Its been over six months since the election that changed the make-up of the municipal government here in Brick and things have been unsettlingly quiet when it comes to redevelopment plans for the Foodtown property.
As most residents know by now, the redeveloper that was chosen by township officials requested in early 2013 that plans be changed from the original hotel/ convention center and large retail structure (grocery store?) to a gated condominium, retail and apartment complex.
This change sparked a great deal of conversation, as many felt that additional residential units and retail space was not necessarily in the best interest of residents. Although there were (and I’m sure still is) differences of opinion as to what the ideal redevelopment should look like there was agreement on the fact that residents feel like we have not been included in the discussions regarding the project which when finished will have a very significant, long lasting impact on our community.
Find out what's happening in Brickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Friends of Forge Pond NJ, along with the township’s Citizens Redevelopment Advisory Board, has presented to the Council some alternative ideas that would involve more community oriented facilities, such as an aquatic center and community center, as well as a mid scale hotel which, unlike the initial hotel/ convention center, is economically feasible. In fact, representatives of local hotel operators who have expressed preliminary interest have been referred to the Council. The main objective, however, of Friends of Forge Pond NJ is to table the current proposal and restart the redevelopment process, either with the initial redeveloper or a new one, with a group of residents included in the discussions.
Things have been quiet as far as communication with the Council regarding Forge Pond but this does not mean that things aren’t moving forward. We’ve seen that development is proceeding around town, most recently with the announcement in the Asbury Park Press that “the bustling heart of the township will soon grow a little busier with the coming of a town-square style neighborhood, which will feature space for buyers, renters and retailers alike.” This will bring 170 condominiums, 44 apartments, and 20,000 square feet of retail space to the 24 acre property behind the post office on Chambers Bridge Road.
Find out what's happening in Brickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
We do not want to read in the Asbury Park Press that something similar is coming to Forge Pond so we will continue trying to discuss with the Council a way to include residents in the redevelopment planning process. Since there has been no attempt on the part of the town to ask residents their opinion of the project we have put together a very informal, anonymous poll that is designed to get a basic indication of how fellow residents feel. If you would like to make your CONSTRUCTIVE opinion known please take this opportunity and spend a minute answering the 7 questions. The survey can be found here:
