Dale Garnes, of Washington Township
This is a copy of a letter to Tom Troy, Sharbell’s senior vice president:
I am writing you regarding Washington Town Center.
I live at 30 Union St. and have been a resident for four years. When I was making the decision to purchase my home, I was told the property directly in back of the lot I was considering would be developed within the coming year. Needlessly to say, that did not happen.
I can understand delays in development, but I don’t understand why the property has been kept in such a disgusting manner.
When I moved in four years ago, directly in back of my garage was a dilapidated storage facility with doors on it that apparently had no latch. For the next few years, every time the wind would catch the doors, my family and I had to listen to the doors banging against the structure.
Finally, the building was leveled, and I believed this was going to be the start of cleaning the site up. Unfortunately, not so.
Over the past four years, the site has been used as a general collection area for old trailers, construction materials, piles of dirt and other unrecognizable items. It has been a true eyesore and a breeding ground for small animals.
Mr. Troy, I have attended a number of township meetings in which other Town Center residents have raised issues with the site I speak of. You have promised to do something about it. I was even in a meeting recently where you were not in attendance, but the issue surfaced, and I believe you were made aware of it. I don’t understand how this can be ignored.
Until this morning, the grass/weeds that have grown on the site were almost above the mailboxes. I noticed someone using a weed whacker this morning to cut the weeds down. I assume a weed whacker was needed because a lawn mower could not plow through the weeds at that height.
Over the past four years, I have put off doing any entertainment at my home because of the horrendous site outside my windows. When I have had my family visit me, the subject immediately comes up when they look out of my back windows. It is embarrassing and unacceptable.
When I park my car in my garage, I like to back it in. Every day, I am reminded of the huge eyesore when I arrive home.
If one visits your website, they are greeted by beautiful pictures of your developments and words that speak to your commitment in building long-term relationships with the communities you build.
“Since 1984, we at Sharbell Development Corp. have built a reputation for innovation and integrity in residential, commercial and mixed-use development. We’ve built over 3,000 new homes in Central New Jersey, from million-dollar custom estates to multifamily condominiums. We also successfully develop and manage complete retail, office and mixed-use projects throughout the state.
”We’ve moved to the forefront of traditional neighborhood design and smart growth in New Jersey, demonstrating the ability to evolve with changing times and lifestyles. Along the way, we have garnered numerous national and local honors and awards, including Home Buyers Warranty’s coveted Diamond Home Builder designation and New Jersey Future’s Smart Growth Award for our Plainsboro Village Center and Washington Town Center.
”Smart growth and traditional neighborhood design continue to be our primary focus in site selection, land planning and architectural design. Defined by maximizing sustainability, affordability and pedestrian-friendly development patterns, our mixed-use village and community environments cohesively blend retail and office space while integrating various types of residential homes.
”Always, we strive to improve the communities in which we build, creating a shared sense of pride and place for both existing and new residents and tenants. We cultivate long-term relationships with the communities we build in, supporting many civic, social and public service efforts, including sports leagues, Boy/Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity and public arts activities.
”We foster these community relationships by remaining involved, in many cases for years after a project is complete, a testament to our long-term vision and our commitment to the core values that endure for generations to come.”
I don’t know how Sharbell keeps selling to additional homeowners when they have not kept their promises to current homeowners.
Mr. Troy I am very disappointed that you have broken your promise to me and other homeowners. I had faith that you would deliver what you promised. I was at the meeting when you said the area would be cleaned up, and temporary trees and other planting would be installed as we were waiting for the final project to be erected. Have you seen the site lately?
I would like to ask you for some of the money I paid for my house back. I made a significant investment in my property based on what was told to me during the time I was considering Town Center. I was told the final project would be completed within the year following my purchase of the house.
As I mentioned, I understand delays, but four years is a bit late. In the interim there have been promises to clean up the area. There seems to be no concern for the residents.
I’d appreciate a call from you and would like you to entertain mediation at the least. I look forward to speaking with you.

