Dear Neighbor:

I want to update you about what is happening with the Hannold House property that was destroyed by a fire almost a year ago, and the other properties adjacent to it in the center of our downtown business district.

First off, I have to say that I was wrong; boy was I wrong. I was naive to think that others would be as excited as we are about doing something special with the properties that will define our downtown for decades to come. My attempt to convince the key property owners that by working together everyone would benefit has been a colossal failure. One owner would accept no less than $700,000 for a 90×90 vacant lot that is worth substantially less. Another owner wanted me to commit the town to obtaining the other lots by “whatever means” and then essentially give the property to them so they could develop a project for their benefit alone. After a number of conversations it became obvious that their positions were not going to change, so I felt we had to take steps to protect the Borough’s interests.

Therefore, last week I recommended to Borough Council that we pass an ordinance authorizing the Borough to start the process of obtaining the properties in a way that is fair to all parties, including Swedesboro. This ordinance in no way means that we want to obtain the subject properties through eminent domain, but we need to let the owners know we are serious, and if all efforts fail to result in a fair agreement we will have no other option but to consider using it under the authority of our Redevelopment Plan. It is important to keep in mind that these properties, with the exception of one small building that we will consider relocating, are vacant lots, one of which has been vacant for over 20 years. Upon notification of the owners the process will begin with an appraisal of the properties and then a negotiation will begin to come up with a fair price for the properties. Now that it is apparent that the Borough is serious I am still very, very hopeful that we will reach an amicable settlement.

As described last April, the goal of my plan is to obtain the properties for fair market value, subdivide a portion to allow us to provide off street municipal parking, and then sell the Kings Highway frontage portion of the property to the developer who comes up with the best plan for the downtown. Leaving this hole of vacant land in the middle of our business district makes it very difficult for other businesses in the district to succeed.

Our window of time to have a sustainable business district is closing as more and more commercial development gets underway in Woolwich and Logan. Now is the time to take the bold steps necessary to secure future ratables in Swedesboro so we can keep a lid on property taxes. I ask for your support of this plan. A Public Hearing on the ordinance will take place on March 17th, please come out and support the continued progress in Swedesboro.

Feel free to call me at 467-3482 or email me at twfromm@yahoo.com with any questions or comments.

Sincerely,
Thomas W. Fromm
Mayor of Swedesboro