How We Solved the Clean Water Concerns in South Holmdel … And What’s Next

As many of you may know, after deep negotiations with CHA Partners (the owners of the former Vonage property), we have crafted an agreement that will ensure zero pollution of South Holmdel’s water from the 23 Main Street redevelopment project. In fact, the solution we designed will likely leave the water standards even better than they were before.

On January 22nd, your Township Committee voted on the framework of a deal that is now signed. The vote was 4-0.

On January 27th, your Township Planning Board voted to approve the development contingent upon CHA Partners adhering to the deal we signed.

The Solution:

In place of the antiquated package plant that formerly managed the wastewater of that property, a force main will be installed that allows 23 Main Street – and ONLY 23 Main Street – to tap into the sewer line at Bell Works. The pipe will only be large enough for this specific development and highly restricted to prevent any other property from tapping into it. By using our sewer system to rid the property of its wastewater – for the first time in its history – 23 Main Street will not be distributing wastewater byproduct into South Holmdel’s sensitive environment. As the connection to Bell Works’ sewer line is being built, CHA Partners has further agreed (at their own expense) to use tanks on the property to collect and ship wastewater offsite and then decommission the current package plant. This entire solution will be delivered at ZERO expense to our taxpayers.

What’s Next:

Now that the redevelopment proposal has received the Planning Board’s approval, CHA Partners will continue to follow the legal process to develop the age-restricted community they originally proposed, here is a reminder of what that means …

• A three-stage, age-restricted community ranging from individual homes and assisted living to nursing and dementia care. This will be for people 65 and older.
• In total, there will be 299 units both within the existing 350,000 square foot building and dispersed among the remaining 88 acres.

What This Means for Holmdel:

• Reduced impact on our infrastructure. This property once had up to 2,000 people working there every day. This community, including staff, is estimated to have 650-700 people on site. Additionally, the age-restricted nature of this property almost guarantees no impact on our schools.
• Millions in Revenue. Through the PILOT program we put in place, this property will generate more than $2 million annually for Holmdel – this will help us manage rising costs, keep taxes down, and fund projects to better our community.
• Increased Revenue for Our Schools. The Township Committee has publicly expressed its intent to complete a contribution to the school system consistent with the property’s current taxation, so that over the life of the program, Holmdel schools will receive at least $6 million despite this community not having any discernable impact on our school system’s population.
• Increased Green Space. The redesign of the property will shrink the current impervious (paved) footprint to better meet the standards of Holmdel’s bucolic culture.
• A New Senior Center. CHA Partners has agreed to provide Holmdel residents with a new on-site 7,000 square foot Senior Center for activities, events, and gatherings.
• Improvement to Public Safety. CHA Partners will also donate to the Township 5 acres along Main Street so Holmdel can build a new Fire and EMS hub, enhancing public safety in Southern Holmdel.

In short, this development WORKS. It exceeds the previous environmental standards, provides our town with a low-impact solution to this blighted property, ensures new revenues, supports our schools financially, delivers on public safety, and provides amenities for our residents.

In the coming days, to ensure all your questions are answered, we will create and distribute an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document via Patch, TapInto, and our Holmdel Township website.

As always, it is my pleasure to serve you.

Rocco Impreveduto

Mayor, Holmdel Township