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Residents press council for clarity on redevelopment pilot and possible referendum
Summary
Residents asked whether redevelopment proposals would be decided via a pilot or put to a public referendum; council said a referendum is permissible but the pilot has not been finalized and the borough's redevelopment attorney is reviewing formalities.
Several residents used public comment time to press the borough for greater transparency about proposed redevelopment work and whether any pilot program would be subject to a referendum.
Jim Schultz and other residents requested community access to proposed agreements and suggested a referendum if the council moves forward with a pilot program. Schultz said a referendum gave residents a voice on a previous Whites Pond project and urged a similar process if the redevelopment proposal proceeds.
Council responded that a referendum is a tool the council can use. "Yes, the board can…take up a referendum on just about any topic that they wish," a borough official told the meeting, but council members emphasized they are not yet at the stage of evaluating or approving a pilot and that formalities remain under review.
The borough identified Anna Manfort as its redevelopment attorney; residents were reminded that she previously presented an educational overview of redevelopment processes. Council said it has received requests for pilot status but has not formed a pilot agreement and will continue to provide information as the review proceeds.
Residents asked for public education sessions explaining how pilot programs work and for broad community involvement, including the Board of Education, before final action. Councilors did not set a date for additional public hearings but acknowledged the public interest and said staff and counsel would continue engagement as the process develops.
