By now many readers of the Patch are aware of the ongoing redevelopment project planned for the old Foodtown property on Route 70. The initial plan to build a hotel along with a major, upscale grocery store fell through for various reasons. The plan to include a full scale hotel with banquet facilities was determined to be unfeasible due to economic considerations and apparently there was no interest expressed by the grocery chains approached.
The latest proposal submitted by the redeveloper, M&M Properties (Jack Morris - developer of Costco project) has changed the nature of the redevelopment project considerably. The proposal on the table now includes the construction of a "gated" 192 condominium community, over 31,000 square feet of retail space and 72 rental apartments.
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This proposal received wide criticism and opposition within the Brick community based largely on the opinion that the last thing Brick needs at this time is a high-end condominium project and more retail space. Friends of Forge Pond NJ (http://www.friendsofforgepondnj.org/) is a group of concerned residents who believe, as the website says, that there should be "an open, transparent debate of the re- development process addressing the former Foodtown site in Brick Township, NJ."
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The group does not oppose development of the property but since this is the last large tract of public property that is owned by the Township and its residents we should have a voice in the re-development. Smart and environmentally conscious decisions should be a priority, as the choice of development and development intensity will have ramifications for decades.
At the next Council meeting to be held on Tuesday August 6th an alternative plan will be discussed that has elements developed as a direct result of polling conducted in our community by members of Friends of Forge Pond. While the proposal, which includes a mid-scale hotel, a community center and a modest sized aquatic center, needs much further discussion and study we feel that it does represent a starting point in what should be a process of open, transparent debate on the future of this very valuable asset to our community.
If you agree then come to the Council meeting which will be held Tuesday evening in the Municipal Courtroom at 7pm and help support our efforts.
