last update - August 31, 2004

In August 2004, Council reconsidered the notion of a Redevelopment Area, slightly expanding the area of consideration from the original boundaries to include Jackson Park, Vaughn Hall and the Protestant Community Church lots. Funds were approved for a new review by the Borough Planner for ultimate reconsideration by the Planning Board in the Fall.

In the Fall of 1999 Council established a committee to investigate ways of working cooperatively to promote commercial development that is consistent with the unique character of Medford Lakes.

The Committee consisted of

• Tim Casey - Councilman
  
• Paul Thomas - Borough Manager
  
• Jim Vogdes - Borough Solicitor
  
• Joe Guarino - Owner former Settlers Inn
  
• Keith Kammerer - Local Architect

This committee met throughout the Fall of 1999 and, in January of 2000 made its recommendations to Borough Council. At that time, the Committee proposed a "Redevelopment Area" that would include

• Trading Post Way Settlers Inn Property
• Borough's Cabin Circle Property
• Easi Property
• Borough's Public Works Complex
• Strip Center Including 7-11, Cleaners, & Rivera Pizza
• Borough's Property behind this strip center

Click HERE to download a self-extracting copy of the presentation made to Council (Windows Only.) 1.8 mbs

Click HERE to download a copy of the PowerPoint presentation compressed as a .zip file 1.7 mbs Requires Zip decompression utility.

This proposal was considered in March and at that time Borough Council voted to refer the matter to the Planning Board for its consideration.

In May 2000 the Planning Board discussed the matter and referred it to its Planner, Joe Agustyn of Alimo Associates to perform a preliminary investigation report for review by the Planning Board. This report was initially presented to the Planning Board at it's August 17th meeting. A public hearing on the matter was held on September 25th at 8:00PM in Oaks Hall.

At that time, the Planner reported to the Planning Board that the area did meet the statutory requirements under several criteria. A motion to recommend the adoption of a Redevelopment Area resulted in a 4-4 tie vote. In the event of a tie, the motion fails.

Borough Council will take up the matter at a future meeting. If a Redevelopment Area is approved, Council will work with the Planning Board to develop a "Redevelopment Plan."