These are the questions and answers captured during the interactive portion of our meeting during which we discussed the Revelopment of the Roselle Golf Club and Shopping Center
1. CAN
(Community Acting Now)
Roselle Community Center
Monday, August 3, 2009
Below is a brief summary of the questions and answers we were able to capture
during the question and answer portion of this meeting:
1. Does the 60 acres include the present shopping center?
Yes
2. Having served on the Board of Education, was there a feasibility study done
to determine this project’s impact on the school system? In trying to think of
alternatives, is it possible to scale down the 1900 units? Is it possible to use
some of the property for a recreational center?
An immediate answer to all concerns was not possible; however, the developers
are willing to sit down and discuss the scientific equation that was used to
determine the number of anticipated students. Also, there is a willingness to sit
and discuss options.
3. Is there an option for present homebuyers to purchase at a discount?
No, the new properties will be rental; however, it is a good idea to look into help-
ing people if they want to move from home ownership to renting.
4. My property abuts the Golf Course and presently there is a fence that is in
disrepair. Is there anything that can be done regarding this?
The developer made a suggestion to look into the situation although the property
is not currently in his hands. The developer indicated that that particular area
will be landscaped. Additionally, the Borough of Roselle engineer was present
and he took the exact address to look into this further.
5. What is the advantage to renting as opposed to purchasing?
The decision to develop rental property as opposed to purchase is primarily based
on the economy. There are many homes for sale in the community already. As
present property owners in Roselle, the developers are interested in building
The community and staying invested.
6. Who is your target population?
Working class commuters are the targeted population. The developers believe that
if quality properties are developed, commuters will respond.
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2. 7. Will you target seniors? What is the rental range? What is the composite?
Yes, the development will be Senior friendly. The target rent will be between
$1,000.00; $1,500.00; and $1,800.00. The composite will be Studio 5%; 1
Bedroom 45%; 2 Bedrooms 45%; and 3 Bedrooms 5%.
8. Currently, Roselle is home owner oriented. Are you aware of the following
things?
That this project will change the make up of the town? That it violates the
the entire zoning code and will require several variances? That it is crucial
that the developers work closely with the Borough Council to insure that
all concerns are addressed. It is further suggested that the Council needs to
meet and organize under a Roselle Development Agency.
Developers acknowledged the fact that Roselle is home owner oriented and
reiterated that newcomers would be in a mixed income category and attracted to
a highly maintained property venue. Acknowledged as well that all areas of this
project need to be examined carefully by all stakeholders. Additionally, it was
stated that the developers expected the Borough of Roselle officials to do
diligence to insure that any compliance issues are brought forward and they would
work together to address.
9. What is the time table?
Right now, there is no timetable.
10. As a Golf Course Club Member, I am very aware of its 100 year history
During WWI, the golf course was used to land airplanes.
As a member, I voted against the sale and have the following questions
concerning the extended project including the Roselle Shopping Center.
The occupancy at the Roselle Shopping has a terrible track record for
occupancy, what are your plans in order to improve it and address its
record?
The developer disagreed with the idea that the Roselle Shopping Center
has had a spotty occupancy record over the course of their many years of
involvement. Further mention was made of their efforts in working with the
businesses to retain occupancy, however, the businesses themselves had the
ultimate responsibility to become efficient. Some of the businesses have suffered
through a variety of management transitions which fall outside of the
responsibility/direction of the developer.
11. Properties in both Garwood and Cranford are having a difficult time being
sold. Has this fact been taken under consideration?
Yes, it has. Rental fees will be well below the asking price of the aforementioned
properties which are overpriced.
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3. 12. All of the stats given thus far are questionable; someone needs to challenge
the stats especially the ones involving taxes.
The developer offered to share all stats as well as the manner in which all data has
been attained. Offered also to compare/contrast all findings with those attained by
Borough affiliated experts.
13. What is the next step?
There will be more discussion with the Borough’s Planning Board and people
should feel free to reach out to them. Meanwhile, the discussions will continue as
we are quire a way from finalization of the plans.
14. What materials will be used to construct the buildings? Will the dwellings be
safe in terms of fire prevention or rescue?
Yes, the developers will work within the legal and compliance requirements set
forth by the law, ordinances, etc.
15. What materials will be used to construct the buildings? Will the construction
Meet all codes?
Again, the materials and construction will be compliant with the requirements of
the Borough of Roselle and the Law.
16. Are measures being taken to make sure the requirements for infrastructure,
Sanitation, energy and the electrical requirements, Green development is
taken into consideration?
The developers will adhere to any building, zoning and legal requirements and
will take it these items into consideration.
17. As a property owner who owns double lots and remember the Smithwoods
Project, I am concerned about flooding and developmental impact on the
water table. Will there be electrical problems? Have you looked into solar
panels? Are you concerned about brown outs?
All of this is part of the developmental plan. A part of the plan will include
reducing the amount of water leaving the site. Will definitely meet with all
concerned to address infrastructure and address all aspects mentioned above, etc.
18. Do you locations where we can visit to see your work? Do you plan sustain-
able green development? Do you have developments over the last 10 years?
There are modern buildings with elevators in Verona. The development will be
Energy Star complaint; many materials will be green. Developments over the last
10 years are business properties in NY.
19. What criteria will you use to qualify people for the development?
Credit check and background check are two of the criteria that will be used.
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4. 20. Thank you to Diane and BT. Can we continue to have these meetings
especially if it comes to a referendum in case of an impasse?
Yes, we will continue to hold community meetings. Remember the distinction
with CAN is that although we believe in being a positive influence or catalyst
towards a solution, we are prepared to take on challenging issues. This particular
issue, falls under quality of life and is just one aspect of CAN. We are trying to be
proactive and lay the foundation and open and maintain the lines of
communication. . Thank you to all of the experts and community who came out.
This is how we get things done and with a mutual interest in prosperity. We as a
community have a responsibility to take more accountability for going to get
information that will affect us, making the time to understand the information and
to actually digest what is transpiring and how we may be affected by it. In other
words, we have to pay attention and add value to the discussion and decision
making process. Remember we must ACT NOW, DO GOOD, and BE THE
DIFFERENCE!
21. Would the developers and experts be willing to come back and participate in
future meetings as invited and/or as more information unfolds?
Yes, the developers are very interested in interacting with the community, they
have long term vested interests in the success of Roselle and would welcome an
opportunity to come back.
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5. Thank you to the members of the community who attended and who persevered through
their busy day and brought their passion and energy to this session. The questions raised
were great and we really appreciate the interaction! We did not list the names because we
want everyone to be comfortable asking questions and you already know who you are.
Thank you to the subject matter experts who attended the meeting. They did not have any
advance notice or idea of the format or intention of the meeting (other than the topics).
However, they came fully prepared to field any questions, engage in the dialogue and
committed to continue the discussion. We appreciate your diligence. We list their names
below if we received a business card or you signed in. The intent of this is not to promote
but to acknowledge the participation and input and as a matter of reference for future
meetings.
Andrew Hipolit, Maser Consulting
John Fernandez, Ehrlich Companies
Josh M. Mann, Porzio, Bronberg & Newman, Law Firm
Keith B. Cahill, PE, Bohler Engineering
Angela D. Devanney, Principal, Keywood Strategies
Anthony Esposito, Roselle Board of Education
Jamel C. Holley, Councilman at Large
Christine Dansereau, 5th Ward Councilwoman
Note: There were additional comments, statements and discussion which is not
presented or included in this document as they were not presented a question format.
The intent of this document is to simply document questions and answers to enable
others to be aware of the answers.
If there are any significant discrepancies found in this document or you have any
feedback, please email us at info@communityactingnow.com.
Thank you to everyone, we appreciate your participation and look and hope to see you at
future events. Feel free to participate at the level of your interest, depending on the topic.
In the meantime, remember to:
ACT NOW – DO GOOD – BE THE DIFFERENCE!!
Diane Mathis
CAN: Community Acting Now
http://www.communityactingnow.com
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