Latest plan for hospital land prohibits housing
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO - Housing is not part of the latest redevelopment plan for the Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital property. The Township Council unveiled its redevelopment plan for the site on June 26.

The 400-acre property on Route 520 is owned by the state, which closed the hospital in 1998. Since that time Marlboro officials have sought to purchase the land, but have not been successful to this point.

Severa previous redevelopment plans were produced as local officials sought to obtain control of the hospital property. Ideas for the use of the property have included educational facilities, corporate offices and upscale boutiques.

The psychiatric hospital opened in 1931 and steadily grew over the years, at its peak housing about 800 patients, according to a history of the facility provided in the township's redevelopment plan. The hospital was closed by the state in July 1998 as mental health professionals sought to move patients into community settings.

The Planning Board approved the council's redevelopment plan during its meeting on July 2.

The council is expected to hold a public hearing on the redevelopment plan at its July 17 meeting before voting on the ordinance which will put it formally in place.

According to a 2007 land use plan, the hospital property is designated as agriculture/ land conservation, which is Marlboro's most restrictive zone. The goal set forth in the redevelopment plan is to preserve the non-disturbed portion of the property and to limit the use of the "disturbed areas" to public and/or nonprofit community facilities.

Monmouth County is anticipated to acquire about 200 acres in the southern and southwestern portions of the hospital property, the plan states. The county has proposed walking and biking paths to be used to connect open space opportunities, including a link to the Henry Hudson Trail, which lies adjacent to the western boundary of the hospital tract.

Permitted uses in the "disturbed areas" of the hospital property would include health clubs, fitness centers, spas, wellness centers operated by nonprofit entities, indoor recreation facilities, child care facilities, adult daycare facilities, educational facilities and municipal and public use buildings including community centers, theaters and municipal offices.

Conditional uses for small wind energy systems and solar energy facilities are allowed at the site.

Any deviations from the standards of the plan that result in a "D" variance would be addressed as an amendment to the plan, rather then receiving variance relief through the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Planning Board through the development application process would address a "C" variance. All development must be approved by the Planning Board.

Township Attorney Jonathan Williams said the redevelopment plan put forth by the council for the hospital property in no way is an obligation for Marlboro to purchase the land.