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Wbg. Planning Board examines Keasbey
BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer
WOODBRIDGE - As the redevelopment process continues in the township, the Planning Board unanimously voted in favor of Area 5 of the Keasbey Redevelopment study last week.
Susan S. Gruel, principal in the New Brunswick planning firm Heyer, Gruel & Associates, presented her firm's findings for the area to be designated as a redevelopment area at the board meeting on Jan. 9.
Gruel testified that five out of six parcels of land, which included vacant land, a former sanitary land fill and an abandoned garage, in Area 5 of the Keasbey Redevelopment study were deemed fit to be designated as a redevelopment area.
The parcels of land lie east of the Garden State Parkway and north of Smith Street.
Gruel testified that the one parcel of land that is privately owned and is currently active at 119 Smith St. does not meet the standards to be redeveloped and should not be designated as a redevelopment area.
The board agreed. However, the board delayed the decision for Area 4 of the Keasbey Redevelopment study, due to objections raised by representatives of several businesses such as Conrail and Russell Reid Wastewater Management that have been named in the zone to be redeveloped.
The board will hear testimony for Area 4 of the study at the board meeting on Feb. 13.
A landowner inquired about the potential future development of a redevelopment area.
Gruel said it was "unfortunate and a Catch-22" for businesses and landowners that a site has to be designated a redevelopment area before any plans are made.
The board unanimously approvedArea 1 and 7, which includes the Bud's Hut and the former Pier 1 building, of the Route 1 Redevelopment study at the board meeting on Dec. 26.
The board delayed their decision for Area 14 of the Route 1 study, due to objections by a lawyer representing the former adult book store, which is in Area 14.
Testimony by representatives of the former adult book store and a decision by the board on Area 14 of the study are expected to be made at the board meeting on Jan. 16.
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