Galloway Township has rescinded construction permits for the proposed Atlantic City alternative school program.
The decision comes after residents expressed concern about the students being housed in their town.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small alleged racism.
But Galloway Police Chief Donna Higbee said her concerns were that she was not notified, so she could properly plan for public safety for residents, businesses and the students.
After the Township Committee meeting, officials looked further into the approvals given for the property off Jimmie Leeds Road.
“This was a change of the use of the building and, because of that, triggered certain state law requirements,” the mayor and council wrote in a statement Friday.
“After learning of this matter, the Township reviewed the permitting of the property. It appears that construction permits were inadvertently issued before the property had received land use approvals from the township Planning Board, as required under state law.”
As a result, the construction official rescinded the permits until the Planning Board can hear the application and ensure traffic, storm water, hours of operation, uses of the property and other land use issues are addressed.
The statement stressed that the process is the same one every property owner that changes a property’s use is required to complete under state law.
“The township will assist the property owner, as it does every property owner, through this process,” the statement reads.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
