Letter: Holmdel Mayor Updates Residents on Initiatives

Dear Holmdel Resident,

Now that the FY 2012 budget has passed, I would like to talk about the challenges the Township Committee and I faced during its development and our plan to maintain sound fiscal management going forward.  

For the five years previous to this one, we were able to keep spending relatively flat through a number of initiatives: sharing services, consolidation of departments, workforce reductions, and working with employee unions to have benefits and pay reflect the difficult economic times we are in.

Despite a reduction in state aid, and increases in costs like health insurance, utilities and pension contributions we were able to maintain one of the lowest tax rates in Monmouth County.  

This year’s budget reflects a step toward our long-term budget goal: working toward a point of balanced, sustainable revenues and operations over the next 3-5 years, while maintaining Holmdel’s uniquely desirable characteristics.

This year’s budget relies less on surplus and decreases the structural deficit by two thirds. It also relies less on non-recurring revenue sources.  

We are already taking steps to achieve our goal: working with the new owners of the Lucent property, establishing a more business-friendly development process for quality projects, and joining in County and State economic development activities. These steps are already showing good results.  

Needless to say, moving forward with the long-awaited development of the Lucent property will have a positive impact on the Township’s bottom line and your tax bill. I am confident that once the majority of the property has been developed, it will result in a reduction in your property tax bill. There are not many towns in New Jersey that can look forward to a property tax reduction any time soon.  

For those concerned with the impact the redevelopment will have on Holmdel, the Alcatel- Lucent Redevelopment Plan adopted by the Township Committee says, under Plan Overview:  

“It is the intent of the Township of Holmdel, through the implementation of this Redevelopment Plan to provide an opportunity for the development of the site primarily as a corporate commercial site, which balances the development opportunities that maximizes the economic development opportunities with the preservation of environmental resources, landscaping, open space and architecture while minimizing any impact to the community.”  

I can assure you that the majority of the Township Committee and I share this intent for the property, and will be focused on ensuring that its development is a strongly net positive for the community.  

Holmdel is one of the best places to live in the United States. Our quality of life, our schools, our open space, and our community spirit make this a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

I am committed to keeping Holmdel affordable for those that wish to live here, and maintaining the character and rural charm that define our town.

I believe this budget and the exciting opportunity in front of us with the Lucent redevelopment are steps which will help us attain those dual goals.                                                                                                                                                                  Township to begin Ackerson Park Improvements

In the first of a number of planned improvements to Holmdel’s recreation and leisure facilities, the Township will be developing an area of Ackerson Park for our senior residents.  Improvements will include bocce courts, horseshoe pits, chess and checkers tables, and a gazebo.  

The Township plans to have these enhancements completed by mid-July.      

Sincerely,

Pat Impreveduto, Mayor Holmdel Twp.