82-18 Authorizing Retention of Special Counsel to Analyze Mayors Role in Redevelopment 2.14.18.pdf

1 82-18 February 27, 2018 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 et seq. (the “Redevelopment Law”) authorizes municipalities to determine whether certain parcels of land located therein constitutes an area in need of redevelopment; and WHEREAS, on September 19, 2017, the Township Council for the Township of West Orange (the “Council”) adopted Resolution 212-17 authorizing the Planning Board for the Township of West Orange (the “Planning Board”) to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether certain properties including properties in Essex Green and properties on Executive Drive (collectively the “Redevelopment Area”) meet criteria set forth as an area in need of redevelopment; and WHEREAS, the Planning Board conducted public hearings on November 1, 2017 and December 6, 2017 on whether the Redevelopment Area met the statutory criteria to qualify as an area in need of redevelopment; and WHEREAS, on January 3, 2018, the Planning Board adopted Resolution 18-1 whereby it recommended to the Township Council that the Redevelopment Area be designated as an area in need of redevelopment; and WHEREAS, on January 9, 2018, the Township Council heard public comment and adopted Resolution 17-18 designating the Redevelopment Area as an area in need of redevelopment; and WHEREAS, the Mayor has thus far recused himself from any official actions related to the Redevelopment Area because he currently leases office space in a building located on Executive Drive; and WHEREAS, the Mayor intends to vacate the leased office space on Executive Drive in the near future and has entered into a lease termination agreement with the current landlord; and