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Committee designates Lots 59 and 64 as area in need of redevelopment; eminent-domain option preserved for notice
Summary
After staff review and discussion about including operating businesses, the Montgomery Township Committee voted to designate Lots 59 and 64 (Block 28010, Phase 2 Gateway Redevelopment) as an area in need of redevelopment, while retaining the formal public-notice option to allow condemnation authority but making clear the township is not compelled to exercise eminent domain.
The committee considered a planning-board study that identified four lots (59, 61, 62 and 64) formerly part of the Phase 2 Gateway Redevelopment study and debated whether to designate all four lots for redevelopment with the potential for condemnation. Staff clarified the study and distributed aerial maps for members.
Counsel and staff recommended caution about designating operating business parcels; committee members expressed discomfort including landmark operating businesses. After discussion, the committee agreed to designate only Lots 59 and 64 in Block 28010 as an area in need of redevelopment, and the resolution as drafted included the option to indicate which lots are designated when certified. Counsel emphasized that the designation with condemnation cited in the study is required for public notice purposes and that the exercise of eminent domain is an additional, separate authorization the township would have to approve if ever needed.
Committee members moved and adopted the amended resolution by roll-call vote. The vote record was called and the clerk recorded unanimous "yes" votes from present members. Members asked staff to provide additional materials and maps to support any follow-up public engagement.
