The process leading to Mcgaan’s selection was extensive, involving a screening committee that narrowed down a pool of 15 applicants to four finalists. Although the final vote was unanimous among the present members, the candidate cannot officially assume the position until the DCA approves the appointment, a step expected to be finalized around the beginning of May.

Additionally, during the meeting, there was an update on the ongoing litigation and pre-trial motions concerning the Ford Avenue project. The pre-trial phase is reportedly moving at a brisk pace, with various motions filed to limit testimony from the property owner’s expert witnesses. The trial is scheduled to be concluded in early June, and depending on the court’s ruling on the property’s value, development could commence soon after. The agency anticipates that if there are no significant delays, cleanup of the property could start as early as September, with actual construction beginning within 12 to 18 months thereafter.

The meeting also addressed a question from the public regarding the impact of new affordable housing mandates on the Ford Avenue project. It was clarified that the agency does not have jurisdiction over land use and that the project, being part of a second-round obligation and subject to previous litigation, would not be affected by these mandates. The redevelopment plan has already been approved by the Superior Court of New Jersey, and the project awaits a compliance hearing once the property is acquired.

In routine matters, the agency approved the meeting minutes and bills and claims. The chairman also briefly mentioned that the executive session was held off to wait for a member’s call-in, which did not occur by the time of the session.