February 9, 2008.  Thursday's Harrison Council meeting demonstrated that despite efforts by Councilman Steve McCormick, his wife Councilwoman Maria McCormick and a handful of their supporters business as usual continues in Harrison.  A News 12 Channel reporter and cameraman were surprised at how quick Harrison's Mayor and Council conduct the town's business.  In a span of less than fifteen minutes, the Mayor and Council agreed to apply for loans on behalf of developers and ran through an agenda which included the honoring of three former or current Harrison residents who were designated Grand Marshall and Deputy Grand Marshals of the United Irish St. Patrick Day's parade.  There was no explanation for the benefit of the public as to why the Town rather than the Developer was applying for loans.  Mayor Raymond McDonough did not bother offering an explanation nor did any councilmember question why the town was incurring further debt on behalf of developers.  Business as usual occurs behind closed doors.  Council members either receive private briefings on agenda items or they simply follow Mayor McDonough's lead.   For months, 4th Ward resident Joe Wood has been vocal at council meetings leading to some interesting exchanges especially with Mayor McDonough.  At this week's meeting, Mayor McDonough couldn't adjourn the meeting fast enough.  Under the pressure of a reporter and cameraman from News 12, the Mayor's plan was to move quickly in hopes that no member of the audience would voice an opinion or question on items on the agenda.  It worked.  With the exception of one speaker, no one moved fast enough to the public podium before the meeting was adjourned.  The News 12 Channel cameraman was caught off guard and had to rush to get his camera out of the way as the Mayor and Councilmembers exited the Council chambers.

It should be noted that the Town's website did not contain a copy of Thursday's meeting nor that of January 15, 2007.   The agenda of January 1st meeting remains while all other meeting agendas have been removed from the town's website.  Fourth ward resident Joe Wood has both agendas on his website www.HarrisonMeetings.com 

On Monday, the Appellate Division heard oral argument on the challenges by  former property owners Steven Adler, Manny Amaral and Anthony DeRose to have their properties returned to them.  From all indications, the Appellate Judges appeared to have a grasp of the facts and were asking some pointed questions about the notice requirements of the Redevelopment Law and the composition of the Harrison Redevelopment Board.  The property owners have long argued that they were not given an opportunity to challenge the blight designation of their properties and that the membership of the Harrison Redevelopment Board violates both the state statute and local ordinance allowing for its formation as well as failing to abide by representations made to the Local Finance Board with respect to its membership.

The tide appears to be turning in Harrison.  A year ago it appeared that the Redevelopers had the upper hand.  A year later, the lone property owners whose businesses were uprooted and their buildings razed have managed to get their cases consolidated, a favorable decision from the New Jersey Supreme Court, and the New Jersey Public Advocate to join their ranks.  The Appellate Division appeared to be sending a sign as to where the challenge to Harrison's taking of private property was going when it released on Monday an opinion on a similar challenge to a blight designation in a Belmar case (BMIA LLC v. Planning Board of Borough of Belmar).  The court ruled in favor of the landowner and against the town and redeveloper.

The Appellate Division is not scheduled to render an opinion for weeks.  In the interim, the Mayor and Council continue to vote to expend additional funds on behalf of the developers without public input or discussion among council members.  And thus Business as Usual in Harrison.

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