Hospital land development plan OK'd
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO — The Township Council has adopted a redevelopment plan for the Route 520 property that formerly housed the Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital.

The plan was adopted at the council's July 17 meeting.

The hospital was closed by the state in 1998 as patients were moved to community settings or to other facilities in the Garden State. The hospital property comprises about 400 acres. The buildings that were used at the facility remain.

For almost a decade, a succession of Marlboro mayors and council members have sought to purchase the property from the state, thus far without success. Although the township does not own the property, the council's redevelopment plan lays out the possible features that could be built on the land. The plan does not include any housing.

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 would be 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 Marlboro Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Marlboro Planning Board through the development application process would address a "C" variance. All development on the hospital property would have to be approved by the Planning Board.

State Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (R-Monmouth and Mercer) was present at the July 17 meeting and assured township officials that Marlboro's local representatives will continue to help the township pursue the acquisition of the hospital property.