Candidates focus on mall redevelopment

By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
   MANVILLE — Though the five candidates for Borough Council all agree redevelopment cannot wait, they are split between incumbents and new candidates on the necessary time frame for moving forward with redeveloping the Rustic Mall.
   This year’s election has five candidates running for two, three-year seats on council. Incumbents Kathy Quick and Steve Szabo, both Republicans, are running for re-election to second terms and face challengers Democrats Lou Fischer and Ron Skirkanish, and independent Rich Onderko.
   For three of the candidates, moving forward with the redevelopment of the Rustic Mall is an immediate need that cannot wait for the previously assumed two years it will take for the property to be removed from the federal Superfund site list.”We have to convince the owners of the property to build quickly,” Mr. Fischer said. “Manville can’t wait.”
   The cleanup of the contaminated soil at the Rustic Mall site was completed earlier this year, but federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials have said the property will not be removed from the list until around 2010, when all the necessary paperwork is finished. Still, EPA officials have said the only requirement to begin building is to have a completed deed notice, with information about how deep a developer can dig on the site, and which will be issued well before the site is removed from the list.
   On the other hand, the site’s project manager has said that, while he will continue to develop plans with the borough, he does not anticipate any companies wishing to purchase space on the property while it is still on the Superfund list.
   ”We have to talk with the developer because we don’t need the removal to begin the work,” Mr. Skirkanish said. “But if this developer won’t do it, maybe we should buy (the property) from him and look into another developer.”
   Mr. Skirkanish said it is important to begin formulating a plan for the site and let residents know what the current plans are to keep everyone informed of the progress.
   Mr. Onderko expressed a similar opinion, saying he does not think Manville can wait before moving forward.
   ”I would like to see building begin immediately,” he said. “We need anything to generate revenues.”
   Although Ms. Quick said she understands all the town needs is a “no further action” document from the EPA to move forward with the project, she is doubtful about the chances of getting buyers for the land at the Rustic Mall before it is removed from the Superfund list.
   ”My opponents have said they will develop the mall, but nobody will develop a property that is on the Superfund list,” she said. “Why would a developer come with a plan and then possibly have to change it? We are not going to get a plan just for show.”
   Mr. Szabo said they are currently waiting to hear from state officials about pressuring the EPA to remove the site from the Superfund list as soon as possible so they can move forward with the redevelopment.
   ”We have to wait and see what they say, but hopefully we can move this along faster,” he said.
   Despite disagreements over when the building can begin on the property, all the candidates agree that a plan needs to be developed to bring more ratables to the town and offer a mix of shops and restaurants to best benefit the residents.
   ”It has to be community-friendly,” Mr. Fischer said. “It has to serve a diversified area. I think we need to see what would be best for the town.”
   Mr. Szabo said an additional grocery store might be beneficial for the borough’s senior citizens.
   Mr. Onderko agreed, saying it could bring some competition to the borough, with an A&P already located on North Main Street.
   For Mr. Skirkanish, he said he believes the best method would be to have some kind of anchor store on the site that is recognizable to residents.
   ”We have to find that one anchor store, and it could be a restaurant,” he said. “Everything is up in the air right now, but we need something that will attract people into this town.”
   Several of the candidates said that, in developing this plan, they need to get input from the residents.
   ”We are trying to speak to people who own businesses (in the area),” Mr. Szabo said. “We ask what they think, and what will entice people to come to Manville.”
   Mr. Fischer expressed a similar opinion about the importance of speaking to residents about the issue.
   ”Whether we should have food stores, or department stores, I’m not sure,” he said. “Until we see all the alternatives, getting input from the community is the best way.”
   Input from the community is not only isolated to developing a plan for the Rustic Mall, as the candidates said they would like to see the public more involved in all borough decisions.
   Mr. Szabo said he thinks the recently instituted second public portion at the end of council meetings will be beneficial in getting input from more residents. In addition, he said, he would like to look for another way to advertise meetings to try and convince more residents to attend.
   According to Ms. Quick, it is important for residents to come out to meetings and discuss their concerns if they want changes to be made.
   ”If residents don’t tell us what they want, they can’t get it,” she said. “I’m not sure how to get more input, but we would like to try to get more people.”
   For Mr. Onderko, one of the best ways to keep people better informed and more involved would be to improve the borough’s Web site to include more facts and updates.
   ”We need to better communicate with residents so they can come in and be informed,” he said.
   Mr. Fischer agrees that the Web site would be an appropriate way to get residents more involved in the town.
   ”Right now, we can’t draw people in and ask for their opinions,” he said. “Residents need avenues through the different departments.”
   To gain more feedback, Mr. Fischer said he would like to create a forum on the Web site to host chats and other methods of inviting the public to speak.
   ”We can incorporate all of what Manville has on the Web site,” he said. “We can have links to the businesses and recreation opportunities.”
   Aside from the Web site, Mr. Fischer said, right now, the council meetings are the best way for residents to get involved.
   ”It seems as though the meetings are probably the best avenue,” he said. “But I don’t think people use them enough.”
   Elections will be held on Nov. 4.