Scaled-back Mullica Hill redevelopment zone wins approval
“With significant changes and the passage of time, a onetime controversial redevelopment zone in quaint Mullica Hill has quietly gained township approval.
Harrison Township officials established the redevelopment zone – referred to as Block 64 – on Monday, months after a public outcry squashed original plans.
Mayor Louis Manzo said the vote came amid “a little less fanfare” than the township’s first attempt – in large part because the 50-acre plan no longer includes properties along North Main Street.
When initial plans over the summer called for the Victorian-style homes and businesses to be grouped in the redevelopment zone, some property owners raised alarms over the town’s power to invoke eminent domain. Officials vehemently countered that they had no intentions to use the tool, as residents posted signs in their windows expressing their discontent.
The township committee scrapped the plan by August’s end and redirected its planner to begin the process anew, looking solely at three parcels, consisting of open land and a township property.
The passed resolution also categorizes the redevelopment area as a “non-condemnation” zone, meaning eminent domain is not available. Legislation signed last year created that label, although the New Jersey law does permit a municipality later to pursue a typical redevelopment zone, or “condemnation” area, if it is unable to acquire properties necessary for a redevelopment project.”
Fichera, Angelo. Philly.com 24 May 2014.