Real Estate
In Killing Development, Warren Township Violated State Laws: Lawsuit
The Warren Township Committee violated state laws in killing a redevelopment plan for a warehouse on Mountain View Road, a lawsuit claims.
WARREN, NJ — The Warren Township Committee violated state laws in killing a redevelopment plan for a warehouse on Mountain View Road, a lawsuit filed by developer Bridge Acquisition claims.
Bridge Acquisition filed a civil lawsuit in Somerset County court on May 31, records show. The developer purchased the property, which was formerly a Chubb Insurance building, in February 2021, according to court documents. Bridge Acquisition wanted to build a warehouse on the 115-acre lot, which backs up to Interstate 78.
On April 14, the Township Committee voted 5-0 to stop a redevelopment ordinance that would rezone the spot for warehouse use, records show.
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Bridge Acquisition claims the township told them "that no action would be taken at the April 14, 2022 meeting with regard to the Property and that plaintiff could make a presentation at a future meeting of the Township Committee," documents show.
That may have been true, but after a number of residents spoke up with concerns, committee members voted the redevelopment ordinance down, the lawsuit says.
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"...one of the Township Committee members made a motion to request that the Township attorney go back and talk to the developer about a new concept, which was seconded by the Mayor," the lawsuit states.
"Then, another motion was made to carry the ordinance. While these two motions were pending, some members of the Township Committee advocated in favor of a different plan, and some voiced their opinion that the governing body should 'kill' the warehouse project. Suddenly, a motion was made to defeat Ordinance No. 22-07, which was unanimously adopted."
Bridge Acquisition claims the township violated the state Open Public Meetings Act, violated parliamentary procedures during an April meeting, violated land use planning laws, and otherwise caused "economic harm" to the company, according to the lawsuit.
The company is seeking monetary relief, as well as an opportunity to have a hearing in front of the township committee.
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