At last night’s Township of Nutley Board of Commissioners meeting, the BOC presented and introduced two ordinances related to the ongoing ON3 project following an agreement with the developers of the former Hoffmann-La Roche site, Prism Capital.

The first ordinance pertains to the property located across from the ON3 main campus (275 Kingsland St.) near Cathedral Avenue, which the developer had initially proposed as a truck depot. This ordinance establishes “an overlay zone for the redevelopment so that the property can be transformed into a data center or other uses as specified in the redevelopment plan.” The second ordinance creates an overlay zone for the redevelopment of properties, which were part of the former Hoffmann-La Roche campus, allowing for their conversion into medical offices and practices, as outlined in the redevelopment plan.

Following Mayor John V. Kelly III’s reading of the ordinances on behalf of the BOC, Prism Capital’s Eugene R. Diaz addressed the room. “There's been an awful lot out there recently regarding a warehouse application for 275 Kingsland Street, which was adjourned several weeks ago at the Planning Board meeting,” Diaz said. “I'm here to tell you that that will be adjourned again at tomorrow’s Planning Board meeting, due to the actions that your Commissioners are taking tonight to approve two new redevelopment plans that will help guide the remaining redevelopment of the ON3 campus in Nutley to a more amicable and mutually agreeable use. My thanks and gratitude are to your Commissioners, who over the last two weeks, worked way past midnight on many, many nights to resolve an awful lot of major issues, questions and concerns. The warehouse application will ultimately be dismissed and withdrawn. I am fully in belief that your governing body will continue their efforts to move this along in the appropriate fashion. We look forward to withdrawing that application ultimately and proceeding with development of new uses for these sites. I'll leave it up to the Commissioners to tell you what some of those uses will be, but suffice it to say, they won't have that kind of truck and traffic impact that so frightens everybody.”

The Mayor asked Township redevelopment counsel Josh Zielinski for his thoughts on the ordinances. “With respect to the Kingsland site, the redevelopment plan contemplates a data center being placed there,” Zielinski stated. “With respect to the Innovation Center, the redevelopment plan contemplates medical research facilities and offices on that site as well. So it is a definite plus and benefit and bonus to the citizens and community of Nutley.”

Commissioner Thomas Evans shared his perspective: “Reaching this point hasn’t been easy, but it has been necessary to achieve our goals. Since we began this process, our aim has been to create a future-oriented, technology-focused, science-based campus that promotes economic growth, restores lost ratables from the divestiture of Hoffmann-La Roche, and aligns with community needs. I am very pleased with our progress.”

Commissioner Mauro Tucci added, “This day has been a long time coming. It’s been a challenging journey, but I believe that the ongoing redevelopment will be remarkable.”

Commissioner Dr. Joseph Scarpelli expressed his gratitude: “First, I want to thank Prism Capital for their work on the campus so far. It has truly become a premier innovation hub in New Jersey and the metropolitan area. With our actions over the next two weeks, we will further enhance this life sciences campus. Congratulations to our team and Mr. Diaz’s team for moving this forward. Sometimes obstacles arise, but when everyone comes together for the common good, that’s what matters. We are in a great place right now, so let’s move forward. Good times are ahead.”

"I am pleased to witness progress at the site," Commissioner Alphonse Petracco stated. "During my tenure as mayor from 2012 to 2016, it seemed bleak after Roche's departure. It is encouraging to see, through the hard work of everyone involved, that a truck terminal will not be established there. I am also excited about the global settlement and the prospect of regaining taxable properties without any impact on the school system."

Mayor Kelly concluded, “I want to congratulate the BOC and Prism Capital on this all-hands-on-deck effort that has lasted nearly a decade. This achievement is undoubtedly a team effort by everyone involved.”

The Mayor also announced that the public will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the ordinances at the Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, June 18th   and at the BOC meeting on July 1st, both taking place at Town Hall. “These are your opportunities to express your concerns, praise, or indifference toward the plan,” Mayor Kelly said. “We are moving quickly over the next two to three weeks, so mark your calendars.”