January 18, 2007

Mayor, council want ideas

Carmen Cusido
Staff Writer

TOWNSHIP MAYOR FRANCIS "Mac" Womack urged the public to reach out to him and council members regarding the redevelopment of the Johnson & Johnson property off Aaron Road along Route 1.

He said since the redevelopment of the 212-acre property is a major project for North Brunswick, he wants to ensure that every resident is kept "updated" and have ample opportunity to be heard. "The time will soon come when the developer (North Brunswick TOD Associates, LLC) will ask for an application to do something with that property . . . please ponder what will be appropriate ways to succeed," said Womack, looking at fellow council members at Tuesday's meeting.

Council President Bob Davis said he would like to see more residents come out to the community workshops. The last of the workshops will be a traffic study presented Thursday.

He said he feels more "positive" after the economic impact study last Thursday, but, "I certainly haven't made up my mind yet" about the project, he said.

At last Thursday's meeting, a housing policy expert said the proposed transit village could increase the local tax base between $366 million and $875 million and give the township an overall annual surplus.

Yet the township is not looking to take its time in making a decision regarding the proposed transit village. Womack said, "I don't see this being a fast process in any way."