Planning board finds A&P site, adjacent lots meet criteria for condemnation redevelopment; resolution sent to council

The Clark Township Planning Board voted May 1 to adopt a preliminary investigation report recommending that a three‑parcel study area — including the former A&P supermarket site at 52 Westfield Avenue (Block 105, Lot 2.01), an adjacent parking/loading parcel (Lot 26.01) and the former Investors Savings Bank parcel (Lot 1.01) — be designated an area in need of redevelopment under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.

Planner Paul Rickey, who prepared the condemnation study at the board’s direction, told the board the A&P supermarket building is gutted, boarded and vacant and that police reports show repeated break‑ins and vandalism. Rickey cited the law’s vacancy and obsolescence criteria and said the supermarket parcel has been vacant for approximately 18 years. He also said the Investors Savings Bank parcel is vacant and that a posted closing date of…