Attorney leading town in talks on snuff mill

Attorney leading town
in talks on snuff mill
BY SETHMANDEL
Staff Writer

HELMETTA — The borough has hired a special attorney to help with the ongoing snuff mill redevelopment negotiations.

Christopher M. Walrath, of Gluck, Walrath and Lanciano, Trenton, has specialized in redevelopment law and will now apply his expertise to the borough’s negotiations with Helmetta Lenape LLC, the firm selected to redevelop the mill site.

Having proper guidance in this process is crucial, said Mayor Nancy Martin, as the mill property is the last parcel in the borough that can, if properly used and developed, help to further stabilize the town’s property taxes.

"When we sit down at the table it is for all of the residents of Helmetta," Martin said. "After several meetings, the negotiating committee felt it was necessary to obtain the services of a redevelopment attorney."

The attorney will be paid at an hourly rate of $150, she said.

Martin also said officials are working hard to correct any part of the redevelopment plan that is not in the best interests of the residents.

"As our residents are aware," she said, "the redevelopment plan was put in place by the prior administration with a vision that was not a vision for our small municipality."

The first deadline for the negotiations, which began in June when the developer was chosen by the Borough Council, was extended by 30 days, since many of the participants have taken vacations. The council now hopes to reach an agreement at its Aug. 25 meeting.

Helmetta Lenape has proposed an age-restricted community of eight buildings, each comprising two and three stories, housing a total of 271 two-bedroom apartments. It also includes open space, a clubhouse and other amenities, as well as 5,000 square feet of retail space.

Martin said the objective of the negotiating committee is to ensure that only age-restricted housing is built on the property, as that would be the most beneficial resolution for borough residents.

"Our one and only goal in negotiations is the future of our town," Martin said.