Haddonfield approves Boxwood Hall redevelopment amendment despite resident calls for pause

The Borough of Haddonfield adopted Ordinance 2024-05, an amendment to the Boxwood Hall redevelopment plan, during the June 24 meeting after a public hearing and second-reading vote.

Former resident Kim Custer urged commissioners to delay the amendment, saying she had spent 14 years working to preserve the rear portion of the Boxwood Hall property as parkland and was disappointed that the amended plan reduces that park area. She asked the commission to wait until a third Commissioner was seated and to hold a review meeting similar to a recent Bancroft review.

Commissioner Troy responded that the amendment had a public comment period before the Planning Board and that commissioners ran to address properties that have fallen into disrepair. “I did not run on treading water and that somehow these buildings would miraculously get back to their original condition,” Troy said, arguing the borough must solicit developers willing to invest in the properties.

After public comment, Commissioner Troy moved to close the hearing and adopt the ordinance on second reading. Mayor Bianco Bezich seconded the motion and the ordinance passed unanimously.

Residents who opposed the adoption expressed concern about historic preservation and about proceeding before the full complement of commissioners is seated. Officials noted prior public hearings at the Planning Board level and said moving properties out of neglect requires finding redevelopment partners. The ordinance takes effect according to local ordinance-adoption timelines.