A controversial redevelopment study is headed to the Rahway, NJ city council tonight that has many residents and business owners upset.
The study of main streets that serve as gateways to a redeveloping downtown is being pushed by Rahway Mayor Samson Steinman.
But the council resolution says condemnation and eminent domain could be the end result.
That has business owners like George Triantafyllou of Rocky's Bar worried that some developer will use eminent domain to buy him out for pennies on the dollar.
"I lay in bed, I toss and turn, I can't sleep 'cause I'm threatened," Triantafyllou said.
But Steinman said residents are overreacting, that there hasn't been an actual condemnation in at least seventeen years in this "Transit Village" city with an NJ Transit commuter stop.
"I do not see condemnation being used at all," Steinman said.
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Instead, he said it can help landowners avoid some taxes.
Historic West Grand Avenue is vibrant, but many buildings are showing their age.
Councilwoman Jennifer Maier, an opponent, said "I'm showing my age, too, but I shouldn't be condemned for it."
