Verona seeks two eminent domain acquisitions

Open space, parks, DPW use sought

Verona is seeking parkland and open space via the Eminent Domain Act.

The Township Council introduced ordinances on Monday, authorizing the acquisition of 25 Commerce Court and 111 Mount Prospect Ave., both vacant properties previously considered for affordable housing development.

Eminent domain pertains to the government’s right to seize private property for public use.

“We’re not looking to ‘eminent domain’ the whole town,” Mayor Kevin Ryan told NorthJersey.com on the following day.

These acquisitions will add to the town’s quality of life, the mayor contended, noting “we can’t turn around and sell it. It has to be of municipal use.”

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The township has a limited amount of public open space and parkland, but Essex County oversees Verona Park at Bloomfield and Lakeside avenues, in addition to the bordering Eagle Rock and Hilltop reservations.

According to the proposals, the township intends to develop and maintain 25 Commerce Court as open space and a public park, as well as possible public works facilities. The Public Works Department currently uses the site for leaf collection.

The 111 Mount Prospect Ave. property, meanwhile, abuts Eagle Rock Reservation. That acquisition would, in effect, extend the open space, along with potentially expand Verona’s recreational opportunities.

The council proposed dipping into the capital surplus, fronting $25,000 for each property’s preliminary planning expenses.

Agreement?

Pursuant to eminent domain, the properties can be acquired through a purchase, gift, grant, contribution or condemnation.

Forsons Partners LLC, of South Orange, owns both properties.

A private stenographer took dictation during the ordinances’ introduction. However, a representative of the property owner could not be reached for comment, as to a potential acquisition agreement.

“I think we’ll have strong community support,” Ryan said of the municipal proposals.

During the meeting, one resident did speak in favor of the Mount Prospect Avenue acquisition.

The mayor said he expects more input during the ordinances’ public hearings, scheduled for the Monday, May 21, council meeting.

As far as Verona affordable housing is concerned, the former Children’s Institute on Sunset Avenue and former Poekel Travel Bureau on Bloomfield Avenue remain possible sites for development, Ryan added.

Email: proctor@northjersey.com

 

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