Maplewood 'Ready to Take the Next Step' With Post Office Plan

The Maplewood Township Committee (TC) voted 5-0 Tuesday to adopt a redevelopment plan for the Post Office site.The vote followed a public hearing, during which several residents expressed concerns about the plan, which calls for a mixed-use building with retail on the ground floor and apartments above.

The ordinance can be found in this link to the meeting's agenda. The entire plan can be found on the Township's website.

In their remarks, most of the committee members emphasized that the plan was still fluid and would continue to be influenced by public comment and opinion. They also defended their efforts at transparency and communication.

"We're ready to take the next step," said Jerry Ryan. "It's not the last step." Ryan said plans for relocating the Post Office had been discussed for a "very, very long time," dating at least back to his first day on the township committee in 1992, and had been adapted in response to public participation.

DeLuca reiterated the number of public meetings, workshops, website postings and other efforts to keep residents informed about the plan and the process. "It's been pretty transparent," said DeLuca. "There are some differences of opinion here, but this is not the end."

Deputy Mayor Kathy Leventhal said, "I'm looking forward" and that the plan can be amended as the current plan had by community input and dialogue. Calling it a "very good plan," India Larrier said many residents were informed but might not feel the need to "be vocal about it."

She continued, "We must move forward" and thanked the public for their comments and participation. "In Maplewood, we are all part of the process...I believe honestly that...many of you will be pleased with it once it's done." 

DeLuca said the township will post an RFP on the township's website and will then select a preferred developer. The Maplewood Village Alliance's Design Committee and the town's Planning Board will then be involved in the design process. "There are at least two other bodies that will be engaged in reviewing this and the give and take" DeLuca said.

DeLuca also said the committee agreed the property was the most important piece of property in town to develop. "This is a gem. This is our Village." He said the committee would hold any developer to a very high standard.

"This plan has gotten better, it has been changed [and] our sensibilities were heightened because we understand how important it is," he said.

Patch will report further in another article about public comments made during the meeting.