SOUTH BRUNSWICK — The South Brunswick Township Council reflected on the past decade and expressed high hopes for the next 10 years at the township’s annual reorganization meeting last week.
Despite the decade being a rough one for the nation as a whole, it was a relatively prosperous and positive 10 years for the township, according to Mayor Frank Gambatese.
“It’s hard to believe that the first decade of 2000 is history,” Gambatese said. “While the federal government had problems, South Brunswick really had a pretty good decade, and a lot of it has to do with the people that live here.”
Gambatese said several positive things occurred in the township, including the opening of 12 new parks, bringing the township total to 28; the opening of new hotels, which provide the township with extensive revenue; and the expansion of the public library.
Also, nearly 1,700 acres of land were purchased over the decade, ensuring that they will remain undeveloped, he said.
Despite a global recession, local taxes increased only 16 cents in 10 years and school taxes went up only 94 cents, which Gambatese said may seem like a lot but the schools “have to cope with the education of our children.”
The town’s total ratable base went up $458 million in the first decade, increasing the total base from $3.5 billion to $3.95 billion. The increase in ratables helped keep taxes low, he said.
Also, major roadway improvements occurred, including Route 522, the current sidewalk projects on Ridge and Georges roads, and the elimination of Route 92, he said.
The township is entering the new decade with high hopes, Gambatese said, including the creation of a Science Park that will create $5 million ratable, and several new companies that have recently announced their expansion or relocation into the township.
One such company, Calvin Klein, will be leasing a brand-new 60,000-square-foot warehouse that has been certified as a Leader in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED]. The building is one of only a few LEED-certified buildings in the state, according to Councilman Joseph Camarota. The warehouse, located on Docks Corner Road, was supposed to be leased to Fortunoff, but the company pulled out shortly after filing for bankruptcy last year. Calvin Klein signed the lease last month and is expected to open the distribution center this year.
Despite the increase in ratables and new businesses, however, the council agreed that the township still faces many challenges in tackling the troubled economy and looming budget. Township officials started the budget process nearly three months earlier this year compared to last year, in an attempt
to get a jump-start on any potential cost-saving methods.
Republican Councilman John O’Sullivan, who is starting his first term on council this year and is the only Republican serving on the governing body, said he looks forward to bringing a new voice to the council and seeking ways to reduce costs to the township.
His latest initiative is to find a way to reduce costs charged to the township for travel times associated with professional services. He noted that one firm charges between $91 and $129 per hour for driving. In order to save taxpayer money, O’Sullivan said, he will propose lowering the rate paid for travel time.
In addition to budget and economic discussions, the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting also saw the reappointment of Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray, the swearing in of board and commission members, and the appointment of township professionals.
Killmurray served his first year as deputy mayor in 2009 after Carol Barrett left the position to join the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
“Last year was great, and I know you’ll continue to do a good job this year,” Gambatese said to Killmurray at the meeting.
The council members thanked the township volunteers and employees and encouraged them to keep up the good work.
“Without them, this town would not be what it is,” Camarota said.
Camarota reminded residents that it is necessary that they voice their concerns to the council.
“It is so necessary for one to be made aware of [your] issues. We are here to serve you, and the only way to do that properly is to hear from you,” he said. “We are your pipeline. Contact us and hold us accountable.”
As for now, the council will concentrate on cutting costs while keeping up South Brunswick’s wide array of services. Despite the challenges, however, the mayor and council have remained positive and said they are looking forward to 2010.
“I’m looking forward to the next decade. I think if it’s as good as the last one, we will continue to prosper,” Gambatese said.
Contact Jennifer Booton at
jbooton@gmnews.com.