WOOLWICH TWP. – A 30 year scaled tax plan, known as a PILOT program, has been granted by the Woolwich Township Committee for the former Nike Base property fronting on Paulsboro Road.
According to Woolwich Township Clerk, Jane DiBella, a PILOT plan is a negotiated and graduated scale of tax payments to be made. She stated that there are other properties in the township that have also been given this tax program.
A 214,271 square foot warehouse distribution center with 39 loading bays, 168 passenger vehicle parking spaces, trailer spaces, a sound attenuation wall, and landscaping has been proposed by the Paulsboro RD AP Urban Renewal Entity, LLC for that location.
According to the ordinance passed, “The relevant benefits of the redevelopment of the property outweigh the loss, if any, of property tax revenue in granting the long term tax exemption.” These agreements are put in place to encourage development. This area is in the township’s Need of Redevelopment Area.
The former Nike base property has two bases. This tax exemption is only for the base along Paulsboro Road which housed administrative buildings. Overgrown chain link fencing currently surrounds the front base’s property.
This Nike base was installed in the 1950s to house Nike missiles. It began operation in 1957, and the location was decommissioned and abandoned in 1974.
According to Township Clerk Jane DiBella, the back base parcel was deeded to the township for free with a condition that the rear parcel be used for open space or recreation.
By Karen E. Viereck, Editor/Publisher
