A public informational meeting is planned to discuss the proposed development of the former Exxon/Mobil property located off Park Avenue in Florham Park, and to learn about the Madison, Chatham Borough, and Chatham Township joint legal challenge to Florham Park’s Planned Office Development Ordinance. The meeting will be held in the Madison Chamber Council of the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building on Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 7:30 p.m.

"It is critical that the public understand that this legal action has not been entered into lightly," said Madison Mayor Jack Dunne. "Madison and the Chathams recognize the potential adverse effects of this ordinance, as it now stands, will have on all of us."

The panel discussion will provide an overview of the property and traffic concerns by Chatham Borough Council President Richard Plambeck and Madison Councilman Dr. Donald Bowen. Dr. George Van Orden and Ernest Cicconi, members of the Madison Environmental Commission will discuss the environmental and drinking water issues as they relate to the proposed development of the property.

"The proposed development allowed by Florham Park’s ordinance will adversely impact our towns. In particular, the Councils are concerned about the impact to our groundwater supply because such dense development entails paving over the aquifer that we all, including Florham Park, depend on for our drinking water," said Councilman Donald Bowen. "Further, a traffic interchange from Route 24 will dump significant added congestion to Ridgedale, Central and Greenwood Avenues, as well as Park Avenue and the already overburdened Columbia Turnpike. We invite the public to see the issues for themselves and offer ideas and concerns."

Madison Borough Attorney Joseph Mezzacca, Jr. will close the panel discussion with a brief update of the pending litigation. The public is invited to share their questions and concerns following the presentation.

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