Mathiasen supported large scale development

To the editor,

I do not participate in any sort of social media so I cannot speak specifically to any posts Councilwoman Mathiasen is referencing in her letter to the editor, however, based upon her past support of large development along with Councilwoman Koronkiewicz and Mayor Dempsey, the granting of the height variance at 246 Main Street allowing it to be the tallest building on Main Street, and the hiring of consultants whose presentations sound very much like pitches for PILOTS, it is not hard to understand members of the public calling into question the impartiality of governing body regarding developing River Road.

After initially stating she was keeping an open mind on Post Office Plaza, Councilwoman Mathiasen subsequently advocated for a development in Post Office Plaza eight times the size of the one approved along with the council members mentioned above, and came within one vote of that becoming a reality. Then - Mayor Kobylarz and council persons Resto, Truillo, and Treloar fortunately voted for the smaller development. Given this past history and the fact that Councilwoman Treloar is the sole remaining dissenting vote still holding office, is it really unreasonable to question the council’s preferences regarding large scale development. One changed vote by the newly elected council members WILL result in large scale development.

Additionally, when Councilwoman Mathiasen was asked in public whether she would still vote for the larger development if the vote were to be held today she refused to answer, yet in private she stated she stands by her vote and would vote for the larger development in Post Office Plaza again if given the chance. To date she still hasn’t publicly acknowledged this position.

Councilwoman Mathiasen states that taking no action is risky, yet the Borough consultant, Dr Powell, stated that without granting the PILOT the Ivy very likely would not have been built as it would not have made financial sense for the developer. So if the developer would have passed on the Ivy without a PILOT, why now would a developer now even consider a development three times the size of the Ivy unless another PILOT is in the offing?
She further states :
“If the public wants to have input into the design, size, use, traffic calming measures, and possible public amenities the only option is through the redevelopment plan process.”

When did the public have input as to the size and design of the Ivy? Are you really saying this oversized development which architecturally does not fit in with Chatham’s character was the decision of the community at large, or just a select few? Specifically what traffic calming measures at the Ivy are you referring to, and what amenities are available to the community?
Answer : none

The meetings and surveys she refers to took the tone of “ you are going to get big development, the only question is how big”. To insinuate the public is being given any meaningful input as to options other than large development is pure fiction.

It is also interesting to note that the pictures she posted were those taken by the architect commissioned for the redevelopment plan, and do not include the massive Ivy structure to give context as to the size of additional development if that is the option chosen by the council. Hardly an impartial representation.

Chatham Township has managed its affordable housing and redevelopment far better, with its new buildings better keeping in character with that of a suburban community than Chatham borough’s new “ Transit Hub” urban look. If Chatham Township can manage its affordable housing and redevelopment, why can’t we?

If the community wants to preserve Chatham Borough’s character and hard earned rich heritage, the time has come to make your voices heard.

Bob Penn
Chatham Borough