A hearing on the bond ordinance introduced Feb. 6 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Holland Brook School on Readington Road.

Thor Solberg Jr., who co-owns the airport with his two sisters, sees the measure as the start of an eminent-domain proceeding. Officials say that’s not their intention.

“We believe the path they’re going down is unnecessary, costly and a waste of resources for the town and ourselves,” Solberg said.

Solberg said if officials approve the bond ordinance, they should put the final decision before residents in a referendum.

Committeeman Frank Gatti maintains the measure is simply the next step in negotiations and lets the township “prove we’re putting our money where our mouth is” when making an offer for the property.

Officials want to buy the airport to maintain it at its current size and preserve much of the land around it.

Gatti said a vote could follow tonight’s hearing.

During its Feb. 6 meeting, the township committee decided to seek an appraisal of 726 acres of the approximately 750-acre property. Appraisals over the years have ranged from $9.5 million to $42 million.

Officials would apply for grants and state open space money, which they anticipate would offset most of the cost.

Gatti said he’s hopeful an amicable deal can be reached that allows officials to reach their ultimate goal of protecting the community and preserving the land -- and allowing the Solbergs to maintain their business.

Solberg said he is open to continuing negotiations, but he wants the ordinance taken off the table.

Talks on a deal began last September but fell apart in January. The Solbergs have proposed expanding the runway to 5,000 feet, but township officials want to hold it to no more than 3,735 feet.

“I think if we go any farther, then we could be entertaining quite different types of aircraft, and that is a concern to most residents in this township,” Gatti said.

This isn’t the first time the township considered buying the airport.

In 2001, officials talked of acquiring the property through eminent domain. In 2002, the Department of Transportation made its own offer to purchase the property, Gatti said. That $22 million deal fell through.

Last July, officials introduced an ordinance similar to the one up for discussion tonight. They dropped the idea about a month later and instead entered into negotiations with the Solbergs.

Reporter Andrea Eilenberger can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at aeilenberger@express-times.com.

© 2006 The Express-Times.

Date: February 21, 2006 Source: NJ.com
URL: http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1140498656148430.xml?expresstimes?nnj&coll=2