Dan Tompkins talks about Bancroft Redevelopment Plan.
We’ve lived in Haddonfield since 1984. We’d hoped development of the Bancroft School site would be worthwhile housing. After all, the town’s Redevelopment Plan (2016) aimed to “ensure” housing for seniors, “attractive to empty-nesters“ and “below the median price of a home in Haddonfield” (currently around $477,000). What’s more, earlier Borough Plans since 1984 had regularly prioritized housing for seniors.
But “had” is the right word. In November 2017, after nearly two years of secret negotiations with the developer, Borough Commissioners effectively shredded the Redevelopment Plan, replacing “modest size” homes with ones larger than the average citizen now owns, twice as large as in Haddonfield Commons, noticeably larger than in the Mews. The lowest price mentioned is $500,000, though a survey of comparable sites indicates that a higher figure is likely. At 2250 square feet, these brand new homes will attract young families with children, not empty-nesters, putting pressure on Tatem School (enrollment already 455).
More students means higher taxes. Commissioners wave away any obligation to analyze likely long-term costs, instead using the words “tax-neutral” like some magical incantation. On second thought, incantations might, be more reliable than the Commissioners’ “facts,” which include projecting school-age population at Bancroft homes on the basis of Commons apartments half as large and endorsing propaganda photos that ignore the Borough’s 60-foot setback for condominiums. A premier tract of land in a prestigious community requires serious research.
It seems best to go back to Go on this proposal, listen to more voices, and do a thorough job. After all, Commissioners considered appointing a “blue ribbon panel” of advisors in 2015, but never got around to it, even though facing an experienced developer with battle-hardened attorneys.
Right now, senior citizens will likely continue migrating to Uxbridge, as the current Commissioners seem to hope.
