BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK — The last Township Council meeting before the election provided its share of fireworks between the two political parties.
Joseph Iaria, a plaintiff in the 6-acre zoning lawsuit against the township and an attorney, criticized the Democrats’ record, saying Mayor William Neary and his team have mismanaged the township. Republicans and other residents also took issue with Neary and the Democrats at the meeting.
By the same token, numerous residents, some of whom work for the township or serve in some capacity, stood up Monday night to voice support for Neary, lauding his work on open space and municipal taxes.
Iaria brought up the redevelopment of the township-owned Golden Triangle on Route 18, saying that while it is talked about for the potential of bringing in $3 million a year in tax revenue, it is not being reported that the rental value of the properties is $3.5 million a year. The township could see that rental money if it holds onto ownership of the area rather than selling to Toll Bros., the developer with whom the town is negotiating.
Lawrence Sachs, the Planning Board attorney who once ran for council as a Democrat, applauded the administration for its actions and stance on the negotiations, saying it would be wrong to rush the process. Officials have noted Republicans argued earlier this year that the process was being rushed, but are now saying it is lagging.
Iaria also said Sam’s Club alone would garner more than $3 million in rental revenue and taxes. The township’s lease with the businesses on the Golden Triangle site expires in 2008.
“And the rental would be forever, not temporary,” he said.
He said selling the property would be akin to a shore town selling a mile of oceanfront. Not only is an important asset being sold, but the town is foregoing the profits it could earn by owning the land. Shore towns earn substantial revenues through ownership of oceanfront and beaches, he said.
Sachs said that Iaria “has an ax to grind.” He noted that Iaria called the township’s Ethical Standards Board unethical, even though it is composed of clergy leaders and other community members.
“If the ethics board has cleared the mayor, that’s good enough for me,” Sachs said.
Iaria also asked why the township has not been re-evaluated. He said re-evaluations level the playing field and iron out discrepancies between taxpayers. Some East Brunswick taxpayers are paying more than their share because there has not been a revaluation, he said.
While no one on the dais responded to those comments, Sachs did.
“I would not urge a revaluation unless the county urges us to do so,” he said.
Resident Michael DeLucia noted how properties in East Brunswick are assessed at below 50 percent of market value, enough to warrant a revaluation.
Dolly Vasta, a resident, told the council that Councilwoman Christi Calvano, Neary’s challenger, is too young to serve as mayor.
“Would you rather be in a foxhole with an adult who knows what they’re doing, or someone who is a youngster?” she asked.
Calvano is 29.
A number of teenagers also spoke, some in support of Neary, others for Calvano.