Document Text
--- Document: January 26, 2023 Document ---
Chairman 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.
Present: Mr. Witham (Namdar representative), Mr. Rizzieri, Mr. Marziano, Ms. Morell, Mr. Bove, Mr. Platt, Mr. DiNatale, Ms. Sytnik, and Mr. Strausser, attorney for the Platt Group.
SWEARING IN
Mr. Strausser conducted the swearing in for all members present.
ROLL CALL OF SITTING (5) AND NEW (2) MEMBERS
NOMINATIONS FOR AND ELECTION OF THE CHAIRPERSON
Motioned by Mr. Platt and seconded by Mr. Bove, Mr. DiNatale was elected the Chairperson of the Board.
NOMINATIONS FOR AND ELECTION OF SECRETARY OF THE VICE CHAIR
Motioned by Mr. DiNatale and seconded by Mr. Rizzieri, Mr. Platt was elected the Vice Chairman of the Board.
NOMINATIONS FOR AND ELECTION OF SECRETARY OF THE SECRETARY
Motioned by Mr. DiNatale and seconded by Mr. Platt, Ms. Sytnik was elected the Secretary of the Board.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. DiNatale asked everyone to introduce themselves and welcomed the new members.
Mr. DiNatale then presented an overview of the Board history and purpose. This type of boards were only existent in larger towns. We did some research, called Trenton, and under the direction of the Township Committee and legal advice from the Platt Group, created this BID Advisory Board. In the past, we came up with a budget.
The intention of this Board is to hold Namdar, the current landlord, accountable for the reasonable repairs and safety of the property. Our enforcement arm allows the township the right to lien the property for payment of any repairs Namdar refuses to do.
Mr. DiNatale explained the limitations the township faces with Namdar, current landlord. They do not own Town Hall, and we are trying to be a good neighbor, however Namdar still does not do things right. Their operational model is to acquire multiple malls (they currently own about 100) and sell them cheap. They plan to “sit” on the property until they can “flip” it for a substantial profit. They are trying to keep their cost down at the expense of our business owners. We do not want them as owner, so years ago we came up with the idea of creating this board.
The Board, at its discretion, will make recommendations to Township Committee to initiate any corrective measures it agreed to, and if Namdar is unwilling to take action, the Township will initiate such repairs itself, and the committee will enact any said remedies or repairs by imposing a property tax lien to offset those costs and remit that cost back to the township.
In the past, each time the Board composed a list of actions, Namdar complied and initiated repairs. They were not good quality repairs but nevertheless, they complied. The Township never had to take any additional action other than the notification to Namdar of the Board’s request for repairs. The repairs need to be outlined and described by this Board.
Mr. Rizzieri shared his concerns about the property maintenance and sinks leakage. He stated he has tried to buy out the property, but the Namdar did not agree on the selling price. He is here for a long haul. He is remodeling his property and should be finished by next year. He mentioned it is very good working with Mr. Witham but becomes frustrating as this Board is the only thing that can make landlord take action.
Mr. Platt suggested to send township code enforcement and construction officials to check the windows leakage. It needs to be done for life safety. He also stated on behalf of the Township Committee, they are not going to wait much longer. They have talked to several developers and are ready to proceed with the mall redevelopment plan.
The visual of the Mall Redevelopment Plan was shared with the group.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. DiNatale asked each tenant on this Board compile a list of repairs. They should send Ms. Sytnik the list of repairs and estimated cost and we will submit to the Committee for approval. If not sure about the cost, township will assist with that. Then we will be able to come up with the budget and will submit to the Committee for approval.
We will present the list to Namdar and will give them 90 days to comply. If not, we can lien the property.
Mr. Platt stated this will be the final list. Otherwise, they will lose $12 million.
Mr. Witham shared some of Namdar current plans to sell the mall and the Boulevard for $36 million. Also, Namdar is attempting to lease Macy’s for a year.
Mr. DiNatale concluded that Namdar does not rent to new and do not retain current renters. The Township needs to offer them fair price. Everyone heard from the Committee today, they are ready to pull the strings.
The board discussed 2023 meeting dates. The below dates were confirmed:
January 26 – reorg meeting
April 4
July 11
October 3
The meetings will start at 5pm and will be held in the Township Conference Room. Ms. Sytnik provided audio conference instructions for those who may not be able to attend future meetings in person.
Mario confirmed that if we adhere to the above action plan, in April meeting we will pass the budget and in July meeting we will vote to impose the lien.
With no more business to discuss and no questions from the Board, Mr. DiNatale asked for adjournment.
Mr. Platt motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:05pm seconded by Mr. Rizzieri.
Respectfully submitted by
Stella R. Sytnik
BID Board Secretary