Planner says Transit Village study on an accelerated schedule; reiterates redevelopment plan is non‑condemnation

Veena, the planner, told the Business Development Authority she has begun the Transit Village area investigation and must finish it quickly to meet statutory deadlines. She said the Township attorney will seek an extension for a March 15 designation date and that she plans to wrap up the study within two weeks so she can present the plan to the planning board.

Veena addressed a property owner’s concern that redevelopment would result in eminent domain, telling the owner and the board, "This is a non-condemnation plan," and that being included can be advantageous because it allows future multi-family zoning options if a commercial use later fails. She said attorneys for owners attended a meeting and staff explained the difference between investigation and redevelopment steps.

She also reported specific next steps for two named projects: Sunshine Biscuit will be introduced to the council on Monday; Towa will appear before the planning board on Wednesday and return to the council the following month for a final hearing. Veena said the redevelopment agreement for Towa has been signed and that only a financial agreement remains to be negotiated with the authority’s financial advisor.

Board members stressed the need to engage property owners and explore partnerships with NJ Transit to secure shared parking and potential affordable-housing opportunities near the station. Commissioners emphasized the importance of meeting the housing-plan deadlines imposed by the state and said the authority will coordinate with departments to obtain necessary materials for the land-use portion of the redevelopment plan.

The board did not vote on any redevelopment ordinances at this meeting; staff indicated several administrative and planning steps remain before ordinances or formal council actions.