Twp. and So. River Metals developer reach accord
ABERDEEN — After an executive session discussion, the Aberdeen Township Council passed a resolution authorizing a loan agreement with the redeveloper of the South River Metals site on Church Street on Oct. 19.
The township will provide a $350,000 loan in order to fund pre-development costs for the redevelopment of the 14-acre former industrial site into age-restricted housing and a senior community center.
The resolution was passed 5-0 by Mayor Fred Tagliarini, Deputy Mayor Vincent Vinci, Councilman Owen Drapkin, Councilman James Lauro and Councilwoman Margaret Montone.
Councilman Greg Cannon and Councilwoman Wilhelmina Gumbs were not present for the vote.
The property — which will include 198 housing units, a community center and an outdoor recreation area — was designated as an area in need of redevelopment after the township conducted a preliminary investigation in December 2004.
The township prepared a redevelopment plan for the site and selected the PRC Group, of West Long Branch, as redeveloper.
In October 2009, the PRC Group selected Pennrose Properties, of Philadelphia, as its new co-developer for the property.
The concept plan for the property includes a 5,000-square-foot recreation center and a senior housing complex, with 110 units that satisfy the township’s Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) obligation.
Township Manager Joseph Criscuolo did not return a phone call seeking information for this article.

— Jacqueline Hlavenka