Citizens protest in Glassboro

Gloucester County Times, Sunday, January 06, 2008

By Lucas K. Murray

GLASSBORO About a dozen protesters grasping signs in front of Glassboro's municipal building endured cold weather Saturday night to get their message to some of Gloucester County's power brokers.

"We picked the reorg because not only are our lawmakers for the borough going to be here, but also (Sen. Stephen) Sweeney and some other people were going to be here," said Eric Morales, of College Avenue. "We want 2008 to be the year they do something to change this eminent domain."

Some legislators, like Sweeney, entered through the municipal building's front door, while others did not.

Residents who are part of Glassboro United, a group of citizens concerned over how properties are being acquired for the Rowan Boulevard redevelopment project, gripped signs denouncing eminent domain abuse as freeholders, state senators and other local legislators entered the building.

Motorists driving up and down Main Street honked their horns in support of the protesters.

Glassboro United took the silent demonstration inside where they were not acknowledged by the borough council.

The council did, however, comment on the Rowan Boulevard project.

"We're committed to it," newly reelected councilman Edward Malandro said. "And the reason we are committed to it is because we believe Glassboro is a great town A town that will always hold a special place in my heart and a town that will truly triumph."

Council President Anthony Fiola said redevelopment is for the betterment of Glassboro and for Rowan University by bringing ratable properties into the borough.

"There's no doubt in our decision that it is for the best," Fiola said.

Rowan University President Donald Farish declared wonderful things are in the works for Glassboro resulting in a "resurgence of this community in ways that I think will be of tremendous benefit to the community as well as the future of the region."

"We've said to each other all along the destiny of the university and the town are inextricably woven together," Farish said.

Following the swearing in of incumbents Malandro and fellow democrat Igres Simpson, dignitaries and guests were allowed to leave. Five minutes later, the floor was open to public comment.

For nearly 45 minutes, residents angry over the use of eminent domain expressed their concerns over redevelopment.

Suleiman Arifi, the focus of a December story in the Times repeatedly asked the council why they were taking his property. The borough acquired the property through eminent domain last year.

The 18-year resident of High Street accused the council of allowing his property to be taken from him to be sold as a favor to friends of the council.

"I've never had this kind of crime done to me," Arifi said. "I'm ashamed to say the borough is doing it to me"

Solicitor Tim Scaffidi could not comment on the situation because it is in currently a matter of litigation.

Arifi, 77, said the stress he has experienced over the matter has adversely affected his health.

"You are destroying my health. Destroying my everything," Arifi said.

It is believed up to $100 million in tax revenue would be gained from the Rowan Boulevard redevelopment project. Currently the properties in the redevelopment zone bring in $200,000 in tax dollars yearly.

Prior to the meeting, Morales said he's afraid if the project falls through, residents of Glassboro will be left to foot the bill. Even worse, it could set a precedent that would go beyond Glassboro's 9 square miles.

"It's Mr. Arifi's house today, but it could be anybody in Glassboro anybody in Gloucester County, tomorrow," Morales said.