Ernest Freeman has big-city experience.
By: Jill Matthews
PLAINSBORO The township has hired Ernest Freeman of Norfolk, Va., as its new director of community development, four months after its former director, Michael LaPlace, left the municipality.
The Township Committee, after a closed-session interview with Mr. Freeman, appointed him to the position during a special meeting Thursday.
Mr. Freeman, 55, will assume his duties on Feb. 21. He will receive a $97,000 salary.
Mr. Freeman said he is happy to be part of Plainsboro’s move over the past few years "to try bring some excitement, some energy, some new ideas to the table, and I’m looking forward to a wonderful relationship with the township."
Mr. Freeman previously served as executive director of the Redevelopment and Housing Authority and director of planning and codes administration for the city for Norfolk. With 30 years’ experience, Mr. Freeman’s résumé also includes time served as the director of planning for San Diego, Baltimore and Cincinnati. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in urban planning and public administration from the University of Illinois.
"We’re pleased to be able to recruit a professional of Mr. Freeman’s caliber to Plainsboro," Mayor Peter Cantu said. "It speaks to our reputation of professionalism and the exciting and innovative projects we have initiated."
While Mr. Freeman has previously worked in large cities, the director’s position in Plainsboro was appealing because it includes a broad community focus in a range of areas and includes responsibilities for many areas he has experience in, he said.
Mr. Freeman said he’d focus on transportation, the building of the new library and state-mandated affordable-housing regulations early on in his tenure.
"Before I really come to any conclusion, I’d like to be able to meet the staff, talk to them, talk to the manager more, so I really have a sense of how he perceives the next set of priorities in the agency," Mr. Freeman said.
The township received more than 50 applications for the position before interviewing candidates and finally whittling its choice down to Mr. Freeman on Thursday, said Robert Sheehan, township administrator.
Mr. LaPlace worked for the township for about three years before leaving in October, Mr. Sheehan said. When Mr. LaPlace left the township, he did not move directly to another position, Mr. Sheehan said.
In other business, the township is interviewing candidates for the position of municipal judge, which will become vacant at the end of February when Judge Richard Cracht retires. Mr. Cracht has served the township for about 10 years.
A committee has interviewed a number of potential candidates for the three-year term and has decided on a candidate to recommend to the Township Committee, Mayor Cantu said. The committee is expected to interview that candidate in February and make a decision.

