Matawan favored in development decision, looking forward ALYSSA PASSEGGIO, Senior Staff Writer, The Courier, July 17 Posted:07/20/08
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For the first time in five years, major redevelopment in Matawan can move forward.
A state Superior Court decision published on Monday, July 14, cleared Matawan, and its governing body, of any wrongdoing with regards to the hiring of a developer.
“We find none of the [plaintiff’s] arguments persuasive,” the unanimous decision read.
The Aberdeen and Matawan Joint Management Committee that was created to ease redevelopment around the train station split in 2002, when each municipality hired its own developer, according to the court decision. There was debate as to which town broke the agreement first.
Matawan hired K. Hovnanian Companies, Mack-Cali Realty Corporation and the Columbia Group after the collective group was introduced to the council by Senator Joseph Kyrillos, R-Monmouth/Middlesex, court papers said.
Aberdeen had previously hired Silver Oak Properties, Inc., who filed a lawsuit against Matawan, the council and its contractors. Silver Oaks alleged that the Columbia Group and its entities were hired without factual findings and due to improper political pressure.
Kyrillos had reportedly received $45,000 in campaign contributions from the developer during a four-year period.
During the initial lawsuit, both parties filed for summary judgment in January 2008, and the court ruled in favor of Matawan. Subsequently, an appeal was filed and has since been denied.
“The developer’s political connections may have facilitated a prompt meeting with the municipality…but [the court] concluded that the municipality’s designation was based upon other legitimate factors,” the decision said.
The plan for Matawan’s 44 acres included mixed-use development consisting of mid-rise apartments or townhouses, office and retail space, a hotel and open space for recreation, according to court documents.
Councilman and Redevelopment Committee Chairman Robert Bunyon said the group has not been able to do much work since the matter has been tied up in litigation.
Bunyon said the committee would hold a meeting as soon as possible to move the borough’s redevelopment plans forward.
However, Mayor Paul Buccellato noted that the plaintiff has 20 days to file an appeal in state Supreme Court.
Borough Attorney James Aaron said Silver Oak’s probability of being granted an appeal is unlikely due to the unanimous position by the Supreme Court judges.
“I am looking forward to working together to move forward with redevelopment,” Bunyon concluded. “If developed properly, this can be a great asset to all Matawan residents.”
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