The creation of a development plan for the township normally would fall under the jurisdiction of the Planning Board. Chairman Marvin Gardner, an appointed volunteer, is in full support of the charrette process, despite the fact that it will take power out of the board’s hands and place it with the public.##M:[more]##
“The charrette is not an adversarial or confrontational process. Rather, participants need to demonstrate a collegial, rational and enlightened attitude as they exercise their civic responsibility,” said Gardner, “A frank and free-flowing exchange of ideas will not serve as an impediment to an ultimately successful and momentous conclusion. I have the utmost confidence in the ability of the township residents to represent the best interests of the township and their unlimited talent and skills will be exemplified through their participation in the charrette process.”
He expects the plan to be presented in September, at which time there will be a planning board review followed by a council vote.
Gardner says if the Hillier Group were to present a plan that the planning board felt would not be ideal for the township, the entity would recommend changes. “If that were to happen, we would recommend changes.
“As a township, we will manifest a diversity of views as reflected by our residents’ involvement and a tolerance and respect for such opinions and community input. Hopefully, we will coalesce behind a consensus plan that is clear and unambiguous and that will revitalize our township and create a vibrant street life and town center environment,” said Gardner.
He says those who live closest to the redevelopment area should be given particular consideration. “The views of residents who live in close proximity to the redevelopment area are of paramount concern,” said Gardner.
According to Gardner, charrette participants should consider the following questions:
1. Will governmental entities provide financial assistance and other credits to support the redevelopment and its infrastructure?
2. Will private developers provide sources of financing to adequately fund public amenities and remediation for contaminated land in the redevelopment area?
3. Will the redevelopment be sufficiently economically viable to stimulate the interest of the private sector and to enable it to make a substantial financial contribution to the area?
4. What level of residential density is required and what type of housing stock is necessary to support retail, restaurants, and other consumer services and venues that are essential to quality of life, sense of place, and an exciting, attractive, and vibrant streetscape?
5. To what degree will the residential component impact our schools and will the overall redevelopment’s tax implications and benefits supersede any potential increases in our school taxes?
6. Who will assume the cost and burden of constructing adequate commuter parking at the train station, and to what extent will the township receive revenues from this operation?
7. Which road improvements and traffic-calming measures will need to be incorporated to alleviate any projected increase in vehicular traffic?
