gillespie closed the public portion.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.