HANOVER — Hanover Township and JSK Whippany, LLC, the owner of the Red-Carpet Inn and Scottish Inn, signed a Consent Agreement that halts the long-term placement of guests in the hotels through State, county, and local public agencies.
The Township Zoning Department issued the Notice of Violation that led to this Agreement after finding that hotel rooms were being used and occupied in violation of the Township zoning ordinance.
Agreement Halts Long-Term Hotel Placement
The Agreement states, “No guest stay or placement permitted hereunder shall be deemed or intended to establish legal residency in the Township of Hanover for school district attendance or any enrollment.”
Earlier this year, more than 30 families lived in the hotels long-term, raising significant concerns among residents.
Thomas “Ace” Gallagher spearheaded the Township Committee and Administration’s efforts to address these concerns and deliver a solution to this important issue.
Collaborative Response to Community Concerns
Mayor Gallagher emphasized, “We have had incredible support from Senator Pennachio and various State agencies to assist and work on finding homes for these families throughout the State of New Jersey.” State agencies advised town officials that the families in the Scottish Inn and Red Carpet Inn may be completely transitioned from the hotels and placed in other appropriate accommodations by the end of December.
“Notwithstanding the significant support from State officials to place families, the concern of Hanover Township was the backfilling by additional State, county, and local agencies that would be looking to contract and place more families in the hotels, which is not an appropriate long-term environment for these families. These placements also created a significant financial obligation on behalf of the Hanover Township School District and taxpayers of our community.” Mayor Gallagher went on to explain, “Addressing these concerns required preventing any additional extended placement of families in the hotels. This Agreement ensures that no additional families will be added to Hanover Township schools this year.”
Path Ahead for the Township
The Township of Hanover identified the property as a candidate for acquisition or, if necessary, eminent domain, and scheduled a public hearing for December 11, to take a final vote on the ordinance specifically relating to the Red Carpet Inn and Scottish Inn hotels.
Hanover Township extends its gratitude and acknowledges the vital support of the Governing Body and state agencies in achieving this outcome while ensuring families in transition are treated with dignity and care.
Mayor Gallagher concluded, “Many communities and families are struggling with this issue. I am extremely pleased and proud of Hanover Township’s effort and collaboration to be among the first in New Jersey to deliver real results on such sensitive and serious concerns.”
