By JACQUELINE DURETT
Correspondent
SAYREVILLE — One resident expressed his concern about the future of the Morgan section of the borough at the July 11 Borough Council meeting.
“We’re really not happy with what’s become of Morgan,” resident Al Pillar said on behalf of himself and his neighbors.
He pointed to an adult bookstore, massage parlors and motels as Route 35 businesses in the Morgan section, which is located in Sayreville, but has a South Amboy postal address.
Pillar also spoke of his concerns about development projects that have seemingly stalled out. He said the majority of Covello’s restaurant has been demolished, but has been incomplete for eight months. Owner Vincenzo Covello passed away last year.
Pillar said he had been concerned about children who have been playing on the property, which is located at Route 35 and Old Spye Road. As such, he requested a fence surround the remnants of the building. That fence was promptly put up, for which he thanked the borough, but he still wanted to know what the status was for the property.
“We shouldn’t have to look at that, mayor,” he said.
Mayor Kennedy O’Brien said he was unsure as to whether it was a demolition or a renovation, but he would look into the issue.
Pillar also said the former Stewart’s Root Beer property near Stevens Avenue has had a new building under construction for nearly a year, but that work has been stalled out as well.
In response to Pillar’s concerns, Councilman Steven Grillo, the council liaison for borough planning and zoning, said he was very interested in hearing from Pillar and his neighbors about what they would like to see on Route 35 and what their ideas may be for improving the area. He said he is also interested in reducing vacancies.
“To get Route 35 where it needs to be … I think there needs to be a very wide brushstroke approach to planning for that area,” he told Pillar.
Grillo said he encouraged Morgan residents to email him with their thoughts.
Pillar said not every property needs to be developed, and he is concerned about the future of the property on Route 35 between Vineyard and Midland avenues where Club Bene once sat. According to Century 21 Worden & Green in Hillsborough, the site is available for lease for $90,000.
Pillar joked that he was hoping to win the lottery so that he could purchase some trees to put in its place.
“I like to come home to pleasant surroundings,” he said.