BRINGING IT BACK
City leaders returning to property at the center of recent governmental dispute for cleanup to move forward >>
TRENTON >> No one can forget the past.
But city leaders are hoping there’s a bright future for the Roebling Block II, a vast expanse of land in the capital city inextricably tied to the failed Princetel deal.
The imploded redevelopment deal resulted in salty feelings between the administration and council members.
They’ll try to put that painful chapter behind them Saturday when they gather for a community cleanup, led by East Ward councilman Joe Harrison, at the site of simmering Shakespearian-level backstabbing. The mayor’s office put out a statement soliciting volunteers for the cleanup, one of several in Mayor Reed Gusciora’s first-term. Mercer County Jack Kemler, a retired city cop who grew up in the capital city, and other local leaders are expected to attend.
“We lost a major opportunity, but you can’t look at the past. You have to keep looking forward,” Harrison, who was in favor of the Princetel deal, told The Trentonian. “It’s all about marketing the city and putting the city in a more positive light. To me, this building is located dead in the middle of the city. It’s located on the three wards. It’s an acre and a half. To me, it’s a jewel of the city.”
The cleanup is part of an effort to recruit a new redeveloper to take on the socalled historic jewel, which once housed the John A Roebling’s Sons Company.
It has lost its luster in the years since it was abandoned, overtaken by vagrants, druggies and criminals, trash and debris.
The state took over the site in the 2000s and conducted a $7 million cleanup, officials said. The property was turned over to the city, Mayor Reed Gusciora said, as part of a deal that included a windfall provision.
The state stands to recoup any money the city makes off a redevelopment deal to repay the cleanup, although the mayor has said the city could choose
DEAL >> PAGE 16