By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Borough officials have been told by owners of the Rustic Mall that Manville Lanes soon will be torn down, according to Mayor Angelo Corradino.
“This is going to create a problem since we will be losing more valuable parking spaces along with fencing off the area where the bowling alley is now located,” the mayor said. “This is going to block access to Claremont section behind the Rustic Mall. We are working with the owners to at least move the fence back so we can gain additional parking areas.”
The state Division of Taxation did not seize or close the bowling alley business, which closed on its own at the end of April. The division did, however, seize the liquor license held by Phillips Bowling on May 8 because of an outstanding judgment it holds for $7,355.71 for unpaid sales tax for the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first and second quarters of 2011.
The license was sold at a public auction July 11 to Anthony D’Aniello for $25,000.
The borough doesn’t have any indication if, when or what the owners might want to build on the site, which is nearing final clearance contaminants have been removed. The borough is contemplating giving the owners a “drop-dead date” to announce their intention, the mayor said, before debating whether to condemn the property and pursue revitalization efforts on its own.
The mayor said he, along with Millstone-Raritan Flood Control Commission Chairman Frank Jurewicz and Ed Zimmerman, mayor of Rocky Hill, met with U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg in his Newark office to talk about the importance of getting a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood study completed and the mitigation project started.
“Sen. Lautenberg was receptive and promised to do what he can to help us accomplish this monumental task,” the mayor said. “He also advised us that there is money available for economic development.”
Mr. Corradino said the borough was working with Somerset County and the Somerset County Business Partnership to obtain any grant funding available to help businesses along Main Street.
The mayor also said the Borough Council has authorized two hirings. Borough officials hired Millennium Strategies as a grant writer to help secure funds for the next round of property buyouts from flood damage. The council’s vote for the position was unanimous, he said.
The mayor also said he broke a 3-3 council vote to authorize the hiring of web designers Q Send to establish a user-friendly and easy-to-use website for Manville.