NEIGHBORS FOR TOMORROW IN HARDING (NFTH)
Neighbors for Tomorrow in Harding (NFTH)— It is important for residents to stay informed about Housing Development projects underway in Harding Township and the implications for our community way of life. The goal of NFTH is to communicate with residents and to advocate for transparency from our Township Committee as options are evaluated for development in our town.
What Happened at the TC meeting on January 12 — and What Comes Next
1. Glen Alpin: The Township confirmed that a public presentation by the Glen Alpin developer will likely take place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (evening). This will be the first major step in restarting the redevelopment process. The developer’s concept is largely similar to prior versions already on the township website (2021–2022 era): This includes restoration of the mansion, a 5,000 sq. ft. catering /event space added near the mansion and a separate building for guest suites.
The developer will explain the plan and answer questions. This is being framed as a kickoff, not a final approval.
2. What residents pushed for — and why
Specifically, residents asked for clarity on:
• Number of events per year
• Hours of operation
• Size and type of events
• Parking and traffic management
• Financial arrangements (including any PILOT or tax abatements)
• Enforcement if promises are broken
The Township Committee acknowledged that these details matter — but said they usually come after a redeveloper is formally designated, when negotiations become more concrete. The question of public transparency and contract negotiations — is now front and center.
3. Independent feasibility study
A resident formally urged the Township to hire an independent, third-party feasibility firm to evaluate Glen Alpin and share the results publicly. The argument for this study included the following points:
• The town becomes an economic partner if public land, tax breaks, or incentives are involved
• Developer projections are not independent — they are advocacy documents
• The town bears long-term risk (traffic, blight, infrastructure strain)
• A study strengthens the deal if it works — and protects the town if it doesn’t. This was framed not as opposition, but as good governance.
4. New Vernon Village redevelopment — what changed
The Township also explained why it is updating the 2003 Village redevelopment plan. They discovered the old plans were legally valid for 2003. However, records were poorly archived (some even lost to basement flooding). As a result, the plan must be updated to today’s legal standards. They emphasized the goals are not changing and the core purpose is to preserve the character of New Vernon Village. The revised plan will go through public hearings and a Planning Board review. A developer has shown interest in the corner lot (Village Road), with a bookstore + café concept. Multiple residents expressed concern about something very important: If the entire village remains a redevelopment zone, could future Township Committees approve projects that would never pass under normal zoning? Officials countered that redevelopment actually allows more control, including architectural and historic protections — but the concern about long-term governance and overreach was clearly on the table.
5. What to watch for on January 21:
This meeting made clear what the January 21 Glen Alpin presentation must answer:
Residents should listen for:
• Exact number of events per year
• Maximum size of events
• Days and hours of operation
• How parking and traffic will be handled
• Whether tax abatements or public subsidies are being sought
• What is actually enforceable.
• Will the Township commit to an independent feasibility study?
Bottom line
The January 12th meeting confirmed that Glen Alpin is moving forward — but it also showed that the public wants more than a glossy presentation. The town is being asked to prove that the plan is financially sound, the impacts are honestly measured and what is promised will be written, enforceable and permanent. Interested Harding Township residents are invited to join Neighbors for Tomorrow in Harding to stay abreast of development in our town.
Contact: [email protected]