The meeting’s most issue revolved around the redevelopment investigation report presented by Ron Reinardson from CME Associates. The properties in question, identified as Lot 33 and Lot 34 on West Park Avenue, are currently under common ownership by Garden Hill Senior Living LLC. Lot 33 consists of the Rolling Meadow 55-plus residential community, while Lot 34 comprises a single-frame building previously used as a residential care facility. The report aimed to assess whether these properties met the statutory criteria for redevelopment, specifically criteria A, D, B, and H. Reinardson outlined that criteria A and D pertain to unhealthy living or working conditions, criteria B addresses significant vacancies, and criteria H relates to smart growth zoning.

Notably, Reinardson highlighted numerous fire calls to the properties, raising safety concerns. The board’s discussion emphasized that determining the properties’ redevelopment eligibility should not involve considering the owners’ intentions. They were solely tasked with assessing whether the legal criteria for redevelopment were met, without regard to future plans.

The issue of safety was further scrutinized as the report categorized the residential facility as “unsafe.” Board members expressed grave concerns about the continued habitation of the facility under such conditions. Questions arose regarding whether a complaint had been filed with the New Jersey Department of Health and whether the Department’s inspection reports corroborated the unsafe designation. Additionally, the facility had been operating without a business license for four years, only recently rectifying this lapse, further questioning its operational legitimacy.

The Planning Board also engaged in a discussion about the thoroughness of the report, noting the absence of interior photographs that could substantiate claims of unsafe conditions. This lack of detailed interior assessment was seen as a critical gap in the evidence, limiting the board’s ability to fully evaluate the site’s safety and habitability.

The discussion acknowledged that redevelopment considerations were overshadowing urgent safety matters, emphasizing the need for a detailed examination of the facility’s alignment with smart growth principles and transit accessibility.

Recognizing the complexity and gravity of the issues at hand, the board unanimously agreed to carry the hearing to the next meeting scheduled for December 29th. This decision aimed to allow for a more comprehensive evaluation, with the possibility of convening a special meeting earlier in December or delaying until January due to holiday scheduling concerns.