Watch your Township and your planning Board.

December 10, 2014, the council meeting was packed with opinionated citizens concerned over the Washington Square PILOT proposal. The plan to develop the property bordering the Virtua Hospital and Northeast of Hurfville Cross Keys Road has been here since 2008. We, Washington Township, are facing a law suit wherein the developer will possibly collect from us via the Township wherein our taxes will pay for punitive funds if the plan is not permitted to go forward.

The plan originated as a result of revisions to the township’ master plan during the early 2000 era. The intent was to bring development that would produce employment for the township and a host of other well intentioned objectives such as tax rateables. Rateables are taxed properties that bring more income to the municipalities. The plan resulted in an agreement between developers and the township. The township at that time was in the guidance of Democrat Mayor Paul Moriarty, and An all Democrat council of; Al Fratalli, Robert Mc Dowel, Michele Martin, Matt Lyons, and Timmons, and the appointed Planning Board.

The focus of the meeting was essentially what monies would flow to the School District and would

 the plan result in additional students and therefor added cost for the School District.

 Some of the plan’s problems are; the length of the term, the monies that go to the school district, 

who are the developers, the projections are all questionable when it goes so far into the future,

what are the guaranties against bankruptcy?

If this redevelopment plan is within the authority of the Planning board as noted on the Washington

 Township website It seems to be time to look at their charter:

“The Planning Board is directly and exclusively authorized to excercise power with regard to:  

The Adoption of a Master Plan; Subdivision control and site plan review as to permitted uses; 

recommendations as to the official map; conditional use applications; recommendations as to

 the zoning ordinance or amendments thereto and the capital improvements program.  

Additionally, the planning board participates in preparation and review of programs or plans

 required by state or federal law or regulation:”