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North Haledon resident says redevelopment study singled out her home; mayor says no takings planned
Summary
Resident Susan Luckman told the council she objects to the borough's redevelopment study after her house appeared on the study cover; Mayor Randy George apologized and said the study does not authorize property takings and 'nowhere does it say that we are taking anyone’s property.'
Susan Luckman, a North Haledon resident, told the Borough Council at its July 17 work session that she opposes the borough’s redevelopment study and is distressed that her house appears on the study’s front cover. Luckman said the study described her home as "in disrepair" and "old," which she said makes her fear a future takeover and that her property value will decline.
"I am not in favor of the project, I feel offended by it, I am not pleased that my home is on the front cover," Luckman said, addressing the council and noting her Belmont Avenue address.
Mayor Randy George responded that he had already spoken with Luckman, apologized that her house was singled out on the materials, and emphasized that the redevelopment study does not authorize the borough to take private property. "Nowhere does it say that we are taking anyone’s property," he said, adding that the consultants apply specific technical criteria when preparing study materials.
The exchange took place after Council Member Donna Puglisi moved to open the floor to the public; the motion, seconded by Council Member Bruce O. Iacobelli, passed on a roll call with all members voting in the affirmative. After Luckman spoke and the mayor replied, Puglisi moved to close public comment; that motion also passed on a unanimous roll call.
Context: Work-session minutes list the redevelopment study among the materials distributed to the council; the minutes do not record further debate, a public hearing on redevelopment, or any council vote adopting redevelopment designations at this meeting. The minutes record a separate set of proposed ordinances and consent-agenda items for council consideration, but they do not show any formal action adopting the study or initiating property takings during the July 17 session.
What happens next: The council proceeded with its agenda (including review of proposed ordinances and a consent agenda) and entered an executive session. The minutes do not record any immediate formal action to change property ownership or to adopt redevelopment designations at this meeting.
