Experts to assess hospital site
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO - New Jersey Department of Treasury representatives and Marlboro officials have developed an agreement to continue working toward finding a new use for the property which formerly housed the Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital.

The hospital, which sits on a 411-acre parcel on Route 520 near Conover Road, was closed by the state in 1998 after more than 60 years of operation.

Mayor Jonathan Hornik saidMarlboro has received a $127,000 grant from the state. The grant will cover the cost for experts to conduct appraisals, inspections and environmental assessments of the hospital buildings and grounds.

Hornik said the environmental assessments will provide a better understanding of what needs to done at the site and an estimate of the cost to fix any problems that may be found.

"The repositioning of this property is important to Marlboro's future. I envision it as an enormous resource for community based uses, open space, parks and recreation.

"I oppose any housing development on this site - it's just not suitable and doesn't make sense for our community," Hornik said in a prepared release.

The mayor said township officials would likely seek to purchase the hospital property or partner with the state in finding passive uses for the land.

A redevelopment plan regarding the site is in the works, Hornik said, adding that he hopes to be able to introduce the plan to the Township Council soon.

Included within the plan would be open space and parks for recreational purposes Hornik said. He said he would like to see a community structure such as a theater or health center at that location.

The assessment work at the site is expected to begin soon, Hornik said.Areport on the preliminary findings of the study will be given to the community in the fall, the mayor said.