Politics & Government

Commissioners Reject BOE Request to be Named Developer for Bancroft Site

The three-member Board of Commissioners said they still want to work with the BOE for public-purchase strategies for the site.

The Haddonfield Board of Commissioners on Tuesday rejected a request from the borough school board to be named developer for the Bancroft site on Kings Highway East.

The decision was made in a work-session meeting. No public votes on ordinances or resolutions are held at work sessions but other public policy may be decided.

The school board asked to be named the developer for the 18.7-acre site two weeks ago. It was part of a plan it has for purchasing the property, demolishing existing buildings and converting it for school use, athletic fields and open space.

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Bancroft, a center for people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries, has been located on the site at 425 Kings Highway East for the past 128 years. It's adjacent to . Bancroft officials are considering selling the property and relocated in an effort to improve their facilities, according to numerous public statements.

"We've been working on this for six years," said Ed Borden, one of three borough commissioners. "This thing would bog down naming a new developer. It's not a good way to proceed."

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Borden said he and commissioners Tish Colombi, the mayor, and Jeff Kasko all want to work with the school board to explore how to move forward with the anticipated redevelopment of the property. He, Colombi and Kasko agreed to name one of the commissioners, a school representative and several others to a group to approch Bancroft about how much it wants for the property. It is assessed at $12 million, but officials there have said they want at least $15 million.

The borough had previously designated it as a redevelopment area. The school board detailed a $16.86 million plan to purchase Bancroft on Feb. 6. The borough estimated a public purchase could cost up to $19.52, with $14.27 million in financing.

The commissioners are considering three options for the redevelopment. They are:

  • A public purchase for active and passive recreational use, including open space and additional athletic fields
  • Market-rate town homes 
  • Age-restricted, senior housing

Commissioners have also said they may decide on a combination of the three. Up to 20 units of low- to moderate-income housing are also expected to be included in the development, officials say.

Borden argued, the school board does not have the authority to address all of the development needs for the property.

"The school board can't apply for an open-space grant or deal with the open-space trust fund," he said. "They don't have to worry about ratables, tax impact, affordable housing, traffic. They are very good at what they are responsible for, public education."

The borough redevelopment attorney, Ed McManimon, chimed in in a conference call.

"Designating them as the redeveloper doesn't make sense," he said.

Borden said he planned to call school board President Steve Weinstein on Tuesday night to explain the decision.

 

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