The most significant topic of the meeting was the discussion around the former Ethicon campus, spanning approximately 700,000 square feet and consisting of 15 buildings designed for office, laboratory, and manufacturing purposes. This site has been largely vacant since 2015, with environmental contamination issues, including chlorinated hydrocarbons, lead, asbestos, and PCBs, attributed to past manufacturing processes. A detailed preliminary investigation report was presented, examining whether the site should be designated as an area in need of redevelopment under New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.

Council members and an architect evaluating the site described the challenges of repurposing the 1956-constructed buildings, citing their utilitarian design, lack of natural light, and specialized structures like the Child Development Center. These conditions, coupled with environmental concerns, underscore the site’s obsolescence and the need for redevelopment to restore its utility and contribute to municipal tax revenues.

The council discussed Criterion B of the redevelopment statute, focusing on the discontinuance of use since the cessation of manufacturing activities. With only a skeleton crew maintaining the property, the site meets the criteria for redevelopment due to its significant underutilization.

Environmental remediation efforts are a critical aspect of the redevelopment consideration. The council reviewed the ongoing groundwater remediation, which started in 1985 and evolved from a pump-and-treat system to enhanced reductive dechlorination. The remediation aims to address the contamination plume, with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) managing oversight, including a classification exception area to restrict well installation due to groundwater contamination.

Community concerns were noted, particularly regarding the proximity of the contamination plume to residential areas and schools. The council clarified that the plume does not extend to nearby properties, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication about its location to alleviate public fears.

Financial implications were also considered, with the site’s current maintenance and tax expenses far exceeding $3 million annually, while its property assessment stands at $51 million. Redevelopment is seen as a strategic move to prevent potential tax revenue losses from appeals and to enhance the site’s productivity.

The discussion extended to the 2.4-acre vacant lot across Country Club Lane, which has remained undeveloped due to wetland constraints. The recommendation to designate this area for redevelopment aligns with smart growth planning principles, as the township seeks to balance environmental and economic goals.

The council’s decision to designate the site as an area in need of redevelopment is a step in negotiating future developments. This designation does not immediately define redevelopment terms, but it sets the stage for further planning board actions, emphasizing the township’s control over the site’s future.

Beyond the Ethicon site, the meeting highlighted the township’s engagement with the community through various activities. Council members reported on their participation in ribbon-cutting ceremonies, holiday events, and Veterans Day commemorations. The upcoming Christmas tree lighting and Menorah lighting were announced.

Infrastructure needs were another area of focus, with reports on the Middlebrook Pumping Station’s urgent upgrade requirements and the successful completion of the RWJ Somerset surgical care addition. Water conservation measures due to drought conditions were also noted.

The public comment session brought forward resident concerns about traffic safety, particularly at a problematic intersection where recent accidents have occurred. Residents called for improved traffic control measures, such as blinking stoplights and camera enforcement, to enhance safety.

The session also included discussions on the township’s budget allocations, with inquiries about the reallocation of funds from road maintenance to bond interest and professional services. The transparency of financial decisions was a recurring theme, as residents sought clarity on budgetary impacts and funding sources.