TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The township allegedly has its sights set on 95 Linwood Ave., the former Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill and steakhouse — long languishing behind a Realtor sign saying “available” — and is prepared to acquire it via negotiations or condemnation.
The matter came up, evidently surprising township officials at a special meeting Jan. 13, when Erica Amon, vice president of real estate and development for Apple Montessori Schools in New Jersey, called in to note that the former restaurant was now under contract to Apple Montessori Schools.
She said the property’s owner — who is listed as Giselle Brown Realty LLC of Oklahoma City, Okla. — told her that it understood the township had put in an offer on 95 Linwood Ave. and was prepared to condemn the property should negotiations not go well.
She said concept plans had been drawn up for an approximately 14,000-square-foot school for up to 154 children ranging from infants to 6 years old.
Of 17 New Jersey Apple Montessori schools, the nearest Bergen County locations are in Mahwah and Oakland.
Amon’s call was the first report of the township’s interest in 95 Linwood Ave. at Highland Avenue: a 1.5-acre triangular property near the Garden State Parkway.
(Coincidentally, a Pascack Press reporter observed trucks from a surveying company on the property that morning.)
Council president Desserie Morgan thanked Amon for her call, adding that she had “nothing to add to that. I appreciate the information.”
Council vice president Stacey Feeney asked Amon what “prompted her” to call into the meeting.
Amon replied, “The seller of the property informed us that they were made an offer by the township and told that a condemnation proceeding would be underway if an amicable purchase was not negotiated.”
Feeney replied, “Thank you.”
The meeting had been convened to introduce a bond ordinance toward bidding anew on the approximately 6.5-acre private Washington Township Swim and Recreation Club, for $800,000. That measure passed unanimously, and a hearing is set for Monday, Feb. 7. (See related story, “Hearing Feb. 7 on $762K bond for swim club,” Jan. 14, 2022.)
A previous agenda and public notice for the Jan. 13 special session said two bond ordinances would be introduced for purchase and financing of two parcels of land; however, one was withdrawn, without explanation, prior to the meeting.
Amon, along with an attorney whom she said had helped the company prepare a Zoning Board application, said that they were told by the owner that the township had made an offer on the property and was moving to acquire it.
Amon said she called into the meeting “to get the tenor” of the council on their planned zoning application and possible purchase should the council not want to proceed with its offer or possible condemnation.
Benjamin Wine, an attorney representing Apple Montessori, said that his client had been looking for a property in the township for a long time — and was under contract for the property before the township made its offer.
Amon repeatedly said the private school did not want to be “litigious” but rather sought to work with the township.
Amon wanted to know if the township intended to proceed with its interest and possible condemnation, noting, “We have spent quite a good deal of money so far to rush into the zoning approval process.”
She called 95 Linwood Ave. “one of the best sites we’ve found so far.”
Town attorney Kenneth Poller said that the property was not under condemnation proceedings.
Tax records show the property assessed at $1,173,400 and yielded 2018 annual taxes of $27,727.44.
Following the special session, council entered into a closed session described on the agenda as for “contract negotiations; property acquisition.”
Residents have asked about siting the new DPW headquarters at the former Charlie Brown’s site. In 2021, Mayor Peter Calamari confirmed a list of sites were considered, but said that he was unable to disclose details.
The township recently demolished its DPW building and remediated toxic soil underneath to meet an NJDEP remediation deadline.
The township has leased 35 spaces to park its large vehicles and heavy-duty equipment at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, across from the high school, on Rigdewood Road, for two years at a cost of $66,400.
Officials found it difficult to park the large vehicles on appropriate township properties due to public safety, pollution and noise issues raised by neighbors.