The Pit Stop and beyond....

 

            The demolition of the Pit Stop building today (1175 Lawrence Road) was extremely satisfying to watch as a long-time resident of Lawrence Township.  For several decades the zombie building sat prominently in our community as a symbol of economic blight frustratingly just beyond our reach to address.   But, alas, it is no more.  What happens next, you ask?

            Once the building debris is removed, the land beneath the building is now accessible to test for contamination.  As most of you know, and I described in past blog articles, the property was the site of several gas stations, and, unsurprisingly, the soil was contaminated.  This property was the subject of extensive environmental remediation work years ago, but due to the complicated ownership issues involved, the work stalled at the footprint of the building. 

            We have successfully navigated through the ownership issues and were able to secure grant money from the NJDEP for the razing of the building and further testing even though the Township is NOT the property owner.  As previously explained, the Township will acquire the property (for $1) once it is deemed “clean” by the NJDEP. 

           If the testing reveals contamination in the soil where the building was situated, we will apply for grant money to continue the clean-up.  We do not think it is appropriate for the taxpayers of Lawrence Township to fund the clean-up of this private property even though we stand to become the future owner.  This may take more time to accomplish, but it will allow us to save our money for other projects for which funding is not available or less than we need to make it happen.  The NJDEP has signaled to us that this project is precisely the type that would qualify for assistance for the betterment of the community.  So we push forward.

        Once the property is certified "clean," the title is clear of liens and judgments, and the Township becomes the owner; the deal with the NJDEP is that we create a passive community park on the property.  As for the plans for the park?…..stay tuned!