By sandi carpello
Staff Writer
HELMETTA — The future of the historic snuff factory remains undecided, but a group of hand-picked local representatives has been called on to help its potential redeveloper make decisions.
The Helmetta Leadership Committee was formed last April for the purpose of discussing areas of concern surrounding the redevelopment process and to brainstorm ideas for the snuff mill property, said Barbara Raczynski, a member of the committee. Raczynski is also the president of the Board of Education.
Other members include Democratic Mayor Frank Hague, Republican Councilman Edward Romano, Historical Society member Katherine Hackett-Fields and Planning Board member Lisa Macyda, according to information provided by Raczynski.
The committee’s meetings are generally held at the offices of Matrix Development Corp., Cranbury, which has proposed turning the snuff mill into 294 luxury apartments. The meetings are not open to the general public.
The committee was formed during discussions among some of the members following the unveiling of Matrix’s proposal early this year.
Raczynski, describing herself as the facilitator of the committee, said she sent out several letters in early April informing the select individuals that they were invited to participate.
"The goal of this committee is to find the best plan of redevelopment for the community of Helmetta," Raczynski said.
The 32-acre property, which was designated as a redevelopment zone by an act of the Borough Council in September, is on Main Street and includes the 14-acre snuff factory and surrounding parcels.
Matrix, the only corporation to present an official redevelopment plan to the borough, has proposed creating 231 two-bedroom apartments and 63 one-bedroom units. The rental units would be built in two of the three six-story buildings on the redevelopment site. The third building has been discussed for small retail shops and light industrial uses.
Many residents have expressed opposition to Matrix’s $22 million proposal. In light of the recent 32 percent property tax increase, homeowners fear that building an apartment complex will accumulate more school-aged children and ultimately cause property taxes to increase further.
Matrix Vice President Steve Patron, who sits in on all of the committee’s meetings and supplies industry professionals to address the group’s concerns, said the committee provides an open dialogue on the matter among the leaders of the community.
In his goal to provide a viable redevelopment plan, Patron said he is willing to adjust the outline of his proposal to comply with what the residents want.
One suggestion discussed at the meeting was the construction of a commuter bus station, complete with a newspaper and coffee stand, within the redevelopment area, Patron said. A bus service, perhaps to the South Amboy train station and/or to New York City, could run through Helmetta, he said.
Hackett-Fields said she is in favor of commercial redevelopment, such as professional and office buildings, on the property. However, she said she is opposed to the large number of luxury apartments that have been proposed by Matrix.

