Contribution ban now includes contractors for redevelopment projects
By: Emily Craighead
WEST WINDSOR The Township Council voted 4-0 Monday in favor of an ordinance banning pay-to-play on redevelopment-related projects.
Extending restrictions imposed by a 2003 pay-to-play ordinance, the ordinance passed Monday disqualifies developers or contractors from participating in redevelopment projects if they contributed to any candidate for office in West Windsor or to a campaign committee in West Windsor or Mercer County.
The ordinance was introduced unanimously at the March 27 council meeting.
"This is going to make our pay-to-play ordinance more inclusive," Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh said. "This ordinance will ensure that decisions made for the redevelopment will not be made behind closed doors."
The Local Redevelopment and Housing Law of 1992 allows municipalities to enter into contracts for redevelopment areas without competitive bidding. In February, the township received approval from the State Department of Community Affairs to designate a 350-acre area around the Princeton Junction train station as an area in need of redevelopment.
Once the redevelopment plan is complete, which could take well over a year, the township will work with all property owners to issue requests for proposals for private developers to implement the plan. The new ordinance will extend to these developers and contractors.
Praise for the ordinance banning pay-to-play came from Citizens’ Campaign, a statewide effort of private citizens working to get people to take a more active role in government. The campaign is a joint project between Common Cause New Jersey and the Center for Civic Responsibility.
"We believe this is an important ordinance and timely," said Heather Taylor of Citizens’ Campaign. "West Windsor is ahead of the curve in terms of setting a precedent for other towns." Just a few other towns have enacted similar ordinances, including Hightstown, Asbury Park and Belmar, she said.
Councilman Franc Gambatese said the township should go a step further and address campaign spending and term limits.
In other action Monday, the council:
Voted down an ordinance requiring individual ownership of taxicabs and prohibiting smoking in such vehicles. The ordinance did not adequately address council members’ concerns and an "improved" ordinance will be introduced in June, Council President Charlie Morgan said.
Approved a zoning map amendment to allow residential development on 43 acres off Clarksville Road known as the Akselrad property in accordance with a court settlement.
Adopted state-mandated stormwater control regulations relating to flood control, groundwater recharge and pollution reduction for developments larger than 1 acre. The council already adopted a stormwater control ordinance regulating residential properties.
Councilwoman Linda Geevers was absent from Monday’s meeting.

