In 2015 a concept plan to redevelop the former Baker and Taylor site was presented to the
Planning Board. The Planning Board made a number of suggestions to the developer, Crusader
Servicing Corporation, that were aimed at helping the concept plan better conform to the
redevelopment plan and provide a better fit with the existing neighborhood.
After numerous meetings with the Borough Redevelopment Committee over the last months of
2015, those suggestions were incorporated into the concept plan. At the same time the developer
hired a traffic engineer to determine what effect the proposed development would have on traffic
in the surrounding neighborhood. The result was a plan that complied with the all the
requirements and the spirit of the redevelopment plan except for the density requirement.
At the January 27, 2016 meeting of the Planning Board the developer presented the latest version
of the concept plan and requested that the Planning Board recommend to the Mayor and Borough
Council an increase in permitted density from 16 units per acre to 22 units per acre.
After extensive discussion the Planning Board voted to recommend an increase to 20 units per
acre. On Tuesday February 16, 2016, the Borough Council introduced an ordinance to amend the
redevelopment plan for this site to allow a density of 20 units per acre.
Although public notice is not required for a concept plan review, the Planning Board wanted the
neighbors to be aware of and to participate in the discussion at the January 27 meeting and asked
the developer provide public and individual notice to the neighbors. During the ordinance
introduction on February 16, it was felt that the whole neighborhood should be advised of the
project.
The Council has asked Crusader to work with the Planning Board and hold a public
informational meeting before the amendment is presented for adoption on March 7, 2016 and to
address any questions relating to this project.
You are invited to attend this informational meeting, which will be held on Wednesday March 2
at 6:30 PM at the Borough Council Chambers