Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Redevelopment Red Lion Circle topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents oppose Red Lion Circle redevelopment as Southampton amends plan; one vote against ordinance
Summary
Ordinance 2023-08 to amend Red Lion Circle redevelopment standards passed 4–1 after residents raised traffic, safety and property-value concerns; the state had requested closure of an exit and the developer proposed turn and truck restrictions on Allentown Road.
The Southampton Township Committee approved Ordinance 2023-08 on April 18, 2023, amending standards in the Red Lion Circle Redevelopment Plan, but the vote was not unanimous. The measure passed with four votes in favor and one opposed amid vocal public concern about traffic and safety on Allentown Road.
Mayor Michael Mikulski said the ordinance amends redevelopment standards only and that no site plans had been submitted to the Planning Board. He reported that the State of New Jersey had requested closure of a nearby exit onto the circle because of merging-traffic hazards. Committee members said the developer had proposed traffic mitigations, including a 'no right turn' restriction and a ban on truck traffic onto Allentown Road.
A group of residents attending the meeting expressed opposition, raising concerns about increased traffic on Allentown Road, littering, declining property values, speeding and the narrowness of the road. Committeeman James F. Young characterized the issue as a state matter and said the redevelopment was not worth inconveniencing residents; he cast the dissenting vote. Committeeman Ronald Heston said he will convey residents’ comments to the Planning Board and recommended that residents submit letters to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Deputy Mayor William Raftery moved to adopt the ordinance; Committeeman Ronald Heston seconded. The roll-call vote recorded Mayor Mikulski, Committeeman Heston, Committeewoman Elizabeth Rossell and Deputy Mayor Raftery voting in the affirmative and Committeeman Young voting no.
The committee’s action changes the redevelopment plan standards; site-specific impacts will depend on future plan submissions to the Planning Board and any state actions.
