Etra Minutes 20070221

Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency (ETRA) 2 Jake Garzio Drive Ewing, New Jersey 08628 Minutes: February 21, 2007 Submitted by: Anthony P. Carabelli, Jr., Executive Director Public Notice and Attendees a. The meeting of the Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency (ETRA) convened with the reading of the “Sunshine Law” statement by Chairperson Janet McLaughlin at 7:05pm. b. Attendees: Chairperson Janet McLaughlin, Vice Chair Robert Kull, Phil Vecere, David Rose, ETRA Executive Director Anthony Carabelli, Redevelopment Agency Attorney Michael O’Donnell, Business Administrator David Thompson, Councilman Bert Steinmann, Councilman Joseph Murphy, Planner Matt Lawson from Mercer County, John Kwak of XL Architectural Studios, Chuck Wells of Boston Properties, Jon Drezner of Ewing Lofts and Studios (ELS), Planner Chuck Latini of Heyer Gruel and Associates and a Schoor DePalma Planner Public Comment Discussion of Redevelopment Area and Pending Projects Chair Janet McLaughlin discussed the Redevelopment Agency history, projects and agenda. She highlighted the most important and immediate priority of the Agency – to revise the Redevelopment Plan. In accomplishing this objective, the Agency has hired the professional services of Heyer, Gruel and Associates. Referring to an aerial map of the Redevelopment Area, Chair McLaughlin pointed out the current projects and potential developments. In attenDanielce were three developers who highlighted some of their work and strong interest in this Area. •

Chuck Wells of Boston Properties commented on his company’s in-fill housing project along Homestead Avenue and the construction of two more market rate homes along Robbins Avenues.

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Jon Drezner of ELS discussed his development of artist lofts and studios at two former industrial buildings - the Kuhn Jacobs and Hibbert buildings. Mr. Drezner mentioned that ELS acquired the properties in January of this year and has already begun to remove materials from the Kuhn Jacobs. In addition to lofts and studios, the project also calls for the developers to construct a Township animal shelter on a portion of the Kuhn Jacobs site.

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Another developer, John Kwak, touched on his plans for an aged restricted community. The development will be located along Stokes Avenue and will feature 110 units. He also discussed his pending ideas and interest in other areas within the Redevelopment Area.

Mr. Matthew Lawson of the County offered comments regarding the ULI study and potential plans generated from the group. The study, which encompasses a portion of the 1

Redevelopment Area, looked at the shared borders of three municipalities, Trenton, Ewing and Lawrence, and how best to ease the traffic problems in this area. He highlighted the work of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to develop viable solutions for these traffic concerns. In discussing the traffic flow in this area, a discussion ensued over the plans to extend Calhoun Street and possible impacts from that undertaking. Participants weighed the positive and negatives of this proposal along with other potential developments inside and outside of the Redevelopment Area. Mr. Lawson mentioned a non-profit study group, PPS, whose objective is to provide a vision for the Trenton Farmers Market and surrounding businesses. The Market, located on Spruce Street in Lawrence, will undergo various enhancements to its facility over the next several months and could potential take on larger improvements in the future. Mr. Lawson commented that the Agency should continue to involve the surrounding municipalities in its undertakings. Chair McLaughlin thanked all members for their comments on these projects and will continue to keep them informed of the Agency progress. 1026 Prospect Street Property Mr. Kwak appeared before the Agency to present his proposals for 1026 Prospect Street and distributed architectural renderings of his proposal. He suggested two semi-detached homes for the 1026 Prospect Street property with two carriage doors located on the first floor. He also mentioned the dimensions of the homes and provided set back information. He added that these homes would cost approximately $250,000 a piece. Boston Properties, which had offered plans for a Flag Lot proposal at the January 17, 2007 meeting, submitted a slightly amended proposal at this meeting. Mr. Wells suggested a shared driveway for both residents at this location. Chair McLaughlin stated that the Agency will not approve the property proposal until the February 21, 2007 meeting. She asked Mr. Carabelli to mail the two pending proposals to all members of the Agency for their review. MOTION Re: Adjournment of Meeting First – Janet McLaughlin Second – David Rose The Board unanimously supported the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:05pm.

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