EDISON — Residents raised concerns during a recent Township Council meeting about a move toward rehabilitating properties in the township’s Clara Barton section.
The discussion surrounded a council proposal, which was ultimately approved at the May 27 meeting, to have the Planning Board review a draft resolution designating certain Amboy Avenue properties as areas in need of rehabilitation.
To obtain rehabilitation status, an area must meet certain criteria. The resolution to request a review captures some of those qualifiers, explaining that “more than half of the housing stock in the study area is at least 50 years old, and that a program of rehabilitation will help prevent further deterioration and promote the overall development of the township.”
However, the resolution faced questions and apprehension from residents.
Esther Nemetz said she doesn’t believe anyone in the Clara Barton area is aware of the township’s intention.
“We have heard nothing about it,” she said. “I would like to have some information from you, please, as to what it is that you intend.”
Township Attorney William Northgrave said the resolution is based on the recommendation of a planner who evaluated areas of the township for possible rehabilitation or redevelopment designations. He said the rehabilitation designation would allow the township to adopt a redevelopment plan, develop cohesive zoning and implement tax-abatement programs.
“There’s certain gaps in the storefronts as you go along Amboy Avenue,” he said, adding that the township may be able to provide incentives to assist owners if the area received the designation. “This is just the first step in that process.”
Nemetz said her understanding is that there is only one vacancy in the area on Amboy Avenue, and she has been told there are plans for that site. She said someone should come to a Clara Barton neighborhood preservation group meeting and explain why the township wants to take this action.
She also said she is concerned how a rehabilitation designation could impact housing in the area.
Northgrave said there would be no impact on housing, but homeowners may be eligible for incentive programs to make improvements.
“Nobody’s putting anybody out of business; nobody’s moving anybody out of a home. There is nothing going to change unless you, as the property owner, wants it to change,” he said, adding that would only be the case if the area receives the designation. “We’re not even there yet.”
Resident Maryann Hennessey said the planner should have met with residents be- fore making the recommendation.
The feedback from residents had an impact on Councilman Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad, who agreed that the Clara Barton neighborhood group should have been involved.
“We encourage our communities to get involved, and this is one that is incredibly involved. And they don’t know about it, and it comes here for a vote,” he said.
Prasad made a motion for the resolution to be tabled until it can be discussed further with impacted residents, but no council member seconded the motion. In the end, it was approved with only Prasad voting in dissent.