Long Hill authorizes eminent-domain steps to pursue Thermoplastics South property in Valley Road redevelopment area

At its April 22 meeting the Long Hill Township Committee approved Resolution 26-118, authorizing the Township Attorney to begin steps toward acquiring the property at 1261 Valley Road (Block 10401, Lot 4), known in the record as Thermoplastics South, for redevelopment.

The resolution directs the Township Attorney, in coordination with the Township Administrator, to obtain appraisals and to attempt a voluntary purchase on terms acceptable to the township; if voluntary acquisition is not achieved the attorney is authorized to prepare and file a verified condemnation complaint and related pleadings, and to take other necessary legal and administrative steps. The resolution also authorizes retention of experts (appraisers, engineers, planners, title firms) and to use available lawful funds to pay just compensation and associated deposits.

Resolution text states the acquisition advances the township’s redevelopment objectives for the Valley Road redevelopment area and notes prior redevelopment designation (Resolution 16-251). The condemnation authorization was included in the consent agenda (Resolutions 26-111 through 26-122) and passed on a roll-call vote recorded in the meeting minutes.

During the public-comment period Carol Prasa thanked the Township Committee for proceeding with the Thermoplastics South action and urged the Committee to pursue Thermoplastics North as well; the Committee took no separate vote on Thermoplastics North at the April 22 session.

Next steps: the Township Attorney is authorized to make a good-faith offer after appraisals, continue negotiations, and, if necessary, file condemnation pleadings. Any acquisition would require payment of just compensation and will follow statutory eminent-domain procedures.