Timeline for Maplewood Woman's Club is Slightly Delayed

Maplewood Township's purchase of the Woman's Club might be pushed back to give officials more time to evaluate the property's environmental issues. However, the expected closing date of May 31 might still be on track depending on results of certain environmental tests. 

In addition, the timeframe for finding a partner to manage the property has been slightly delayed as a task force gathers more information needed to create a request for proposals (RFP).

The Township Committee voted unanimously Tuesday night to ask the property's sellers to extend the town's due diligence period from April 20 to May 15. The town wishes to conduct a test of the soil used to fill in a stream that originally ran through the property; the stream was filled in when the club was constructed in the 1930s.

Mayor Vic DeLuca told Patch if the soil is "clean" there would be no issue, but if it is found to be contaminated a portion might need to be dug up and replaced. "We need to have our eyes open and understand any potential liability," he said.

DeLuca said the results would be available by the committee's May 7 meeting, which might allow enough time for discussion by the original closing date.

Committeeman Jerry Ryan said the Woman's Club Task Force was still compiling "solid numbers" on the property's carrying costs and potential parking revenue, and that information would not be available by the closing date.

"...our hope to finish a complete report and have a complete RFP by the end of this month...is not possible," said Ryan. He recommended the town devise a short-term plan to continue custodial and management services for the building, as well as for use of the parking spaces, while the task force continues to craft a long-term plan.

The town engineer is evaluating potential plans for reconfiguring the parking lot. It is projected the town could make roughly $1,000 per month in parking revenue by charging for spaces.

Ryan and Deputy Mayor Kathleen Leventhal emphasized that the delay would not be lengthy.

Ryan proposed holding a "potential bidders' roundtable," which would include non-profits interested in submitting an RFP. Marlon K. Brownlee wondered if such a move would cause people to perceive the RFP process as too "insular." Township Attorney Roger Desiderio said that would not be an issue as long as the discussions are made public.

DeLuca said the township should put a notice on the town's website that they are seeking potential partners. 

The task force will meet again next week, and will include some members of the Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission as well as some residents with experience in property tax assessment, said Ryan.

In addition to Ryan and Leventhal, the task force also includes Township Administrator Joseph Manning, Township Engineer Thomas Malavasi, Recreation Dept. Director Keith Knudsen and Asst. Director Andy Leech and Township Prosecutor Annette DePalma.

Leventhal said the task force would set aside time for public comment periods at future township committee meetings.