By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
Officials will determine if two properties owned by Delco Development can be part of the township’s redevelopment district.
The Township Council passed a resolution Aug. 19 authorizing the Planning Board to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine if the properties constitute a redevelopment area. After the board completes its investigation, the council will review it and decide whether to designate the properties as a redevelopment area.
Delco Development President Thomas Juliano said, “We do own both corners on Route 33, the Patterson Chevrolet and the closed Chrysler, and we have been talking with the township about the possibility to create a redevelopment zone. We have done many redevelopments in the past and it is a great way for everyone to work together toward a common goal, which in most cases is the revitalization of an underutilized or vacant property. Everything is very preliminary at this point.”
When Councilman Kevin Meara asked if designating the properties for redevelopment would open them up to tax abatements or payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTS), Business Administrator John Ricci said not necessarily.
Vice President Dennis Pone said he will have questions about the study once it’s done but did not have questions about commissioning the study, which Delco will pay for.
”We can get a good commercial development ratable for the taxpayers out of those properties,” he said, adding that he may have serious concerns with that area being designated a redevelopment area.
”Generally speaking, I wouldn’t be in favor of housing there,” he said. “And, I’m not in favor of using eminent domain or a PILOT project but it is worth looking into with all the planners to hear the best possible options for those properties.”
President David Kenny also said he is not in favor of a PILOT program or eminent domain for the properties.
”This is a preliminary step,” he said. “Then the council will consider and weigh what the Planning Board determines.”
Mr. Ricci said there would be a benefit to the developer for having the sites designated as a redevelopment area.
”It’s a planing tool,” he said. “This can be used so they can stay before one board — the Planning Board” when seeking development approvals for the sites instead of having to go between both the Planning and Zoning Boards.

