46 Mount Pleasant Area In Need of Redevelopment Study Resolution #19-01

Susan Gruel, PP, and having provided an opportunity for public comment, and having deliberated on the matter, hereby finds that there is sufficient information to recommend that the Study Area meets the statutory criteria for designation as an area in need of redevelopment. 2. The Board finds credible the testimony of Susan Gruel who detailed the reasons why the Study Area qualifies under the statute N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-5(d). The criteria under subsection “d” are as follows: Areas with buildings or improvements which, by reason of dilapidation, obsolescence, overcrowding, faulty arrangement or design, lack of ventilation, light and sanitary facilities, excessive land coverage, deleterious land use or obsolete layout, or any combination of these or other factors, are detrimental to the safety, health, morals or welfare of the community. 3. The Board finds there is substantial evidence that the library property suffers from faulty arrangement, obsolescence and an obsolete layout which has a detrimental affect on the general welfare of the community. The original building is 60 years old and the addition is 40 years old. An architectural assessment prepared by Arcari + Iovino Architects in October 2015 identified $1.6 million in improvements needed to address physical deficiencies, ADA access, electrical upgrades, fire detection and other building systems and site issues. A portion of the fagade of the Edison Wing collapsed in 2015. In addition to maintenance and repair work, asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were identified in the building, both friable and non-friable. 4. A study by the Information Policy and Access Center released October 1, 2015