The Helmetta snuff mill redevelopment is on hold due to market conditions, but there has been some activity at the historic factory buildings — trespassing and vandalism.
JEFF GRANIT staff A sign posted by Kaplan Cos., owner of the former Helme Tobacco Co. site, advertises a reward for information leading to the arrest of trespassers on the property. Officials said there has been a problem with people entering the building and causing damage. Officials aim to put a stop to that.
Kaplan Cos., which owns the property and has plans to build a senior community there, is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of trespassers or vandals.
“Unfortunately, we have had many issues with trespassing on the property, despite efforts to lock it up,” said Jason Kaplan, president of the Highland Park-based development firm. “We suspect some foul play from kids from the area, but some has also come from people breaking in to steal materials from the building.”
The mill owner has tried to secure the property, but “it is difficult to monitor 24/7,” he said. Kaplan is hoping the reward will provide an incentive for someone to report the perpetrators, and for neighbors to help watch over the property.
Helmetta Police Chief Cully Lewis said Kaplan Cos. contacted him about posting a sign and offering a reward, and he agreed with the idea.
“There have been instances of windows being broken, people entering the building, some damage being done, and things like that,” Lewis said.
He said police want to help the property owner as much as possible because they believe there is the potential for danger when someone trespasses in the building. While there is always the potential that trespassers will cause problems in the building, officials also worry that someone could go in there seeking shelter and start a fire to stay warm. A fire in that building would be difficult to control, Lewis said.
He added that there is no water or electricity in the building, and the layout can present a safety hazard.
“Someone could get seriously injured or worse,” Lewis said.
Officials, he said, want to work with Kaplan to minimize the potential danger.
Construction time frame unclear
The redevelopment project will occur when market conditions improve, Kaplan said. In a letter sent to residents last month, he wrote that credit markets in particular have deteriorated to the point that financing cannot be secured for the project.
In the meantime, the company is securing the necessary approvals and permits so work can begin when the time is right.
Mayor Nancy Martin wants to see the project occur because it is expected to bring property tax relief, but acknowledged that economic factors have it on hold. She said the development firm is doing what it can in the meantime.
“With the housing market, financing and the economy, Kaplan has still been moving ahead on their permits so we will be in a position to start construction, Martin said. “Hopefully, we will see some changes coming in 2009.”
Kaplan has approval to build an age-restricted community of 225 condominiums and two-bedroom flats, as well as 10,000 square feet of retail space. A civic center will also be built and donated to the borough. The community is being called Heritage at Helmetta.
The company razed several mill buildings over the past two years, and the demolition work is complete. The company is in the process of securing its water extension and sewer permits from the state Department of Environmental Protection. Martin said the water extension permit should be approved once a contract is finalized with the township of East Brunswick for the purchase of water.
Also, Conrail has approved JCP&L’s request for an overhead crossing at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Main Street.
Jason Kaplan said the firm would be ready to start work when it is feasible.
“The intention is to put all permitting in place so that when we see improvements in the market, we will be ready to go,” Kaplan said. “I cannot say for certain if that will be in 2009. The market will determine that.”

