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Residents press council on PILOT, town‑center and Route 515 development at reorganization meeting
Summary
During public comment at the Jan. 15 reorganization meeting, residents raised concerns about a proposed PILOT and apartment buildings and questioned the town‑center concept and potential development on Route 515. One attendee disputed a newspaper report about an attorney’s employment.
During the Jan. 15 Vernon Township reorganization meeting, multiple residents used the public‑comment periods to urge caution on proposed development and a potential PILOT agreement.
William Rickey congratulated the newly seated council and expressed concern about a proposed PILOT and apartment buildings, saying he questioned the town‑center concept and its likely effects.
Later in the general public‑comment period, Heidi Le Bris and Elaine Badgley voiced worries about the future of the town center and a possible development on Route 515. Jamie Rickey also spoke regarding the town‑center development.
Steve Dunlop addressed an item in the Advertiser that he said mischaracterized attorney Matthew Jessup’s employment, stating in public comment that "this is not true — Matthew Jessup works for Vernon Township," and asking for clarity from officials.
Council members acknowledged the concerns and said that if the PILOT goes to the ballot, they will work to educate residents. Council President Higgins and other members asked residents to inform themselves about proposals and noted the council must weigh projects now before moving forward.
No formal development approvals were taken at the meeting; these were public comments recorded for council consideration.
