The time for debate on the merits of buying the former Foodtown tract is over.
Last week, Brick officials reached an agreement with Food Circus Supermarkets, of Middletown, to buy the 11-acre site for $6.1 million. At the time of this announcement, the Township Council introduced a bonding ordinance allocating the extra funds needed to make up the difference between the settled price and the $5.95 million already bonded for this purpose.
That the two sides compromised without the need for condemnation of the property is welcome news.
Even in a case like this, where residents and officials raised reasonable doubt that the development posed a threat to Brick’s drinking water source, Forge Pond, eminent domain powers should be used only as the absolute last resort.
As difficult as the negotiation process was to derail the Home Depot application, there are plenty of challenges ahead.
Because Brick officials relied heavily on the environmental impact to justify its purchase of the site, they must now come up with a plan that is inherently better for the property than the Home Depot. The decision-making process should be conducted in as open and public a manner as possible.
In concept, there is no question that the proposed park and community recreation center idea is a safer alternative for the property than a home improvement warehouse. Anyone who doubts that should consider the disastrous possibility of that Home Depot catching on fire, pouring the ashes of charred lumber, pesticides and paint products straight into Brick’s drinking water source.
Kevin Donald, executive director of the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority (BTMUA), has said all along that the authority would take a strong interest in any plan for that property, not just the Home Depot.
In the months or years ahead, the BTMUA should be consulted for its input on whatever is built on this sensitive site.
So, too, should Brick’s residents. You are paying $6.1 million for the property, not counting the cost of renovating the building, and you should make known what you would like to see done with it.