Solomon Schechter Parcel Labeled Open Space

The Township Committee tagged the site of the former Solomon Schechter Day School  as an 'open space' property on Dec. 14, the last meeting of the local legislative body this year.

 The measure passed 3-2, with supporter Mayor Mark Smith earlier stating that the bill keeps the property looking to build high density homes – while serving as a park and recreation area.

One dissenter, Commissioner Daniel Aschenbach, said he voted no because Union County absorbing the debt associated with a $1.9 million bond the township borrowed earlier this year is no longer an option. 

"Two million dollars is a lot of money," he explained.

Commissioner David Robinson, the other dissenter, said at a Dec. 13 meeting that the 'open space' label means giving up control of the property to the state. To reverse the move, the township is obliged to find land three times the size of the 3.7-acre Solomon Schechter parcel to designate as open space.

spoke in favor of the open space measure and its ability to ward away developers - including resident Jose Oliveira. He added that his daughter has been so excited about the prospect of a new park.

"I don't want to lie to her and say, 'you can't play in the park anymore,'" he said.

Former Township Committee candidate Andis Kalnins took aim at Aschenbach's proposal to earn funding off of the parcel.

"The township isn't in the business of making money, it's making a better place to live," he said.

Resident Anthony DiGiovanni proposed a different solution, arguing that a compromise could be reached – six homes could be built on the property and the rest could be designated as open space. He added that he was concerned over the fact that the commmittee has not yet decided the site's future.

"We have no idea what this public use will be used for," DiGiovanni said.

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