Etra Minutes 20070418

Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency (ETRA) 2 Jake Garzio Drive Ewing, New Jersey 08628 Presentation Summaries: April 18, 2007 Submitted by: Anthony P. Carabelli, Jr., Executive Director Due to a request from the Ewing Township Mayor, the April 18th regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Agency was canceled. Instead, Mayor Jack Ball invited the Agency to his Mayor’s monthly meeting (same day as regularly scheduled Agency meeting) and requested that the members provide information on their activities. The Agency offered three public presentations: • Chair McLaughlin on the Agency history • Vice Chair Kull on ULI study and potential developments and • Planner Chuck Latini on a revised plan and vision for the Agency Attendees a. Attendees: Chairperson Janet McLaughlin, David Rose, Daniel Brandt, Sandra McCord, ETRA Executive Director Anthony Carabelli, Redevelopment Agency Attorney Michael O’Donnell, Planner Chuck Latini, Mayor Jack Ball, Township CFO John Barrett, Business Administrator David Thompson and members of the public. Mayor’s Remarks Mayor Jack Ball began the meeting by welcoming all attendees to the meeting. He introduced his administrative staff and then stated that the Administration would like to hold a meeting every month highlighting a specific topic of interest in the Township. He then gave a brief overview of the Redevelopment Agency and introduced Chair McLaughlin. Chair McLaughlin Remarks Chair McLaughlin began her presentation by introducing all members of the Agency. She emphasized that these members were volunteers who needed to pass two State courses. In addition, she introduced the consultants – the Executive Director, Attorney and Planner. Her comments presented an Agency overview. She addressed the importance of the Agency to our Township. Specifically, she mentioned its ability to offer tax incentives and low interest loans to new and old businesses; to incorporate smart growth projects into the redevelopment area; and to create a viable plan for future developments. Chair McLaughlin offered suggestions of some of the projects that have improved the area. In addition, she commented on the in-fill housing projects in Prospect Park and the potential housing developments for Stokes Avenue. Vice Chair Robert Kull Remarks Vice Chair Kull informed the attendees of the scope and purpose of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) study. The group examined the area around the Trenton Farmer’s Market and its untapped potential. Some of the points that were addressed included the large

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number of people living in the area, their relatively high median income and the potential significance of nearby universities. Planner Chuck Latini Remarks Mr. Chuck Latini of Heyer, Gruel and Associates began his discussion by stressing the needs of the redevelopment area. He commented on four specific principles in moving forward with this area. They included the following: • • • •

Aesthetic improvements to the lighting and streetscape of Olden Avenue Connectivity – creating better road networks and mass transit options Functionality – understanding the needs of the Agency and how they coincide with the Redevelopment Agency goals Tax base – maintaining the economic health of the area and ensuring value-added developments

Using a map of the redevelopment area, Mr. Latini analyzed the positives and opportunities for improvements in the area. Specifically, he commented on the strong surrounding neighborhoods, the potential for passive areas/walkways along the former trolley line; and the potential developments of former Brownfield sites. Public Comment A public participant raised traffic concerns of a new development, the Wal-Mart on Spruce Street in Lawrence, near the redevelopment area border. The attendee was concerned with the designated truck route to and from the Wal-Mart facility. County official Matthew Lawson addressed the question by stating that Wal-Mart will need to make significant upgrades to the intersection at Spruce Street and Artic Parkway as well as Spruce and Princeton Avenue. The attendee was also concerned with the exodus of businesses along Olden Avenue due to the new Wal-Mart. Vice Chair Kull responded that the Agency and the Township do not have control of the Wal-Mart development. He then provided the example of Home Depot and how other businesses selling similar products such as, Blake’s Hardware and Heath Lumber, were able to adapt successfully. Following some additional public comments, Planner Chuck Latini addressed the audience adding some thoughts on mix-use developments for Olden Avenue. He stated that the Redevelopment Agency needs to provide incentives to attract developers to this area. The Agency could create building standards that allow for higher height and density requirements. Mayor Jack Ball extended his gratitude to Chairperson McLaughlin and the Redevelopment Agency staff for their participation at the meeting. He also welcomed attendees to come out to the meetings of the Agency.

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