|
RUTHERFORD
Recycling Center to close June 30th
BOROUGH REACHES AGREEMENT ON DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
RUTHERFORD-The Mayor and Council has reached an agreement with the developers of the Highland Cross Redevelopment Project.
"I am pleased to announce that after several years of negotiations, the Borough has approved a final agreement with Linque-H.C. Partners, LLC for the development site located on Veterans Boulevard," Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson announced. "This project which has received preliminary approval from the Rutherford Planning Board and the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission, includes the construction of a 225-room Marriott Spring Hill Suites Hotel and a new Department of Public Works garage facility in its first phase. It is also anticipated that two office buildings will be constructed as part of Phase II development. This project has been a top priority of my administration since taking office," Mayor McPherson added.
"One of the key elements of this project is the construction by the developer of the DPW garage. Under the agreement, the developer will be contributing $700,000 toward the cost of this building, with the Borough providing the balance of the cost from funds already in place. The Borough previously funded this project through a $1.6 million bond issue in 1996 and a $500,000 financing in 2000. No additional tax dollars will be needed to complete the project. A new DPW garage complex has been needed for too long, and this facility will provide inside storage for our fleet vehicles as well as other necessary amenities to operate more efficiently," Councilman George Fecanin, DPW Liaison, continued.
"It is anticipated that the DPW garage will be under construction by the end of this year with completion within 12 months. At the same time the developer is hoping to begin construction of the hotel as quickly as possible. In a presentation before the Planning Board, a representative of the Marriott Corporation expressed a strong desire to establish their presence in Rutherford, and he felt that the project would be a major success," Mayor McPherson added.
Borough officials are developing plans for the closure of its recycling center this summer.
"Under the terms of the redevelopment agreement the Borough’s recycling center has to be relocated and the developer will pay the Borough $250,000," the Mayor continued.
"Various alternative sites have been investigated, and discussions have been held with officials from our neighboring towns to establish a shared facility. At the present time, however, no viable alternative has been developed for a new site, although we are continuing those discussions," Councilman Fecanin stated.
"We have analyzed the conversion of our recycling program to one which would have curbside collections only. After a thorough review of alternatives and discussions with the Recycling Committee, we believe that with increased frequency in the collections, we can meet the needs of our residents and improve the services. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the curbside tonnage and a corresponding drop in the material taken to the recycling center by our residents which is indicative of the support for this action," he added.
In order to implement the plan and provide sufficient notice to our residents, a decision has been reached to close the recycling center July 1st and start the new enhanced curbside collection program at that time. The new collection schedule will be mailed to residents well in advance of the July 1st start, and information will be posted on the Borough’s web site (www.rutherford-nj.com) by mid-May," Mayor McPherson announced.
"What was once an abandoned sewage treatment plant facility, compost and recycling operation will now begin its transformation into an attractive mixed use development which will generate new tax dollars and further enhance the Borough’s desirability as a place to live and work," Mayor McPherson concluded.
Dated: May 4, 2001
Contact: Mayor Bernadette P. McPherson (460-3022)
|
