Chatham council votes 5–1 to halt Gateway 1 & 2 River Road redevelopment plan

The Borough of Chatham Mayor and Council on June 22 voted 5–1 to direct borough professionals not to move forward with the Gateway 1 & 2 (River Road) redevelopment plan, concluding a special meeting that drew several residents to urge preservation of a town-owned green lot at 58 North Passaic Avenue.

Mayor Dempsey opened the meeting and reviewed the redevelopment plan’s history, saying the draft plan grew from public engagement and planner Fran Reiner’s work. He told the council the borough must decide whether to proceed with the River Road plan and noted that "circumstances have changed," including a new application on River Road that would provide affordable housing.

Council member Strickland, explaining his opposition, said redevelopment is “incredibly complex” and that development in Chatham affects every resident; he told the council, “I'll vote against the redevelopment plan at River Road.” Another council member urged adoption, saying a redevelopment plan would give the borough "greater control over future development" and stronger tools for environmental remediation and design standards.

A motion to direct borough professionals not to move forward with the Gateway 1 & 2 redevelopment plan was made, seconded and put to roll-call vote. Clerk Nite House announced the recorded votes: Council president Brian Hargrove — yes; Council member Gilmore — yes; Council member Hay — no; Council member Kornkiewicz — yes; Council member Matheson — yes; Council member Strickland — yes. The motion carried, 5–1.

The meeting’s public-comment period drew a string of residents concerned about alternative sites, process, trees and costs. Bridget McMenamin of 133 Center criticized the mayor’s letter and the choice of 58 North Passaic, saying the parcel was selected by “8 borough insiders who met only behind closed doors” and urging a public forum to review alternatives and cost estimates. Evelyn Pan of 165 North Passaic described the parcel as a park-like green lot with mature evergreens and said, “Once you mow this down, it’s gone.” Robert Petman (165 North Passaic) disputed a mayoral remark about his involvement with a consultant and alleged procurement delays have increased apparatus costs by over $1,000,000 — a claim not resolved during the meeting.

The council also approved two other items on the agenda. Resolution 26-236 authorized Special Affordable Housing Council Jonathan Drill to sign a consent order final compliance certification on behalf of the borough; the council approved it by roll call. Resolution 26-235, renewing a liquor license for the 2026–2027 term, was read and approved.

Mayor Dempsey thanked the council, staff and the public for their engagement and said the decision not to proceed with the Gateway 1 & 2 draft is separate from the borough’s housing element and fair share plan. He said the presence of an application on River Road that would supply affordable housing was a major changed circumstance in the council’s consideration.

The special meeting adjourned following motions to close business; the council indicated no further action on Gateway 1 & 2 at this time and referenced future meetings after July 4.