During the Tuesday, September 26, Township Council meeting, discussion continued about Brightview Livingston Urban Renewal’s planned 150-unit senior living facility and the town’s skate park. An ordinance that would have approved an application for a long-term tax exemption - also known as a payment in lieu of taxes, or a PILOT - was initially listed on the agenda but pulled prior to the start of the meeting. Introduction of that ordinance had been tabled at previous recent meetings, as well.
The property, 321 South Livingston Avenue, is the current home of the West Essex YMCA, which will soon move to a new location across the street.
Meinhardt Statement
Before discussion on the matter was held, Council member Ed Meinhardt recused himself. Prior to doing so, he made a statement responding to “keyboard warrior comments” that have appeared on social media recently.
The first part of his statement was in regard to the Brendan Tevlin fields, which will soon become turf fields after funds were included in the state budget for the project. He made clear that the “Brendan Tevlin” name wouldnever change, and added that the turf company would donate a “BT” for the center of one of the fields in his memory.
The second part of his statement addressed accusations of a conflict of interest regarding the sale of the West Essex YMCA, due to his current employer. Meinhardt said that he joined Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers in May of2023. That company was awarded the architecture project for the new building in June of 2021, two years prior to his hire date.
Meinhardt added that, “Although I do not believe it is a conflict, I want to avoid any appearance of conflict. And, upon advice of counsel, I will be recusing myself from any voting concerning the sale of the YMCA in any way going forward.”
Ordinance Introduced
A related ordinance was introduced at the meeting, which would authorize a sale agreement between Brightview and the township, for a portion of its 357 South Livingston Avenue (block 3100, lot 55 in the tax map) property. The portion sold to Brightview would encompass the existing skate park, which is why both parties have been working to determine a replacement location.
The ordinance was introduced by a unanimous 3-0 vote. Meinhardt, as previously stated, recused himself.
recused himself, due to a recent conflict of interest.
Afinal hearing will be held during the Monday, October 16, meeting.
Resolution Passes
Additionally, a resolution was passed confirming the township’s commitment to relocate and reconstruct the skate park. The original skate park was opened in 2010, funded with $92,000 in donations and $20,000 of township funds. It is located in the Town Hall parking lot, adjacent to the current location of the West Essex YMCA.
Selling the land is expected to yield roughly $300,000 in revenue, which will offset the cost of relocating and reconstructing the skate park, according to the resolution. The resolution states that there are at least two years left to find a new location, before the current park would be torn down. The new location is expected to be near the Oval.
At previous meetings, town officials noted that the committee in charge of the skate park has expressed interest in a potential new park being larger, including a full skate bowl and other features, and Brightview had only made a commitment based on the existing park. If additional features and enhancements are needed for the new park, pushing the cost over $300,000, the resolution states that funding would be available through the town’s Open Space Trust Fund.
Project Overview
In April of 2022, the Council directed the Planning Board to conduct an investigation of the 321 South Livingston Avenue property, which is listed as block 3100, lot 56 in the township tax maps. Beacon Planning and Consulting Services then conducted a study and determined that the site should be designated as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment. The Planning Board voted to accept that recommendation and referred it to the Council in June of 2022.
The Council subsequently designated the property as an area in need of redevelopment without the power of eminent domain, and later authorized the execution of a funding agreement between the township and Brightview Senior Living Development.
Brightview proposes to construct a four-story senior living facility on the property, with approximately 150 units within 170,000 gross square feet.
Township manager Barry Lewis said that an assisted living home was not the most economically viable proposal for the area, but it was the most desirable for the town and nearby residents, as it provides a minimal traffic impact and no children will be added to the school district as a result of it.
