Approaching ten years of Planning ?

Approaching ten years of Planning since; Remington and Vernick’s September 2005

“Washington Square Redevelopment Study”

Approaching ten years since the Remington and Vernick's September 2005 “Washington Square Redevelopment Study Area”, and the project has become a problem to the citizens of Washington Township. The study identified to the Planning Board redevelopment that could produce employment and tax rateables for income to Washington Township. What is a problem might be that we call the Board; Planning Board. Graphic projections in the ‘Study’ concerning Township population, Income, and other economic measures, were not and have not been realized.

The Study resulted in the current controversial plan of ‘Washington Square‘, located next to the Virtua Health Center on Hurffville-Cross Keys Road. It proposes a mixed-use development of apartments, 100,000 square feet of office space and retail space, and a PILOT (Payment in lieu of taxes). 

November 19, 2007, then Democrat Mayor Paul Moriarty, and Town Council Democrats of Lyons, Fratalli, Martin, Mc Dowel, and Timmons, adopted from the Democrat appointees of the Planning Board, the Washington Square Project for the Township as a PLAN.

In 2008, the developer, the Atkins Group, proposed the construction of a soccer field and other niceties, while negotiations ensued.

On February 23, 2011, the 'Washington Square PILOT' was adopted by the Township Council.

April 2012, the plan Atkins Group proposed and requested a 20 year PILOT duration.

After negotiations on July 10, 2013, the Ordinance (14-2013), failed a Council vote.

December 10, 2014, despite predictions by professional experts that the courts will enforce the agreement with a thirty year PILOT, It failed again.

Newly elected Council for 2015 faces a thirty year PILOT project. The battle to date has cost thousands in tax dollars with more costs to be consumed by a 2015 court decision.

School District concerns of student population growth, revenue, and the Fire District revenue needs have developed oppositions. Departing Councilman Chris Del Borrello suggested a referendum of the voters. Will the project provide the forecasts in the 2005 preliminary study? What will the impact be on School and Fire Districts? What about the current business properties that are vacant? Is this planning?

As the line in the movie ‘Blazing Saddles’; “We don’t need no steenk’n badges” (PILOT).