To the Editor:
I would like to take the opportunity to thank our entire community for the tremendous support and assistance they provided to our Swedesboro residents following the recent tragic fire at the historic Hannold House on Kings Highway. The outpouring of support from individuals and organizations in Swedesboro, Woolwich, Logan, East Greenwich and beyond has been truly amazing and reinforces the fact that we live in the greatest “community” in New Jersey, bar none.
I’d also like to repeat my thanks to the heroes in the Woolwich Fire Department and Swedesboro Police Department who saved lives on the night of the fire. The fact that there were no injuries as a result of a fire in a historic building such as the Hannold House that had no fire breaks or other modern fire prevention construction design is a testament to the skill and courage of the women and men in our Police and Fire Departments. Thank you all on behalf of the Borough.

As for the future of the Hannold House property, many of you have been asking questions and offering suggestions about what should (or should not) replace the building. There is no question that the character of our Business District has been changed forever because before the fire, any plans for development in the area revolved around the Hannold House. We are now left with a hole in the downtown that was never anticipated and we need to be certain that we do the right thing for the long-term future of the Borough. In light of this, I have proposed that the Borough play a lead role in the redevelopment of the properties located between Botto’s and the Swedes Inn to insure that the needs of the town are met and the residents of Swedesboro all have a say in what our downtown looks like. Our approved Redevelopment Plan includes this area and gives us tremendous flexibility and increased control over what type of development will take place.

There is nothing even close to being decided, but our ultimate goal is to provide much needed off street parking for people supporting our downtown businesses, have major input on the type of commercial and residential development that takes place and to finally secure a permanent home for the Swedesboro-Woolwich Historical Society in the heart of our town.

If the pieces fall into place as I think they will, the Borough will purchase several properties through fair market practices (there will be No Eminent Domain), sub-divide the properties to meet the needs of the town and then package the properties that have frontage on Kings Highway and sell them to the developer who has the best design plan and highest bid price. The Borough will recoup our investment immediately and there will be no impact on our taxes. This model has worked in other towns such as Glassboro and Collingswood, and there is a track record and documented evidence that this is a plan that works for towns that take the initiative and “go for it”. I am hoping that we get the support to do just that.

I’ve had numerous discussions about this idea with residents, business owners and community leaders and I have heard almost unanimous positive feedback. All Borough Council members present at the April 16th meeting unanimously approved a motion to continue to explore options available to us, and over 25 citizens in attendance voiced their support for the concept. I will be forming a special committee to review all plans and ideas involving the future of this area. The committee will include representatives from the various businesses and organizations affected, along with residents who want to get involved. This group will be asked to provide recommendations to Borough Council and the Planning/Zoning Board regarding the future use of the area.

I plan to hold a meeting at the Walter Hill or Clifford School to provide anyone who is interested the opportunity to share their ideas and discuss the future of our great town. The intent is to make sure that decisions that affect the downtown area are made by the residents of Swedesboro working together to reach a consensus on what is best for the Borough. This process is going to be as open and transparent as it possibly can and it will be an excellent opportunity to come together as a town to achieve a common goal. I will let you know when the date for the meeting is finalized.

Feel free to call me at 467-3482 or email me at twfromm@yahoo.com with any questions or comments.

Sincerely,
Thomas Fromm
Mayor of Swedesboro