The Edison Board of Education (BOE) has passed a resolution in support of the Township of Edison’s plan to condemn the property located at 401 Division Street at the request of Mayor Sam Joshi to create a parking lot. The resolution was adopted at the BOE’s February 25th meeting.
The decision stems from an email Mayor Joshi sent to the BOE officials following a previous conversation during a school board meeting. In his email, Mayor Joshi explicitly requested the BOE’s support, stating, “As per our conversation in the school board meeting please pass a resolution of support for Edison to condemn 401 Division Street for use of a parking lot. We will move accordingly. Thank you.”
The property in question, identified as Block 82.14, Lot 3.02, is situated adjacent to Thomas Jefferson Middle School. The resolution passed by the BOE highlights this proximity, stating that “the subject property is located adjacent to the Thomas Jefferson Middle School.”
The resolution further articulates the BOE’s belief that the condemnation and subsequent development of a parking lot would serve the best interests of the school district. The official resolution reads:
“WHEREAS, the Township of Edison has noticed this Board that it is contemplating condemnation of the property located on Block. 82.14, Lot. 3.02 also known as 401 Division Street, Edison, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, the subject property is located adjacent to the Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and
WHEREAS, the condemnation of the subject property and the public project to be located thereon will be in the best interests of this Board.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this Board supports the Township of Edison’s condemnation of the property located on Block 82.14, Lot. 3.02 also known as 401 Division Street, Edison, New Jersey.”
The BOE’s support is a crucial step in the township’s process to acquire the property through eminent domain. Condemnation, a legal process allowing government entities to take private property for public use with just compensation, is a complex procedure. The BOE’s backing indicates a collaborative approach between the township and the school district.
The next steps will involve the township moving forward with the legal processes necessary for condemnation, including appraisals and potential negotiations with the property owner. The community will be watching closely as the township progresses with this project and the ramifications it will have.
