Millburn Residents Speak Out Against Paper Mill’s Financial Request

MILLBURN, NJ — During the June 16 township committee meeting, multiple residents voiced opposition to the Paper Mill’s financial request for $7 million to make repairs on and renovate their building and the property.

Committee Member Ben Stoller has explained that Millburn will receive funds from Paper Mill, but some residents feel the money could be better used toward renovating town hall, building affordable housing and other projects.

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Dr. Richard Riva said that Paper Mill’s Executive Director, Michael Stott, should provide their annual report to township business manager, Alex McDonald because it should include a summary of maintenance and future maintenance. He also noted that he heard that Paper Mill received $4.8 million in shuttered venue operator grants because of COVID and the township should receive a report of how that money was spent. Riva concluded that the Paper Mill decision should be a referendum for all residents to vote on in November.

Howard Lipow stated, “The Paper Mill has the liability to do restoration work. Why does it need us to put up a $7 million bond? Furthermore, we don't know what they intend to do.” He continued, “There's a spec book that usually comes with projects, with development projects. We haven't seen that? Do we get financial statements? We have other projects. We have a sewer system that's archaic.”

Former township Mayor Dianne Thall Eglow also opposed the Paper Mill financial help. “It is still incredible that $7 million is going to the Paper Mill while the downtown falls apart.” She recommended that Millburn spend that money on reducing the bump outs at Millburn and Main, planting trees and installing pavers at Town Hall Plaza. She concluded, “I don't know if it's a rumor, but I heard they're closing the Walgreens at Morris Avenue. What a great place [that would be] for a nice, big apartment building. Fair Share would love it. Give that to them.”

Sara Sherman also urged the committee not to give Paper Mill $7 million.

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Deputy Mayor Frank Saccomandi and Jean Pasternak both supported having a referendum vote on the Paper Mill Playhouse.

The committee voted to table the Paper Mill issue because the township is waiting to obtain ownership of the property.

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