VILLAS — Meetings are continuing between Richard Stockton College, Sen. Jeff Van Drew, Lower Township officials and the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to determine if the college will lease the former Ponderlodge and convert the main building into an environmental education center.
Van Drew told the Herald a meeting was held last week in his office with about 15 people including Lower Township Mayor Michael Beck, Township Manager Kathy McPherson, Councilman Wayne Mazurek, Deputy Mayor Kevin Lare, an attorney for the state Division of Fish and Game and representatives of DEP and Stockton College.
He said the meeting was positive and the parties will meet again this week.
“The agreement was we’re going to have an answer one way or the other, either way, within 45 days, if we are going to be able to do this thing or whether the building’s going to get demolished,” he said.
Van Drew said a “unique and tailored agreement” would needed.
“I am so hopeful we can do it,” he said.
McPherson told the Herald the township made clear at last week’s meeting that residents want the site cleaned up whether the college leases a portion of the property or if DEP remains in control. She said if Stockton does not lease a portion of the property, then DEP will move forward with building demolition.
McPherson said the decision on Ponderlodge would be made soon. She said DEP has received bids for demolition and had 60 days to award a contract.
DEP requested to see Stockton’s plans for the property, she said.
Stockton College would hire security to patrol Ponderlodge if they lease the property, said McPherson.
Mayor Michael Beck said he wanted to be sure the public still would have access to the property if Stockton College leases the lodge building.
“Having Stockton here would not be a home run, it would be a grand slam,” said the mayor.
He said it would be a boost to morale of the township.
“It would give us a neighbor other towns could only dream of,” said Beck.
He said Stockton College President Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. offered to attend a Township Council meeting.
Beck said a decision would be made in the next 30 to 45 days.
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