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Council debates PILOT approach for Harrison A development as mayor’s recusal draws questions
Summary
Council members discussed potential PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) terms for a proposed Harrison A development and their budgetary impact, while questions from a council member and later public commenters focused on Mayor Gordano’s decision to recuse himself from development talks.
Council discussion on a proposed development at the Harrison A parcels centered on how the borough should approach a PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) agreement and whether the mayor’s recusal from development discussions raised transparency concerns.
Councilman Richie said the five properties at the Harrison A site now generate “about $67,000 a year” for the borough and sketched possible revenue implications if a developer receives a PILOT, noting developers commonly negotiate 10%–15% of revenue as a phased PILOT. He urged council members to consult the Board of Education and the Chamber of Commerce and to “have a seat at the table” before finalizing any negotiation.
When a council member asked why Mayor Gordano had recused himself from conversations about the project, the mayor declined to disclose the reasons, and the borough attorney clarified that an official’s decision to recuse is the official’s choice and that “once he’s made that decision, he is not required by law to disclose those reasons.” The mayor said his only recent contacts concerning development were from an earlier conceptual meeting years ago that did not proceed.
The exchange prompted questions from the public later in the meeting. Resident Nadia Lepino said an email the mayor sent shortly after the prior meeting named her and alleged her involvement in election misconduct; she told the council she had not been contacted privately before the email and asked for an explanation. The mayor responded in the meeting that he believed he knew why she raised the issue and disputing some of her assertions, while noting procedural limits on what he would say in public.
No formal decision or vote on a PILOT was taken at this meeting. Council members said they will continue to discuss options with school and business stakeholders and that any final agreement or referendum would be brought back to the council for a formal vote.
