The Harrison Township Committee on Nov. 17 discussed in depth the potential effects of the Rowan Wellness Village, a campus concept that would promote healthy living.
The more than 200-acre village would be placed at the Rowan College of South Jersey west campus, which sits along the border with Glassboro, Mantua and Mullica Hill, next to Inspira Mullica Hill Hospital. Members of the community took issue with why a community presentation had yet to take place on the site.
“It needs a presentation,” said resident Bill White. “Our land use is obviously a very good starting point and ending point for these kinds of discussion. It sounds like a new way of living that incorporates wellness, all different generations. It’s a completely different way from the rural outlook we pride ourselves on.”
The village is the subject of two resolutions: One would authorize a letter of support to FP Rowan LLC, and the other calls for a memorandum of understanding between Rowan and Harrison, Mantua and Glassboro townships. Neither resolution binds the township to the project.
“It’s just a concept,” said Harrison Solicitor Brian Duffield. “It’s also true that we don’t have zoning currently to support it. Right now, the underlying zoning – where this would be on Harrison property – would be zoned as institutional.”
The three communities collaborated with each other a few years ago to create a regional redevelopment plan and agreement that focused on the area where the village would be built.
“It was a very good idea, and it still is, to have this regional look of any development out there,” explained Duffield. “This particular project is really going to affect Harrison.”
The village is expected to have an impact on municipal infrastructure, as well as on the Harrison and Clearview Regional school districts.
“They’re looking for $315 million,” noted township Administrator Dennis Chambers. “It’s a big number and that’s a large project. I’m sure they’re looking for other applications in North Jersey and throughout the state.
“There’s a lot of questions to be answered, and I’m sure they’re working on those.”
The committee voted to table the two resolutions for a later meeting so they can gather more information about the project before their decision. Mayor Adam Wingate was absent from the Nov. 17 session and did not vote.
The next Harrison Township Committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1.
