Residents press council over Fisherman’s Mark sale price and playground permits; nonprofit responds

The Lambertville City Council on first reading introduced an ordinance to sell a city‑owned parcel at 62262 North Main Street to Fisherman’s Mark and drew public questions about how the sale price was set and whether playground construction at the nonprofit has the city approvals required for public use.

Paul Stevens, a resident who spoke during public comment, asked council to explain how the $545,000 sale price was determined and whether the city obtained independent appraisals. “I’m curious about how did we arrive at this $545,000 sale price? It didn’t go on the market, so I don’t know how it got there,” he said, urging the council to provide details now rather than waiting for the second reading and vote.

The mayor responded that the city’s appraisal of the market portion of the property came in at $480,000, that Fisherman’s Mark offered $525,000, and that the appraisal performed by Stockwell and Associates is posted on the city website for public review. The mayor said the purchase would be linked to a redevelopment agreement that must be finalized before the sale closes and that the redevelopment agreement will be available publicly before final approval.

Concerns about a playground at the Fisherman’s Mark Academy prompted further public comment. Judy Leeson told the council she had learned the playground was installed without plans, permits or city inspections and said safety was the primary concern: “If we believe … having inspections and somebody look at what you’re doing is important … that is probably the primary concern.” Other speakers pressed whether the city had issued a violation notice and what the city’s liability could be while the playground remains in use.

Jen Wilford, executive director of Fisherman’s Mark, addressed the council and residents. She identified herself and said the nonprofit completed its own appraisal and is paying above market value. Wilford acknowledged the organization “probably failed in some of the proper protocols of building a playground” and said the playground has been inspected by a playground inspection (external inspection) and is currently used only by academy children whose families were informed. “We are in process of getting all of our permitting,” she said and invited residents to contact her directly: “I have an open door policy.”

Council members said they will make the appraisal and redevelopment language public, and one councilmember emphasized that final sale approval will await the completed redevelopment agreement and site plan review by the planning board. The ordinance for the sale passed introduction on first reading, with a public hearing and second reading scheduled for April 23.

The council did not vote to approve the sale at this meeting; the next procedural step is a public hearing and final vote at the scheduled second reading. The mayor also committed to follow up about the playground permitting and to email a status update to the resident who raised the question.