The meeting centered around the potential redevelopment of Classic Cleaners, an established business that has operated for 75 years, and whether the area should be designated for redevelopment with the possibility of condemnation. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the legal criteria required for such a designation, with board members and planners assessing whether these have been met. The property in question, which includes three lots owned by a single entity, was evaluated under various statutory criteria to determine its eligibility for redevelopment. Discussions highlighted the area’s history and previous redevelopment efforts that aimed to revitalize the downtown district.

Board members noted that while past redevelopment efforts had had limited success, the current plan aimed to address long-standing infrastructure and safety issues. The planner presented evidence of structural deficiencies in the building housing Classic Cleaners, such as deteriorating stairways and water damage, arguing these conditions met the criteria for redevelopment. The planner emphasized that the designation would not automatically result in condemnation but would allow the borough to negotiate with property owners or consider condemnation if negotiations failed.

Public participation during the meeting was robust, with community members voicing strong support for Classic Cleaners and its owner, Mr. Lee. Many residents emphasized the business’s importance to the community, highlighting its long-standing presence and role in the local economy. One resident, Robert Pritch, a long-time customer, argued that parking concerns and redevelopment plans should not overshadow the value Classic Cleaners provides to the community. Pritch and others urged the board to consider alternatives that would allow the business to continue operating.

Environmental concerns also surfaced during the meeting. The property has long been under environmental scrutiny due to contamination issues involving chemicals such as TCE and vinyl chloride, dating back to when nearby auto body shops were operational. The board discussed ongoing remediation efforts, supervised by a Licensed Site Remediation Professional in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection. While some progress has been made in reducing contamination levels, concerns about residual chemicals and their impact on community health persist.

The board also examined the broader implications of declaring the area in need of redevelopment. This included potential tenant relocations and ensuring fair compensation for property owners if condemnation occurred. It was noted that any such action would be accompanied by a relocation assistance plan to support affected residents and businesses.