By MICHAEL T.BURKHART
Courier-Post Staff
RIVERTON
The borough planning board will not move ahead with a developer's proposal to build luxury apartments, homes and retail space along Broad Street and the light rail line.
Instead, a committee will talk with residents, developers and consultants as well as draft rules about what would be allowed in the zone from Pompeston Creek to the town center.
Pennsauken-based developer John D'Anastasio presented conceptual ideas to borough council in April. He envisioned a village where young professionals were lured to luxury apartments by the idea of taking the train to work in Philadelphia or New York City.
The $25 million development included 188 apartments and 29 Victorian-style homes and retail space near the planned Trenton-Camden light rail station in this borough of about 2,800 residents. The development would replace an industrial site, dilapidated strip mall and used-car dealership between Fulton Street and the creek.
The planning board never took a vote on the development because a formal proposal was not submitted, said Roger T. Prichard, board chairman. He noted that a lot of time was spent battling misunderstandings and miscommunication in the borough.
But in a letter to residents earlier this month, the planning board and redevelopment committee said D'Anastasio' s plan as presented will not be developed.
D'Anastasio could not be reached for comment.
There were fears in the community that the redevelopment, like the 34-mile light rail line, is being pushed by the state, Prichard said. The rail line, which is costing $800 million to build and maintain until 2010, should open in June 2003.
"That was never the case," Prichard said. "Redevelopment is something the municipality controls. No other government entity has a hand in it."
Residents especially opposed the idea that apartments and any redevelopment plan with rental apartments probably would not be accepted, Prichard said. Borough officials would like to see more commercial space in future proposals.
Requests for proposals will be advertised by the end of summer, Prichard said. He noted that D'Anastasio is free to submit another plan.
The borough created a redevelopment authority several years ago, the result of a 1998 master plan. Officials put out the word that they were interested in redeveloping about 15 acres along Broad Street, as well as smaller parcels at the commuter station.
One developer, D'Anastasio, stepped forward and put together conceptual plans.
Residents concerned about density, traffic and the relocation of businesses formed a group and fought the plan. Petitions were circulated.
Nancy Washington, of Main Street, said the rejection is a good first step. But she said citizens cannot let their guard down.
"The town needs to know how rapidly people can get involved," she said.
Reach Michael T. Burkhart at
(856) 486-2474 or mburkhart@courierpostonline.com