ROBBINSVILLE: Fried to challenge state statute

Mayor comments on taxes, JCP&L

By James McEvoy, Managing Editor
   ROBBINSVILLE — Mayor Dave Fried said he is looking forward to challenging state law further in front of the state’s highest court.
   The mayor’s comments came during his annual state of the township address March 7 only weeks after a Feb. 27 appellate court ruling paved the way for Sharbell Building Co. to convert as many as 150 single-family units approved age-restricted housing to non-restricted units.
   The units are located on a tract at the intersection of Route 130 and Gordon Road.
   ”The Legislature has given us some really bad bills in their days, but I think this one is probably one of the worst,” Mr. Fried said, noting the conversion will have a negative impact in the community’s already overcrowded schools.
   ”That’s like offering a drowning man a glass of water,” he said of the law, which Robbinsville has now twice previously challenged in court.
   ”I do think we have a chance at the Supreme Court because I believe it took away the town’s right to choose and when you think about planning and zoning the one thing that always happens is we have the ability to have the public have input,” Mr. Fried said. “This law took away the ability of anyone to have any input. I believe it was unconstitutional.”
   He said he does not blame Sharbell for seeking the conversion and was thankful the company is willing to discuss the potential preservation of land for potential recreational use.
   During his address, offered in front of the township chamber of commerce, Mr. Fried also directed criticisms at Jersey Central Power and Light, saying he will continue pushing for people to have the right to choose their utility provider.
   ”I think we have the right to say they have to be great at what they do,” he said, though he said he respected the openness of Gerry Riccardi, JCP&L’s area manager of community and customer relations for central New Jersey, who was in attendance.
   Mr. Fried lauded the response of Robbinsville’s public safety officials, churches and residents during and after Hurricane Sandy. He asked the public to continue to support the community of Sea Bright, the township’s sister community, through gift cards that can be purchased on the township website.
   ”It’s going to be a long process. They’re going to need a lot of help,” he said of the storm-ravaged community. “I know our residents are going to respond like they always do.”
   Mr. Fried also highlighted township success stories from the past year including a deal reached to locate an Amazon.com warehouse in the township.
   He identified the deal as one of many factors leading to this year’s proposed budget, which calls for a 2-cent tax cut in the municipal rate, which would result in a $76 tax reduction for a property owner of a home assessed at $381,000.
   Other initiatives include asking Township Council to explore redeveloping the Foxmoor Shopping Center.
   He said redevelopment would be an effective way to attract an anchor store to the center.
   Mr. Fried also said he looks forward to promoting the township’s efforts with business owners to encourage residents to shop local through offering a portion of proceeds to local charities.
   ”We’re going to start spotlighting those businesses,” he said. “I really want people to know who they are not just what they sell.”