Harrison Plans Two Key Meetings for Week of December 9, 2024

The Town of Harrison is set to hold two significant public meetings during the week of December 9, 2024, addressing redevelopment plans and a property subdivision application that may shape the town's evolving landscape.

The first meeting, hosted by the Harrison Redevelopment Agency (HRA), will take place on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 1 p.m. The agenda for the session covers a series of administrative and fiscal resolutions to prepare for the upcoming year.

Agenda Highlights:

1. Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the November 25, 2024, meeting which lasted a brief two minutes—are expected to be approved without contention.
2. Resolution Approving the Bill List: Routine financial approvals for expenditures.
3. Official Newspapers for Fiscal Year 2025: The resolution names The Jersey Journal as one of the official newspapers, though the publication is scheduled to cease operations on February 1, 2025. The Bergen Record and Star-Ledger have been designated as alternates.
4. Depositories and Cash Management Plan: Fiscal measures for the safe handling and management of public funds in 2025.
5. 2025 Professional Service Contracts: The HRA proposes retaining the same professionals who served in 2024:
• Gregory Castano Jr. and his law office Castano Quigley Cherami of Madison, NJ, as the HRA Attorney.
• Susan S. Gruel and Heyer, Gruel & Associates as design planners.
• Samuel Klein & Company as auditors.
6. Extraordinary Service Agreement: The agency plans to approve an agreement with The Banker Group LLC of West Caldwell. The firm, led by Thomas A. Banker, is respected for its expertise in New Jersey redevelopment law and policy advising.
7. 

Harrison Planning Board Meeting – December 11, 2024

The second meeting, originally scheduled for December 10, 2024, will take place on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 6 p.m. The Harrison Planning Board will convene to consider a notable application for a minor property subdivision.

Agenda Item:

• V&A Legacy Real Estate LLC seeks approval for a minor subdivision of a property located at 232 Harrison Avenue, Harrison, NJ. While specific details on the application remain sparse, the matter has been previously discussed in an earlier hearing.

Community Impact

These meetings reflect ongoing redevelopment and planning efforts that are reshaping Harrison. As the town prepares for fiscal 2025 and evaluates land-use decisions, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and participate in these public discussions.

EPA’s Dark Cloud Over Harrison

The plan of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to place an Open Pit Toxic Sludge Plant and a Staging Facility at the PSE&G property which was previously slated for a Park / Green Space, Community Center, and Turnaround/ Drop Office for the PATH Train Station put a dark cloud over the Harrison Redevelopment Zone and threatens to derail over 26 years of work that transformed the Harrison Redevelopment Zone from a contaminated industrial zone to a vibrant residential community of modern luxury apartment buildings.  Read more through this link.

Both meetings will be held at the Harrison Town Hall, located at 318 Harrison Avenue, Harrison, NJ, for the HRA in the Third-Floor Conference Room and the Planning Board on the Second-Floor Mayor and Council Chambers. Public attendance and engagement at these meetings' Public Sessions remain essential to ensuring transparency and community involvement in Harrison’s future developments.

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