In an effort to create a communityledvision ofwhat the Livingston Mall property will look like moving forward, the township has gone through a week-long community visioning process with real estate consulting firm Topology.
“We learned a lot. It’s great when the residents come out because you get a chance to hear what’s on their mind. That’s exactly what took place last week,” Mayor Ed Meinhardt said during the Monday, March 24, Township Council meeting. “We are nowhere near the conclusion. We are at the beginning of this stage; but it certainly was a good start and we look forward to what happens next for this process.”
The Process
Topology began the process with a survey through which 4,197 individuals living and working in town shared their thoughts and ideas about the future of the mall property. Those responses helped to create a basis for community members to envision various options for the future of the site.
Next, a series of community meetings took place from March 17 to March 22 to help explain the development process and gather more community input. The meetings began with a Kick-Off Presentation to help participants learn about the visioning process and market realities. The presentation then led to a Hands-On Visioning Workshop during which the approximately 100 attendees were put into small groups to discuss and generate ideas. These ideas produced 16 vision maps that were referred to throughout the visioning process.
Next, aFrameworkPin-Up session brought the community’s vision maps to life. Here, Topology displayed initial ideas in a large presentation area for review and feedback by attendees. These ideas helped frame the Conceptual Vision Plan - a roadmap (Continued on Page A-6) to see done with the mall.
Bond Ordinance
An ordinance was unanimously passed to approve the appropriation of $2,035,000 in bonds for various improvements. This includes the issuance of $1,938,093 in bonds for the township to finance part of the appropriation.
Developer’s Agreement
A developer’s agreement was reached between the township and Mount Pleasant Partners for the construction of a housing complex along Route 10 in Livingston.
The area covers Block 2100, Lots 22-25, 35.01, 35.02, and 35.03 in the township’s tax maps, measuring 16.47 acres located in the RIAO InclusionaryAdult Residential Overlay District Zone. It consists of seven lots forming an irregular shaped site with frontage on East Mount Pleasant Avenue and a portion which fronts on Force Hill Road.
The developer will construct 254 residential units in three buildings on the property, 51 of which will be affordable units. No more than 20 percent of residents may be younger than 55 years old.
Contracts
A$30,978.30 contract was awarded to Direct Flooring, for the installation of flooring for the Recreation Department game rooms.
Cifelli and Son General Contracting was issued a $70,000 contract for the purchase and installation of granite curbing for the Engineering Department.
Selective Insurance Company was awarded a $75,784 contract for flood insurance.
Other Resolutions
The Council passed a resolution to support the NJ Climate Superfund Act, a pending bill in the New Jersey legislature that would impose liability on large fossil fuel companies for certain climate change related damages.
The Council approved the transfer of $563,000 in 2024 budget appropriation reserves. The funds are being transferred from various township departments to cover salaries and wages for the Police Department ($500,000) and other expenses for the Department of Public Works ($63,000).
A resolution was passed to authorize applications for loans from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program. Funds would be used for Phase C (wells 6, 7, and 9) of the township’s PFAS water treatment. Livingston utility engineer Nathan Kiracofe is the towns’authorized representative for the project.
Closed Sessions
In closed executive sessions – held both between the conference and regular meeting, and at the conclusion of the regular meeting – the Council was expected to discuss the new Department of Public Works facility, PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) policy, Health Resources LLC v. Livingston litigation, leasing township property, Livingston Mall redevelopment, communications department personnel, the 576-586 Route 10 redevelopment plan, and Cedar Hill Country Club zoning.
Upcoming Meetings
With the Primary Election date changed to June 10 in New Jersey, the Monday, June 9, Council meeting is expected to be rescheduled. The new date for the meeting is expected to be Thursday, June 5.
Following a three year period in the role, township clerk Carolyn Mazzucco is also expected to be recommended to be tenured in the position at the next meeting. When it was brought up during the conference meeting, she received unanimous support from the Council.
