OP-ED from Carlstadt Mayor Robert Zimmermann Regarding the NJSEA and American Dream

The days of cooperation and respect between Meadowlands Commission and the communities of the District ended with the law that consolidated the NJSEA and NJMC. The NJMC instituted programs and assisted the District municipalities with a wide range of assistance. There was a spirit of cooperation and dialogue. Of course, we sometimes disagreed, but we were allowed input.

That is not the case today. We are not even treated as second-class citizens. The conditions between the NJSEA and municipalities have reverted to the early 1970s, with significant tension and us versus them attitude. No one in NJSEA leadership answers our calls or letters; previous agreements are treated as if they are non-existent. The NJSEA leaves each town to fend for itself. Not a good situation when you have a monolithic state agency that has significant land use control over your municipality and uses a firm grip on your ratables.

Carlstadt has been confronted with a significant financial issue that the leadership of the NJSEA has never tried to address or aid in getting a response. The then Xanadu development (now American Dream), the Hearing Officers Report concluded that the project could advance subject to certain conditions and recommendations.

The Hearing Officers Report dated 2004 stated the following: “… Additionally, the developer shall submit an annual grant to the N.J.M.C Municipal Assistance Program to mitigate the impact of municipal services, facilities, and infrastructure because of Sports Authority programs and activities. Municipalities outside of the jurisdiction of the N.J.M.C. may also apply for grant assistance through this fund.

First and second-year contributions shall be $1.15 million, year three and four contributions shall be $1.5 million, and in year five and beyond, the amount allocated shall be $1.65 million with cost-of-living increase escalators calculated every five years. This program would provide property tax relief to municipalities surrounding the Sports Complex.

As a result of the preservation of the Empire Tract in the Borough of Carlstadt, it was directed that Carlstadt shall receive from the funds above an amount not less than $750,000 in years one and two, $850,000 in years three and four, and starting in year five an amount of $1 million. Carlstadt shall also benefit from the future cost of living increases indicated above. This grant from the Municipal Assistance Program was to be used for municipal services, public works equipment, flood control improvements,

road improvements, recreational opportunities, and public safety equipment, including police, fire, and ambulance vehicles.

The 2012 Hearing Officer’s Report on expanding the American Dream, including the water and amusement park, reconfirmed the obligation to municipalities as stated above.

After years of waiting and numerous calls and letters to the leadership of the NJSEA (that were all ignored or dismissed), the Borough of Carlstadt and the other towns are asking for what is due to them.
Does anyone in the State of New Jersey care about the impacts on the municipalities and their residents that surround the Sports Complex? After our recent meeting with Senator Paul Sarlo, we are hopeful he will help us.