By Dave Fried
Amazon has shipped its first order from its state-of-the-art Robbinsville fulfillment center to upstate New York, and we are off and running.
We are currently considering another potentially large ratable with the possible development of Town Center South on the east bound side of Route 33, also known at the Kushner property.
The approximately 50 acre site is owned by the township, and its development would address several needs, including much-needed parking and the possibility of alleviating traffic on the way to Route 130 with the help of a bypass. We have serious parking issues on the north side which prevents a number of businesses from operating there, so adding parking would be a big deal.
Let’s continue to hear what this developer, MSBNYC, has to say. Let’s see if the traffic concerns can be addressed and make sure they can deliver what they say they can deliver. Once we have all the information, I am confident we will make a good decision.
The bypass was promised by the state some years ago, but the project died when Town Center South was put on hold. If this development is built, the bypass would be back on the table, and vehicles would no longer need to use our town as a shortcut to Route 130. Anyone who has sat near Ernie’s Tavern between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. knows what I am talking about.
Town Center South was purchased for the purpose of limiting the number of residential units, thus reducing future school children, to generate retail commerce and to improve the quality of life for our residents. We have done everything in our power to responsibly enhance Robbinsville’s charm.
So, if we have all these great ratables, why aren’t your taxes going down?
Last year, the municipal portion did go down. The Amazon facility was born, and municipal taxes were lowered. That same year, school taxes went up. However, had we not had that Amazon ratable, both the school tax and municipal tax would have gone up. We will have a competitive school board election coming up in November, and for the first time, I firmly believe this conversation will be front and center.
I also know many residents are concerned about the old Marrazzo’s building and the future of the Foxmoor Shopping Cener in general. I assure you we are working on it, but the problems are real, they are many, and the solutions require some difficult decisions by the landlord. We will help wherever and whenever we can, but there are limits on what we can do. Believe me, if there was a silver bullet, I would have used it by now.
Once again, congratulations to the Robbinsville Girls’ softball team on winning the 2014 Little League World Series on Aug. 13. Just an incredible accomplishment by an incredible group of young ladies and their families.
Finally, please come out and support the 2nd Annual Pasta Benefit September 20 from 4-7 p.m. at the Senior Center. Proceeds will benefit seniors’ trips and activities. The cost is $25 person.
I hope everyone had a safe, happy and healthy summer!
Dave Fried is the Mayor of Robbinsville.
