By VASHTI HARRIS
Staff Writer
MIDDLETOWN– The Township Committee took a preliminary step toward the redevelopment of property near Port Belford.
T&M Associates’ planners Stanley Slachetka and Jeffery Cucinotta presented plans to the committee on May 15 at the municipal complex. The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the conceptual redevelopment plan.
In 2016, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs gave the township a grant to allow it to come up with a conceptual redevelopment plan, according to the Township Administrator Anthony P. Merchantante.
A few of the redevelopment plan’s main objectives is to possibly reconstruct undeveloped county owned properties near the Port of Belford, and to restructure the parking lot near the ferry terminal, according to Merchantante.
“The concept is to redevelop the Port of Belford area generally, not just the county property, although that is a major component due to its size and the fact that is already has developed infrastructure. It is also important to connect both sides of Compton’s Creek, which is why the idea of a pedestrian walkway over the creek has been discussed,” Merchantante said.
He continues to say that the township decided to seek a redevelopment plan near Port Belford due to the unused properties near the shore and to potentially increase the township’s local economy.
“The reason behind this is multi-faceted. Currently the general area largely undeveloped waterfront or water accessed properties. The chance to redevelop it can be an economic benefit to the township and county overall, but especially for the local economy. In addition, the township has long sought to help the local fishing industry to see better utilization of its property for the purpose of generating additional revenue in order to complement and supplement the income derived from fishing alone,” Merchantante said.
After Slachetka and Cucinotta concluded their presentation each committee member and Mayor Gerard P. Sharfenberger expressed their enthusiasm about the potential possibilities of the redevelopment plan.
“What an exciting opportunity for [the township]. Hearing the presentation there are so many positive retail and real estate aspects and can potentially be great for our local economy. It’s very exciting,” Committeeman Stephen G. Massell said.
Before listening to the redevelopment plan, the committee awarded certificates of appreciation to Sophia Quintano from Lincroft Elementary School, Noah Cook from Middletown Village Elementary School, and Troy Mittezwei from Nut Swamp Elementary School, for their participation in the 2017 Mayors For A Day program.
The committee also gave Life Saving Awards to Melanie Hahn, Lisa Hahn, Savanna Rapoza, and Stephen Rapoza for helping a couple whose home caught fire and for alerting local authorities.
To learn more about the township’s redevelopment plan visit www.nj-middletown.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
