TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA JULY 14, 2008 7:30 P.M (ALERT PNC PETITION)

[Cranbury Conservative]

We though it was dead and now its back. The PNC Petition is on Monday nights agenda.


d). Discussion on Petition Received From Residents in Reference to PNC Bank Building

The Township Committee will discuss a petition received on July 7, 2008 from residents requesting the Township Committee to look into the possible purchase of the PNC Bank Property.



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AGENDA

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
JULY 14, 2008

7:30 P.M.



1. Pledge of Allegiance



2. Open Public Meetings Act Notice



3. Roll Call



4. Regular Committee Minutes of June 23, 2008



5. Reports and Communications

--Mayor

--Members of Committee

--Subcommittees



6. Agenda Additions/Changes



7. Ordinance

First Reading



CRANBURY TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 07-08-17 – A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS REPAIRS TO THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF CRANBURY, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $25,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $23,750 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF (Second Reading July 28, 2008).



Ordinance
Second Reading



CRANBURY TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 06-08-16 – AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 5, ENTITLED “POLICE DEPARTMENT”, OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CRANBURY.



8. Resolutions

Consent Agenda



a). Resolution # R 07-08-117 – Payment of Bills.

b). Resolution # R 07-08-118 – Resolution authorizing the reduction of a Performance Guarantee for Dr. Stuart Alexander (Block 23, Lot 65).

c). Resolution # R 07-08-119 – Resolution authorizing the release of extra duty escrow (Trane Company).

d). Resolution # R 07-08-120 – Resolution authorizing the Township’s Recycling Coordinator and Public Works Manager to Make Application for a Middlesex County Recycling Enhancement Grant.

e). Resolution # 07-08-121 – Resolution authorizing the salary for Township Administrator effective January 1, 2008.







8. Resolutions

Consent Agenda



f). Resolution # R 07-08-122 – Resolution approving a Grant Application for State Aid to Counties and Municipalities (Municipal Aid) for Roadway_Preservation (Griggs Tract).

g). Resolution # R 07-08-123 - Resolution authorizing the reduction of a Performance Guarantee for Jen-Dar Realty.

h). Resolution # R 07-08-124 - Resolution authorizing the release of a Performance Guarantee for Odd Fellows Hall.

i). Resolution # R 07-08-125 – Resolution authorizing the purchase of vehicles through State Contract: N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12a.

j). Resolution # R 07-08-126 – Resolution authorizing the refund of interest charged on late taxes.

k). Resolution # R 07-08-127 - Resolution authorizing the release of extra duty escrow (Tommy Hilfiger USA).



9. Resolutions



a). Resolution # R 07-08-128 – Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Services Agreement (Shared Services) with the Township of Robbinsville for vehicle repair services for Township vehicles.



c). Resolution # R 07-08-129 – Resolution authorizing the Township of Cranbury to file a motion with the Council on Affordable Housing for a waiver from COAH’s Third Round adopted warehousing jobs ratio.



10. Reports from Township Staff and Professionals



11. Reports from Township Boards and Commissions



12. Work Session

a). Discussion of Possible Preservation of additional land on the Cranbury Preserve (formerly the West Property).

The Township Committee will discuss the possible preservation of additional land on the Cranbury Preserve.



b). Discussion of Endorsement by the Township Committee of Application to Middlesex County by Sallie Toscano for an Easement Purchase for 156 Plainsboro Road (42.06 acres), Block 25, Lots 42.01, 42.02.

The Township Committee will discuss its endorsement for an application made by Sallie Toscano to Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board for an Easement Purchase for the above-named property and

providing the Township’s financial support for the local share of the costs of the easement purchase.









12. Work Session (Continued)

c). Discussion of Public Meeting on COAH

The Township Committee will discuss having a public meeting on the COAH issue.



d). Discussion on Petition Received From Residents in Reference to PNC Bank Building

The Township Committee will discuss a petition received on July 7, 2008 from residents requesting the Township Committee to look into the possible purchase of the PNC Bank Property.



13. Public Comment



14. Mayor’s Notes



15. Closed Session – Resolution # R 07-08-131

Litigation – Discussion of pending litigation: McMurtrie v. Township, Docket No. MID-L-5156-08.



16. Adjourn



***Persons with disabilities requiring assistance, please contact Town Hall 24 hours in advance (609) 395-0900, ext. 234.

[Guest]

Any details about this petition, who and why?

[Jersey Dad]

Honestly, I am glad the TC is willing to respond to citizen petitions.

I think the citizens responsible for this peition may not be in tune with the complexity and severity of COAH issues. For example, I'm not sure this petition would have similar support if the plan were to turn the PNC Bank property into additional units of affordable housing. However, my understanding is, if the town owns the property, this scenario becomes more likely.

On another topic form the TC Agenda...
Does anyone know anything about the easement on Plainsboro Road?

[Cranbury Conservative]

It appears the easement on Plainsboro Road is for...


Rejay's Flower And Herb Farm
156 Plainsboro Road Cranbury NJ 08512

[Guest]

I dont want the PNC property used for COAH, would that be even possible? Since its a historic building I dont think its even possible. But IT IS disappointing that there is 50 cranbury residents that dont have something better to worry about, then PNC.

[Guest]

It was announced in the special TC meeting last Monday that the public comment/information meeting would be on July 28. Has that changed to the 14th? How will the township be informed - no time to put it into the paper, etc.

[Guest]

[James]

The building can be renovated inside, but as it is in the historical district and visible on all sides it cannot change in outward appearance according to our HPAC guidelines. Therefore if it were modified for COAH purposes, we'd have at least 1 mill to buy the property and then likely at a minimum another million to renovate and make it habitable. At best, I imagine they'd get 2 or 3 units. I am not sure that at that cost there is COAH value. Since the building cannot come down or be changed from street view it doesn't make sense as a COAH property.

That is also why it is safe for business. I do understand a few companies have looked at the property and decided against it because of renovation costs. I also understand that PNC is willing to remove the restriction and sell it to a financial institution.

[Guest]

Well, the only way to guarantee that the PNC Bank is not used for COAH homes would be for the township NOT to purchase this property.

[Jersey Dad]

Although the PNC building is probably safe, the PNC parking lot (and the water tower property) would make an easy target for an affordable housing development. They could turn the bank building into a senior center and the parking lot into another "senior village" (affordable housing). Please note, I am simply pointing out the possibility of unintended consequences, not endorsing this plan of action.

[Guest]

True and then what would all those people who want to buy it for the parking say? There are too many problems.

If the petition is to examine the purchase, then I think it also has to designate a purpose. It can't be a this, that or the other thing.

[Guest]

Any news about the meeting? Thanks.

[Guest]

Tom Panconi and Wayne Witman firmly stood by their decisions not to have further discussions concerning purchasing the PNC Bank. This is due to the current economic conditions that will be facing Cranbury especially concerning COAH.

[Guest]

What I found interesting was that Pari was clearly annoyed not to have further discussion and that the audience was almost all opponents. I did not see many (or really any) of the people who were in charge of the petition in the audience. If you go through the time to get the press on your side and conduct the signature gathering, then why wouldn't you show up at the meeting? Clearly, they knew there was no shot.

[Pari's pet?]

[Guest]

don't spread rumors unless you have data. Pari works in the arts running a gallery somewhere- I believe thats correct. That I got 2nd hand so not 100% about it.