Gloucester Township’s redevelopment process, meant to revitalize our community, is raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and political influence. As your candidate for Mayor, I believe residents deserve a system that prioritizes the public good over private interests. Here’s the problem—and a clear path forward to fix it.
The Problem: A Flawed Redevelopment Process
Under New Jersey law, the Township Council acts as the “redevelopment entity,” overseeing land development decisions. However, their approach suggests a lack of clarity or oversight in managing zoning and planning responsibilities. Since the 1980s, nearly the entire township has been designated an “Area in Need of Redevelopment,” a status originally intended for blighted or underused areas. This broad classification grants Council sweeping authority to decide what gets built, by whom, and under what rules—across neighborhoods like Blackwood–Clementon Road, Cross Keys, Lakeland Complex, College Drive, Glen Oaks, New Vision, Village of Gloucester, Brittany Woods, Little Pond Overlay District, and more.
Compared to neighboring towns like Cherry Hill, Voorhees, or Pennsauken, which limit redevelopment to specific areas like aging shopping centers, Gloucester Township’s approach is unusually expansive. Even Camden City focuses redevelopment on defined districts like Downtown and Cramer Hill, not the entire municipality. This overreach raises questions about whether the designation is being used to justify unchecked control rather than address genuine needs.
Further concerns arise with the Gloucester Township Economic Development Partnership, a private group whose meetings are closed to the public and exempt from OPRA (Open Public Records Act) requests. Residents have no insight into their discussions or decisions. The township’s planner and engineer, employed by a private firm with professional contracts and political contributions, fuel suspicions of pay-to-play politics. Recent developer appointments, some with campaign donations or township contracts, deepen these concerns.
At a public meeting, a developer described a project as “an opportunity brought to him”, but by whom? Why are private negotiations happening before residents are informed? The Council President’s response to concerns about politically connected developers, like the Michaels Organization and George Norcross, was dismissive: “If they are willing to put a project there and invest in our community, I have no problem… none at all.” This disregard for potential conflicts of interest is troubling, especially when Council ignores the township’s Master Plan—a taxpayer-funded roadmap for sustainable growth. The President also noted past lawsuits from denied developers, implying approvals are nearly automatic, despite towns’ rights to reject projects for valid reasons.
The Solution: A Transparent, Community-Driven Approach
Gloucester Township deserves a redevelopment process that serves residents, not insiders. As Mayor, I propose these common-sense reforms to restore fairness and transparency:
- Establish a Public Economic Development Committee
Replace or oversee the private Economic Development Partnership with a citizen-led advisory committee, including residents, business owners, and independent planning experts. Meetings must be public, with agendas, minutes, and opportunities for community input, ensuring decisions reflect Gloucester Township’s needs, not closed-door deals. - Hire an Independent, Full-Time Township Planner
Our current planner works for a firm with township contracts and political ties. An in-house planner, dedicated solely to Gloucester Township’s long-term interests, would ensure projects align with the Master Plan and community priorities, free from external influences. - Limit Redevelopment Designations
The blanket “Area in Need of Redevelopment” status must be lifted from stable, thriving areas. Incentives like tax abatements and zoning flexibility should target only truly blighted or underused zones, not be distributed as political favors. - Mandate Full Transparency
Residents deserve advance notice of redevelopment proposals, including who’s involved, what’s planned, and how it aligns with the Master Plan. All agreements must be publicly vetted, with documents shared and time for questions before Council votes. - Enforce the Master Plan
The township’s Master Plan, funded by taxpayers, provides a blueprint for balanced growth. Council must use it as the foundation for all planning decisions, not sideline it for expediency. - Conduct Ethical Reviews of Developers
Before approving developers, the township must disclose their campaign contributions, political ties, litigation history, and business relationships with township vendors. This ensures projects are awarded based on merit, not connections.
A Vision for Our Town
Development should strengthen Gloucester Township, not serve private or political interests. As your Mayor, I’ll fight for a process that’s transparent, accountable, and community-driven. Join the United for Change team in demanding a township that puts residents first. Attend Council meetings, review public records, and voice your concerns. Together, we can shape a future that reflects our values.
Please consider making a donation to support our Campaign.
Don’t forget to order your Yard Sign showing your support for change in GT.
