In Person Harrison Dev. Meeting Mon. Jun. 12, 2023 at 1 p.m.

The Harrison Redevelopment Agency (HRA) will hold its next meeting on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 1 p.m. The meeting will take place in person in the Mayor's Conference Room of the Harrison Town Hall, located at 318 Harrison Avenue, Harrison, NJ. It is important to note that this meeting will no longer be held over the Zoom video conference software. Please note that the Mayor's Conference Room is on the third floor as opposed to the Mayor & Council Chamber located on the 2nd Floor.

During this meeting, the Harrison Redevelopment Agency will address several key Resolutions that are on the agenda. These Resolutions cover a range of important matters related to the redevelopment projects in Harrison. The following Resolutions are scheduled for discussion:

1. Approval of the minutes of 5-22-2023.
2. Resolution approving the bill list.
3. Resolution conceptually approving the placement of a new monument sign in the median of Angelo Cifelli Drive at the South Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard intersection.
4. Resolution authorizing an amendment to the redevelopment agreement with Supor Properties Railroad Ave. LLC, as Redeveloper of block 72, lots 32, 33, and 34, to extend redevelopment timetables.
5. Resolution approving a final extension of the completion deadline for Phase I and a further extension for the commencement of construction of Phase II of the redevelopment of property at 600 South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. (block 133, lots 1.03, 1.05, 1.06, and 1.07).
6. Resolution approving Greystar Investment Group, LLC, and its affiliate, Glof Reit, LLC, as the new mortgage lender for the property at 600 South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. (block 133, lot 1.06 and 1.07). It also authorizes the execution of Estoppel Certificates as to the Development Agreement and the Financial Agreement and approves an amendment to the Development Agreement.

Extension / Bifurcating 600 South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. Project

Of particular note is the redevelopment project at 600 South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd., which is owned by Eastone Harrison Urban Renewal LLC (Eastone).. This project has experienced multiple extensions, and the current proposal before the Harrison Redevelopment Agency suggests separating Phase I and Phase II of the redevelopment. Greystar, the new mortgage lender to the project, has apparently requested an amendment to the Development Agreement to bifurcate the two phases.

This separation would ensure that any default or condition imposed upon Phase II would not adversely affect the rights of the owner of the Phase I property, and vice versa. However, it raises concerns that if Phase II were to default, the Town of Harrison would not be able to seek damages from the Phase I property. Given the number of extensions on the project the decision to bifurcate is something the Commissioners on the HRA must weigh with the assistance of financial and legal professions to determine whether it should be granted.

Of interest, one of the Eastone Resolutions mentions that the developer will identify which units will be converted to Condominiums.  At a prior HRA meeting, it was mentioned that converting to Condominiums  was an option to insure completion of the project. It was also mentioned that conversion to Condominiums would cause the units to pay property taxes and eliminate the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) currently in pace per the owner's redevelopment agreement with the Town of Harrison.

Should Zoom Attendance Be An Option

It is worth noting that the Harrison Redevelopment Agency meetings are typically held on Mondays at 1 p.m. Unfortunately, this timing can make it challenging for the public to attend. Additionally, the decision not to offer a Zoom video conferencing option for this meeting further limits the public's ability to participate. The absence of virtual access may hinder the majority of interested individuals who might otherwise attend and engage with the Harrison Redevelopment Agency meetings.

The HRA plays a vital role in shaping the future of Harrison's redevelopment projects, and it is crucial for public involvement and transparency in decision-making processes. By offering alternative options, such as virtual participation, the HRA can ensure that a broader audience has the opportunity to participate and provide valuable input.

What do you think about the fact that Harrison Redevelopment Agency meetings are held on Monday's at 1 p.m.?  How do the Commissioners get time off from work to attend and how does the average resident of Harrison NJ get time off from work to attend?

Click Here for Copy of HRA Agenda & Resolutions

Explore These Articles Next:

Rich History: Harrison, The First Silicon Valley

Cannabis Store Seeks Move Putting It Closer to Town Schools

Twenty-Six Years: Mayor McDonough's Redevelopment Vision Realized

EPA Toxic Sludge Plan Worse Than Expected And It Was Already Bad

Let us know your thoughts or opinion by signing up for Free to our Discussion Board and leaving a comment.