Clark Township Council approves redevelopment study of former AMP property

The Clark Township Council voted Sept. 5 to authorize a preliminary redevelopment study of multiple parcels in Block 105, including 56 Westfield Avenue and 52 Westfield Avenue, to determine whether the sites qualify as an area in need of condemnation redevelopment.

Township counsel told the council that the planning board will conduct the study under the local housing and redevelopment law and prepare a public-facing report. "Doesn't mean the council will exercise that power," counsel said, emphasizing that the investigation preserves the council's ability to consider condemnation without predetermining the outcome.

Council members said the parcels include what was described as the "old AMP property," where an apartment complex previously approved did not move forward. The councilor who introduced the resolution said the study is a procedural step that "allows the town to move forward." After a motion and second, the council conducted a roll call and approved the resolution by affirmative votes from the members who answered; the clerk announced that the resolution passed.

Resident Michael Schulman of 382 Carolina Street spoke during public comment in favor of the resolution and urged the council to act. "Not only is it an eyesore, it's incredibly dangerous," Schulman said, and asked for clarity on the planner's timeline and what the town would do if a developer moves forward or if condemnation occurs — including whether the town would rebid the project or take the building down to make it safe.

The chair said the town expects to proceed with the planning study immediately and that it "could have it as early as the next meeting." Mayor Bonacourso also spoke, saying the township would follow the legal process, noting prior dealings with the developer and a subsequent sale to Garden Homes, and reminding the public to respect private-property laws after reporting that the property owner had contacted police about trespassing.

According to township counsel's description, the planning board, with the township planner, will prepare the study, make it available to the public and hold a public hearing where the planner presents results and members of the public may comment. The resolution authorizes that preliminary investigation; it does not itself order condemnation or specify subsequent development plans.

The council closed public comment after Schulman's remarks, set future meeting dates for Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, and adjourned.