The decision making process is not over, but it has already been declared a huge success by most involved. All three planning firms still vying for the job of planning West Windsor’s redevelopment praised the township for its open, public process of determining the firm which will help shape the future of the township.
Planning Board Chairman Marvin Gardner opened each of the presentations by calling the process “bold, innovative, and extraordinary.” Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh, a professional planner by trade, says he got praise from fellow planners for his role in envisioning the process.
Is the praise premature? The final decision will be made by a council vote. The mayor will make a recommendation to the council, and the five-member body will approve it or, effectively, ask for another recommendation if the mayor’s recommendation does not get a majority of the votes.
Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh says his recommendation will take into account the discussion between the search committee, planning board, and council, all of whom are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 11, in an executive session.
The process is not without its critics. The closed-door meeting has generated some controversy among council members, and has spurred councilman Charles Morgan to question the method by which the planner is being selected.
Morgan asked each of the presenters if they would have a problem with the administration deliberating publicly on the decision for who ultimately is hired to draft the plan. Each of the three indicated that they would not have a problem with an open meeting.
Hsueh says it is in the township’s best interest to hold the meeting behind closed doors. “If all of the firms hear what we are considering, it puts the one that gets selected in a better position for negotiations. The township has a better chance of getting the best price if it is a closed meeting.”
Hsueh added that the most important function of the October 11 meeting is not for the search committee to reach a consensus on which planner they prefer. He would like all involved to reach a consensus on the methods of negotiation the township should use when moving forward.
Hsueh also added that price is not the most important factor in the decision. Two of the three firms suggested two separate plans for their participation, one full service option and one “bargain” price. The estimates suggest the township could spend between $50,000 (the price for Hillier’s bare-bones service) and $425,000 (The price for the “”recommended”” service provided by Street-Works.)
