Jones Lang LaSalle
State seized files for E. Brunswick development
Reason for probe unclear, but Golden Triangle project has a become political lightning rod
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
BY TOM HAYDON
Star-Ledger Staff
Investigators from the state At torney General's Office seized two boxes of documents from East Brunswick relating to the so-called Golden Triangle development on Route 18, the mayor confirmed yesterday.
Mayor William Neary said the investigators from the anti-trust di vision served a subpoena six weeks ago seeking records relating to the massive redevelopment project to be built by Philadelphia-based Toll Brothers Inc.
Investigators gave no reason for seizing the documents, Neary said, and town officials want a quick review to resolve any questions.
"We're hoping the Attorney General's Office rules very quickly," said Neary.
David Wald, spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, declined to comment yesterday when asked about the subpoena.
Last year the Democratic-controlled township council approved a contract with Toll Brothers to build a 1,500-space parking garage, 402 luxury condominiums, approximately 287,000 square feet of retail space, an undetermined amount of office space on Route 18 and Tices Lane, and a community center that will be located elsewhere in the township.
The lone Republican on the council, Christie Calvano, voted against the measure.
The contract was a change from the original proposal, which called for 200 age-restricted apartments and 250,000 square feet of office space.
Under the contract, Toll Brothers will pay approximately $35 million for the 30-acre property at a rate of $4.5 million per year through 2008, when the company will pay the balance.
Neary said the project would provide tax relief for township residents on a site that is currently underutilized.
But the project has become a political lightening rod, with some critics saying the township should have sought bids.
Neary said there is no require ment for bids under the state redevelopment law, but the township went beyond the requirements by seeking proposals for the project.
"Then we formed a bipartisan (committee) to review it," the mayor said.
But Calvano and other critics said the housing would have a negative impact on the township be cause of the additional children and traffic that it would bring.
Calvano could not be reached for comment yesterday.
© 2006 The Star Ledger
© 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
State seized files for E. Brunswick development
Reason for probe unclear, but Golden Triangle project has a become political lightning rod
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
BY TOM HAYDON
Star-Ledger Staff
Investigators from the state At torney General's Office seized two boxes of documents from East Brunswick relating to the so-called Golden Triangle development on Route 18, the mayor confirmed yesterday.
Mayor William Neary said the investigators from the anti-trust di vision served a subpoena six weeks ago seeking records relating to the massive redevelopment project to be built by Philadelphia-based Toll Brothers Inc.
Investigators gave no reason for seizing the documents, Neary said, and town officials want a quick review to resolve any questions.
"We're hoping the Attorney General's Office rules very quickly," said Neary.
David Wald, spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, declined to comment yesterday when asked about the subpoena.
Last year the Democratic-controlled township council approved a contract with Toll Brothers to build a 1,500-space parking garage, 402 luxury condominiums, approximately 287,000 square feet of retail space, an undetermined amount of office space on Route 18 and Tices Lane, and a community center that will be located elsewhere in the township.
The lone Republican on the council, Christie Calvano, voted against the measure.
The contract was a change from the original proposal, which called for 200 age-restricted apartments and 250,000 square feet of office space.
Under the contract, Toll Brothers will pay approximately $35 million for the 30-acre property at a rate of $4.5 million per year through 2008, when the company will pay the balance.
Neary said the project would provide tax relief for township residents on a site that is currently underutilized.
But the project has become a political lightening rod, with some critics saying the township should have sought bids.
Neary said there is no require ment for bids under the state redevelopment law, but the township went beyond the requirements by seeking proposals for the project.
"Then we formed a bipartisan (committee) to review it," the mayor said.
But Calvano and other critics said the housing would have a negative impact on the township be cause of the additional children and traffic that it would bring.
Calvano could not be reached for comment yesterday.
© 2006 The Star Ledger
© 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
posted by Jones Lang LaSalle NJ News Blog at 12:30 PM
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