The state Department of Transportation has withdrawn its three-year old offer to purchase Solberg Airport in Readington Township for $22 million. The township will now step up in an attempt to acquire the 730-acre tract near the Somerset County border.
The Township Committee introduced at Monday's meeting a $22 million bond ordinance "for acquisition of (the) airport and land for preservation." Committeeman Gerard Shamey noted that this simply opens the door for the township to begin negotiations with the Solbergs.
However, in a statement Tuesday, Lorraine Solberg wrote, "We are not selling the airport or developing it. Readington residents can enjoy the open space we have preserved without spending a nickel in tax dollars. We would be happy to get into a dialogue with the township so that tax dollars are not wasted."
She asked why Readington would "want to waste millions of dollars for land that is not being developed and is not even being considered for development. The ultimate cost to the taxpayer could easily reach or exceed $60 million." Ms. Solberg noted that "outdated appraisals indicate the value of the airport is over $40 million."
At Monday's meeting it was estimated that if developed, the site could yield about 120 houses. Of the 730 acres, about 620 acres are zoned 6-acre lots, and about 100 acres are zoned for 3-acre lots, according to Allen.
Suzy Nagle, who owns the airport along with siblings Thor Jr. and Ms. Solberg, said in an interview prior to the committee actions that the property was appraised at more than $40 million several years ago. The township had it appraised at $9 million, and the state $22 million.
The state sent a letter to the airport owners a month ago providing a 30-day window to respond to its offer. DOT spokesperson Brendan Gill said that because they didn't respond, "The offer is now off the table."
Committeewoman Julia Allen said recently that the state appealed to the township with hopes that a purchase using open space money might provide for more attractive terms for the owners. "There certainly is the possibility that a cash sale price with no contingencies might be more attractive" to the Solbergs. Because of the contingencies, the state's offer may have been viewed as unreliable to the owners. However, she declined to say how much the township might offer, only saying that it would be a "motivated negotiator."
Money is available through the Garden State Preservation Trust to preserve the open space surrounding the three runways, Allen said. This provides the township the option of pursuing the property in much the same way it preserves farmland. A low-interest loan would provide cash up front to the Solbergs and the majority of the money would eventually be reimbursed to the township.
The ordinance will be up for public comment and final adoption on Monday, Aug. 15, at 7:30 in the Municipal Building, Route 523.
The state's offer was first presented in 2002, as the township was beginning condemnation proceedings. The township was concerned the Solbergs were planning to move forward with a $21.5 million plan to upgrade the facility, including lengthening the main runway, paving a turf runway and installing an instrument landing system and additional hangers and lighting.
The Solbergs "reached out to the state" as the township began the condemnation process, which led to the 2002 purchase agreement, Nagle said. A third appraisal was sought since the two sides were so far apart, which according to Nagle came in at about $42 million.
Earlier this year the township hired the legal firm of McKirdy & Riskin for $250 an hour to work on land condemnation and acquisition, but Mayor Frank Gatti said it wasn't hired to deal with any particular property. "It's a professional service contract pertaining to potential litigation," he said at the time.
However, this hiring raises questions for the Solbergs. "You don't need a condemnation lawyer to talk to somebody" about buying their land, Nagle said.
Shamey stressed that the township is not starting a condemnation process. "It puts on the table the possibility of resolving a simmering issue by presenting the possibility of contingency-free negotiations," he said. "The state offer was based on the receipt of 90% federal funding, which was not a done deal."
Nagle wouldn't comment on the short-term future of the airport, including the proposed expansion plans. However, her statement noted, "We are planning some improvements to enhance the safety and security of our existing runway and taxiway and to provide better security and protection for the storage of our existing tenant aircraft."
Much of the concern from residents centers on rumors that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a fourth metropolitan area jetport. Solberg was discussed as a potential site in the 1960's, leading to a strong community movement against the possibility.
Copyright © Hunterdon County Democrat.
Date: July 21, 2005 Source: NJ.com
URL: http://www.nj.com/news/hunterdon/
