May 28th Council Meeting recap.
- Public Concerns from Mr. Leader
- Mr. Leader expressed frustration about trying to join the green team for four months, despite being told he would be contacted.
- Mr Carlamere is going to do some research and get back to Dave.
- He questioned how the public can receive prior notice of media events and public announcements at the same time as the media. He also brought up the issue of only credentialed news being able to ask questions at press announcements, stating that anyone from the public can become credentialed news by applying. He argued that public presence at such events encourages transparency.
- Chief let us know he’s still living in 1984 when there were 3 news stations and we were only allowed to listen to news from those stations.
- He inquired if maintenance and labor costs for the “black box” (scheduled to open in August 2025) and utility costs were included in the 2025 budget.
- Mr. Cardis confirmed that maintenance and utility costs are included in the budget. CLIP 1 gives us some insight into Harmony Hall
- He asked if loans approved in 2025 could have been included in the budget and why or why not, expressing confusion over a previous explanation.
- Mr. Cardis gave a definitive “no” to whether they could have been included in the budget, stating it would violate local bond law.
- Mr. Leader expressed frustration about trying to join the green team for four months, despite being told he would be contacted.
- Public Concerns from Nancy Kelly
- Nancy Kelly expressed disappointment regarding remarks dismissing a letter-writing campaign as “useless” and criticizing residents for submitting letters with similar language.
- Nancy Kelly’s comments about the letters were acknowledged, with a council member stating they appreciate residents writing letters and want them to have a voice.
- Nancy Kelly expressed disappointment regarding remarks dismissing a letter-writing campaign as “useless” and criticizing residents for submitting letters with similar language.
- Follow-up on Michaels Proposal and Transparency
- Clip 2 is the Dave Mayer promo video about the new partnership with the Michaels Organization.
- CLIP 3 is Denise destroying everything that Mayor Mayer and Orlando Mercado built.
Block 18403, Lot 20—553 Berlin-Cross Keys Road—is township-owned land located within the New Vision Redevelopment Area, formally designated under Ordinance O-02-30 as an Area in Need of Redevelopment.
Under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, redevelopment of this site requires a formal process including adoption of a redevelopment plan or amendment, Planning Board review, formal designation of a redeveloper by resolution of the Redevelopment Entity—which is this Council—and approval of a redevelopment agreement. These actions require public notice, transparency, and an opportunity for resident input.
On March 24, 2025, Resolution R-25:03-106 was adopted, conditionally designating the Michaels Development Company as redeveloper and authorizing a funding agreement. However, this resolution appeared on the consent agenda, received zero discussion, and was simply approved—despite involving township-owned land and a multi-million-dollar project.
A resolution naming a Redeveloper is a significant public action—it requires transparency, discussion, and deliberation. It is not a routine administrative task.
The Michaels proposal includes substantial uses—such as a cannabis cultivation facility, a co-gen plant, vertical farming, and a build-and-lease-back police station. None of these uses were mentioned publicly by the Mayor at the May 8 Business Breakfast or in the Township’s promotional video. If this is the plan being considered, residents deserve full disclosure and the ability to provide input before any final agreements are signed.
I am submitting the following questions in writing to ensure they are addressed and made part of the public record. Thank you.
Submitted Questions – Block 18403, Lot 20
- When and where did the Council, acting as the Redevelopment Entity, publicly meet to review and discuss the Michaels Organization’s proposal before adopting Resolution R-25:03-106?
- Has the Planning Board reviewed or approved any redevelopment plan or amendment authorizing mixed-use development including townhomes, garden apartments, commercial retail, cannabis cultivation, a co-gen plant, or vertical farming at this site?
- Has the Township formally accepted either Scenario A or Scenario B of the Michaels proposal? If so, which one—and when was this discussed?
- Will the Township retain ownership of the land through a ground lease, or is a fee simple sale being negotiated?
- Has any ordinance been introduced or passed to authorize the sale or lease of this township-owned property, as required under N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13?
- Has the Township agreed to allow the Michaels Organization to construct and lease back a police station to the Township?
- What economic incentives, financial assistance, tax abatements, or PILOT agreements are being considered or offered to the Michaels Organization as part of this redevelopment?
- Has any council member received a copy of the Michaels Organization’s Redevelopment Proposal?