Update: Developer for United Water Property to Attend April Meeting

The proposed developer for the United Water site will attend the April 11 work session of the mayor and council to discuss their planned use of the property. The S. Hekemian Group will begin their  presentation at 8 p.m. in the William Klinger Courtroom in Borough Hall.

S. Hekemian Group entered into a contract with United Water in December 2010 for the sale of the property located at Main Street and River Road.

The property was recently declared clean by the Department of Environmental Protection as all sludge was completely removed from the site. All that remains is the rebuilding of a berm that had been removed during the clean up--it is expected to be completed this spring.

Mayor Ann Subrizi said a rumor was going around town that the developer was attending the March 28 mayor and council work session, which she said was not accurate.

"There are emails flying around town indicating that the United Water Company and the proposed developer will be at the council meeting tomorrow night," said Subrizi in an e-mail Sunday afternoon. "This was never on the agenda."

Subrizi said they will be at the April 11 work session which begins at 7 p.m. in the upstairs conference room of Borough Hall. The mayor and council will conduct work on agenda items upstairs and will head downstairs for the 8 p.m. presentation by Hekemian. The developer had previously planned to appear at the March 14 work session but asked to reschedule their presentation.

At the last meeting of the mayor and council on March 14, several members of the public commented on the potential use of the property. 

Mary McElroy, a borough resident and parent of children in the New Milford school district, expressed her concerns over the development of the property.

"We have no idea what they are planning," said McElroy. "I’m for keeping this as Green Acres."

Subrizi and Borough Attorney Mark Medaio said the borough had the property appraised by an approved Green Acres appraiser who valued the property at $3 million. The borough can only apply for grants and go out to bond for $3 million as they cannot expend more than the appraisal, according to borough officials.

Earlier in the meeting, Council President Keith Bachmann also highlighted the limitations placed on the borough by the appraisal.

"Certainly grants would be limited by what it is appraised," said Bachmann. "They have a buyer who is willing to pay a lot more."

McElroy said she was concerned that residents of the borough aren't aware of the importance of the development of the property.

"I don’t think people understand what is at stake with this," said McElroy. "There has got to be something negotiated so that we make sure a piece is deeded back to us for sorely needed athletic fields."

McElroy said she wondered if residents coming with placards, signs and the media would help stop the development of the property.

"I think when they come to a meeting that would be a great time to show them you don’t want them here," said Subrizi.