Downtown project gets back on track

Anthony V. Coppola Staff Writer
   PLUMSTED —The search for a redeveloper for the planned residential retirement community on Route 537 — a project that will also bring sewer service to the downtown business district — was narrowed to two, following the passing of the Aug. 22 proposal deadline.
   Kokes Organization Inc., of Whiting, and Levin, Shea & Pfeffer, P.A., of Jackson, are the interested parties. Township officials said they are unsure how the developers will be utilized. It is possible only one would be selected to oversee the whole project but the two may be hired to work hand-in-hand, officials said.
   Township officials originally considered 10 developers after Manalapan-based Centex Corp. abandoned the project in March 2007. According to Centex representatives at the time, the project was taking longer than expected and was hindered by various local and state approvals.
   The township’s redevelopment process began in October 2002 when the Township Committee began working on a redevelopment plan for the area near Province Line Road. In 2004, the township approved its redevelopment plan and advertised requests for redeveloper proposals, which ultimately went to Centex.
   Township Committeeman Mike McCue said the next steps are to interview the developers and negotiate a developers agreement. He said the township would begin the interview process within three to four weeks.
   ”We have a clear objective for the downtown redevelopment,” Committeeman McCue said. “We may try to work out a situation with both developers if it’s in our best interest.”
   According to Mr. McCue, the scope of the redevelopment project is not extraordinarily complex and the township wants the second attempt to be a more fluid process. Township officials hope the possibility of using two developers could help achieve that.
   ”Different developers have different strengths which can be built on to make a strong project team,” he added.
   Bringing a sewer treatment plan to the New Egypt business district remains a top priority according to township officials. The original Centex project was expected to generate a ratable base equity in excess of $250 million. Township officials have similar expectations for the new redevelopment plan.
   ”A key component of revitalizing the downtown is providing a septic sewer system,” Mr. McCue said. “The redevelopment project is a smart, economical way to do it.”