Document Text
--- Document: February 6, 2024 Document ---
Present: Mr. Witham (by phone), Ms. Barlow, Mr. Grimley, Mr. DiNatale.
Also present: Ms. Sytnik, Board Secretary, Mr. Strausser, Attorney for the Platt Group.
Absent: Ms. Morell, Mr. Platt, Mr. Rizzieri, Mr. Alex Urbeita.
CALL TO ORDER AND FLAG SALUTE
Mr. DiNatale called the meeting to order and stated it was being held in compliance with the “Open Public Meeting Act” and had been duly noticed and published as required by law.
ROLL CALL OF SITTING MEMBERS
Ms. Sytnik took roll call.
NOMINATIONS FOR AND ELECTION OF:
Chairperson
Ms. Barlow motioned to nominate Mr. DiNatale; seconded by Mr. Grimley.
Vice Chairperson
Mr. Witham motioned to nominate Mr. Platt; seconded by Mr. DiNatale.
Secretary
Mr. DiNatale motioned to nominate Ms. Sytnik; seconded by Ms. Barlow.
SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS
Mr. Strausser swore in two new members: Ms. Barlow and Mr. Grimley.
Mr. Urbeita was absent, so his swearing-in was tabled until the next meeting.
ROLL CALL OF FULL MEMEBERSHIP
Ms. Sytnik took roll call.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. DiNatale explained to the new members the purpose of the BID board. The Board has the authority to lien the landlord for poor management. Last year the board adopted the budget for improvements. The below repair items have been voted on and approved by Committee:
Perfect Touch Landscaping - $78,565
Township Construction Cost - $284,400
Luciana’s Restoration - $162,500
The Township saved $78,565 by using their own team. Mr. Witham reported that the escalators repairs are in progress; Namdar has until April. Namdar cleaned up some of the Rizzieri’s property, however, the building is still crumbling. Mr. Rizzieri works mostly with Namdar directly. Township inspector Mr. Schallenhammer hired the contractor to do some repairs.
Mr. DiNatale mentioned that the mall is being sold to a new owner Hoboken Brownstone Company (George Vallone). The Township has the authority to request improvements but only in general areas, not on the property. Legally, Namdar is still responsible for maintenance, so it is great to have Mr. Witham as their representative.
Mr. DiNatale highlighted some positive things happening in the mall and in the vicinity, for example, the first two floors of the Macy’s building are planned to be converted to indoor parking; the third floor to a culinary school with dorm rooms; the food court into “Xfinity Live” type area. Additionally, the new pickle ball courts are being constructed and planned to take up 55,000 sq feet on the corner of Burnt Mill and Somerdale Roads.
NEW BUSINESS
The 2024 meeting dates have been set up as follows:
April 9
July 9
October 8
The budget will have to be approved by the Committee prior to the July 9 meeting.
Mr. DiNatale opened the floor to the public.
With no one from the public present and no more questions from the board, Mr. DiNatale asked for adjournment.
Mr. Grimley motioned to adjourn the meeting at 5.35pm; seconded by Ms. Barlow.
Respectfully submitted by
Stella R. Sytnik
BID Board Secretary