An attempt to answer the many questions raised over remediation and redevelopment effort
By: Jake Uitti
MONTGOMERY The township’s Web site has been recently updated in attempts to get more information out to the public about the complex redevelopment and cleanup process for the former North Princeton Developmental Center now called Skillman Village.
The Web site http://www.montgomery.nj.us/about/NPDCnews.asp includes a "frequently asked questions" page, a "redevelopment planning" page, a "clean-up" page, a "news" page and a "meetings" page.
The frequently asked questions page was recently updated, and includes more than 60 questions and answers, ranging from "Why is the township buying the property?" to "What are the terms and conditions of the purchase of the property by the township from the state of New Jersey?" to "What opportunities will there be for public input into what happens with Skillman Village?" and many more.
"We are trying to get information out to the public in an organized manner," said Mayor Cecilia Birge.
While the FAQ page on the Web site is not the only means of communicating information to residents, township officials said, it is an important one.
In addition to the Web site, township officials are planning meetings in the coming weeks with stakeholders about the site. The dates and locations for those meetings, including the Township Committee special meeting on Feb. 13, can be found on the Web site as well.
Deputy Mayor Louise Wilson said the township is trying its best to be "very careful" regarding the cleanup of the site, especially since the township’s Village Elementary School is located in the northern section of the 256-acre property.
"Active work will not start on the site until the time is right," she noted.
The Web site also explains that the township is seeking public involvement and input into the redevelopment and cleanup project for the site.
For residents who wish to be involved, they can contact Planning Director Lori Savron at (908) 359-8211 ext. 206, or by e-mail at [email protected], or Community Information Officer Tammy Garaffa, at (908) 359-8211 ext. 207, or by e-mail at [email protected].