The Harrison Township Committee has unanimously declined to approve two resolutions related to a proposed project called the Rowan University Wellness Village.
The village is envisioned as a multi-use development that would provide healthy living along Mullica Hill’s border with Mantua and Glassboro, near Inspira Mullica Hill. It would cover about 200 acres and include housing, retail, restaurant and boutique shopping options
One resolution would authorize a letter of support to Rowan; the other would execute a memorandum of understanding between the university and the aforementioned municipalities, an idea first introduced at the committee’s Nov. 17 meeting.
Voting on the measures was delayed until the committee’s Dec. 1 meeting, when it declined approval.
“There’s a clause in there that said that we are not bound by the terms of the support if we were to retract support,” said township Solicitor Brian Duffield.
The committee went into a closed executive session to discuss project details, including potential litigation issues that caused Mantua to withdraw its support for the plan.
Residents at the meeting had concerns about the development’s potential effects on the community, specifically on law enforcement that is described as already stretched thin.
“What are we doing here?” asked Charles Kravitz. “I’m retired from law enforcement after 35 years. I was executive vice president of New Jersey’s First Aid Council for 10 years. I have plenty of emergency services credentials.
“Look at the burden we’re putting on this town. Our cops got lessened; we ain’t got enough now.”
The committee’s unanimous no vote came after its 30-minute executive session; Deputy Mayor Lawrence Moore was absent.
The next Harrison Township Committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday at the township municipal building.
