Take time to evaluate plans for The Village

Perhaps developer Richard J. Brunelli knows something that the Township Committee in Manalapan does not. Or perhaps the Township Committee knows something that residents don’t know.

Brunelli is one of the driving forces behind a plan to build The Village at Manalapan at Route 33 and Millhurst Road.

The plan has changed since it was initially broached to the community. Most recently, Brunelli appeared at a meeting of the Township Committee to describe The Village in its latest incarnation and to inform officials that he will need some zoning accom-modations, among other cooperation, to make the plan work.

Yet despite the fact that assistance is needed from the committee and hearings will have to take place before the Planning Board, Brunelli speaks of the plan as if it is a fait accompli.

He is quoted in a 2004 year-end review of his firm’s activity saying, “We look for even better things in 2005, as we ... go forward with leasing on The Village at Manalapan, a planned mixed-use, town center on Route 33 in western Monmouth County. Initial phases of The Village are expected to open during 2006, including portions of the 135-acre property’s lifestyle center, neighborhood center, dining-entertainment component and downtown area.”

How can initial phases of The Village open in 2006 when zoning needs to be changed, plans need to be reviewed and construction must take place?

Either Brunelli and his partners will produce one of the fastest construction projects ever seen in this area, or he’s been assured that there will not be any trouble getting everything and anything he wants. At the very least, he seems to be taking a great deal for granted.

We are not comforted by the attorney representing Brunelli who told the committee that private security personnel would patrol the movie theaters.

We previously stated that a movie theater — especially a multiplex with 16 theaters — will be a magnet for trouble and will require the attention of police, private security notwithstanding.

How about an old-fashioned movie theater with two screens? Let’s hear the reasons why that can’t work in 2005.

The Village can be an exciting project for Manalapan, but not if it includes everything on a developer’s wish list crammed onto a piece of property.

Municipal officials should proceed with caution before giving away the keys to this end of Manalapan.