\”It is without a doubt one of the most dangerous places in the City,\”
Police Lieutenant George Berglund
By Linda Boker-Angelo
NEWS Correspondent
The Gloucester City Planning Board approved a resolution last week recommending that City Council designate the Chatham Square Apartments and Gloucester Terrace Apartments as an area in need of redevelopment.
Located off Route 130 along the Newton Creek, the City is in the processing of purchasing Chatham Square, located near the new Meadowbrook Run development.
At Gloucester Terrace, which abuts the creek, prospective developers will have to comply with state and federal environmental laws as they relate to riparian rights and wetlands.
NJ Professional Planner Stan Slachetka of T&M Associates, Middletown, presented the results of his firm\’s redevelopment study.
Slachetka said the properties in question met the necessary criteria for the designation, a fact which was supported by the testimony of representatives from the Gloucester City Building Office as well as the City\’s Fire and Police departments.
Slachetka said his firm found the buildings to be dilapidated, with a lack of proper maintenance and security, making them a threat to the public.
He added that there are problems with structural stability in parts of the buildings.
Chief Housing Inspector Joseph Stecklair testified that about 65 percent of the apartments are unoccupied because the owner cannot get a certificate of occupancy due to numerous code violations.
Gloucester City Police Lieutenant George Berglund also reported that an exorbitant number of man hours have been spent at the apartments because of the criminal incidents reported.
\”It is without a doubt one of the most dangerous places in the City,\” said Berglund. \”It is a drain on resources. It is a real problem out there.\”
Board members unanimously approved the resolution recommending that the governing body declare the area a redevelopment zone.
The Board also voted to allow two property owners in the Historic District to paint their homes and make other incidental improvements.
These properties are located in the 300 block of Bergen Street and in the 100 block of Burlington Street.
The Planning Board\’s next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, in City Hall, 313 Monmouth St.
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