The Crossing at Murray Hill, planned for construction at 535 Mountain Ave., is modeled after Lutheran Social Ministries' Crane's Mill CCRC in West Caldwell, which has an occupancy rate of 98% to 99%.
"Some who oppose the development of a CCRC have their own agendas and may be promoting alternative projects that may not be in the best interests of the borough," Nugent said in a statement. "Market research has strongly supported the need for, and ultimate success of, a CCRC in New Providence, and the benefits to the community of the Crossing at Murray Hill are well documented. And, contrary to the claims of some, Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey is following the letter of the law in seeking, through public and open forums, the proper approvals for the development. Claims that we attempted to change the policies and laws of the borough through a process that is 'free of public scrutiny and public comment' are patently false."
Nugent cited an accusation from Councilman Brooke Hern that approval for the Crossing at Murray Hill was being sought through "an end-run around an open public debate." Nugent said in a statement, "The public received prior notice of the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Jan. 20, 2010 and was invited to attend. More than 50 citizens attended, and public sentiment at this and every other public forum in which the Crossing at Murray Hill development has been discussed has revealed overwhelming public support for our plans. This is contrary to Councilman Hern's claim that a 'substantial outcry' to the development exists within the community. The citizens of New Providence recognize the benefits of this development and support it. This campaign of misinformation is not serving the public's best interests."
In addition to claims about the open public debate taking place over the CCRC development, Nugent notes that opponents have resorted to distortions about the size and scope of the development. "Those who claim the Crossing at Murray Hill will comprise 279 cottages and townhouses and 120 nursing care and assisted living units are clearly trying to misrepresent the facts. There will, in fact, be only five buildings, and there will be no townhouses."One final criticism to the zoning variances we are seeking for the property at 535 Mountain Avenue is that our request will open a floodgate of requests to rezone existing commercial property in the borough to residential," Nugent continues. "The Zoning Board of Adjustment was created to handle such requests and is bound by its obligation to act in the best interests of New Providence. Any future approval of rezoning by the Board would require the same kind of meticulous process Lutheran Social Ministries has pursued in regard to the Crossing at Murray Hill, in which we have sought open public discussion, have supported our plans with third-party needs assessment research and have been clear and honest in promoting the development."
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