Council rezones site of proposed industrial park
Measure meant to block plan by warehouse developer Matrix
BY CHRIS MURINO Staff Writer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK - The Township Council has adopted an ordinance that will rezone properties along Route 130 and Friendship Road from an industrial to a residential area.

About 65 members of the public packed the municipal building on Tuesday night hoping to hear good news. The council gave it to them.

"In terms of this ordinance, I do plan to support it," Councilman Chris Killmurray said. "It supports the general rural-residential nature of that area. That road is not designed for truck traffic that would be there."

Representatives from Matrix, the firm that hoped to build a 744,000- square-foot industrial park on the affected property, were also in attendance.

Councilman Joseph Camarota said that the public's concerns definitely factored into his decision.

"We do have a right to listen to the testimony of the residents," Camarota said.

Residents living in the Friendship Road area have expressed concern about the Matrix warehouse generating truck traffic, which would produce diesel emissions that could cause harm to the environment and local wildlife.

Mayor Frank Gambatese expressed regret that Matrix had to be so adversely affected.

"The brunt of this falls on Matrix, who is a good corporation and has been a good corporation for South Brunswick," Gambatese said. "But, we're here for the health, safety and welfare of our residents."

At its Oct. 9 meeting, the council expressed concern that Matrix might sue the town. During the past two weeks, the council and its lawyers fine-tuned the ordinance to bolster it in case this happens. It is not yet known if Matrix will go through with any litigation.

Killmurray said that he looked forward to continued dialogue with Matrix in the future.