Council advances ordinances for property acquisition and municipal redevelopment; bond measure introduced

Hamilton Township Council on March 5 moved forward with a package of redevelopment and financing measures that include property acquisition for affordable housing, documentation of a municipal building redevelopment plan and a bond ordinance to fund the municipal complex.

Clerk/administration staff presented Ordinance 2‑24‑010 authorizing acquisition of 1766 and 1768 East State Street (Block 1637, Lots 6 and 7) for affordable housing and public‑safety purposes. Staff described prior outreach to property owners, existing appraisals in the township’s possession, and the potential use of eminent domain if negotiations fail. The administrator said the township prefers negotiated sales but that the ordinance would give the township an additional tool to finalize the redevelopment project.

During discussion officials explained the eminent‑domain process the township would use: both parties would obtain appraisals, the council would be shown comparative appraisals and any negotiated settlement would be brought back for council review. The administration noted it had received limited responses from property owners and that invoking eminent domain could lead to litigation if necessary.

Council closed public comment on the item and proceeded to roll‑call vote on the ordinance; the clerk recorded the vote as 4‑0 in favor.

Separately, the council considered Ordinance 3‑24‑011, which documents the municipal building redevelopment plan for a designated area and contemplates cooperation with the local school district on a new municipal complex on Whitehorse‑Mercerville Road. Staff said the school district has participated in design discussions but a formal lease or written agreement on sharing space remains under negotiation and is expected before construction.

The council also introduced on first reading Ordinance 2‑24‑013, a bond ordinance appropriating $60,000,000 to finance the municipal building redevelopment project in the River Valley area (Block 9222, Lots 5 and 7). The ordinance was moved forward on first reading and will return for subsequent readings and votes required by law.

Next steps: staff said they will continue negotiations with property owners, finalize appraisals where required, and return to the council with formal agreements or further action as necessary. Planning and financing elements of the municipal complex will proceed through required hearings.