Judge dismisses developer’s suit against Medford

Possibly ending nearly 16 years of litigation, a Superior Court judge ruled against a prominent South Jersey developer who sued Medford Township to try to push through housing and commercial developments on a vacant parcel off Route 70 and Eayrestown Road.

Mayor Randy Pace said the town had spent "in excess of $2 million" to defend against lawsuits filed by Stephen D. Samost and his various development entities, including Medford Village East Associates.

In a 103-page decision that town officials received Thursday, Judge Michael J. Haas, sitting in Mount Holly, said that "this matter is hereby dismissed in its entirety."

Samost, a lawyer who has also purchased and developed tracts in Voorhees, Mount Laurel, and Evesham, had filed complaints against Medford over the years to increase the permitted housing density; challenge zoning and planning requirements; and compel the town to buy the land for $60 million when one of the planned projects on the 280-acre tract ended in bankruptcy.

The latest proposal fell through last year when the town and a developer working with Samost could not reach an agreement on redevelopment incentives sought by the developer. The plan called for 750 homes, including 288 apartments, and 550,000 square feet of commercial space.

At meetings, hundreds of angry residents protested against the density and questioned why the town initially agreed to aid the development by providing a $35 million bond for infrastructure.

Samost could not be reached. His lawyer, Peter Boyer, said, "We are considering all our options and an appeal is certainly a possibility."

"Once that 45-day appeal period is passed, I will feel comfortable and confident that Medford can close that chapter," Pace said. "History has taught us that this man will seek that appeal . . . but I'm very optimistic."

Rick Hunt, the former town solicitor who handled most of the litigation, said via e-mail: "This is the result that was hoped for - 100 percent in favor of Medford Township and its planning board. . . . The court clearly saw through the disingenuous positions and arguments raised by the plaintiffs."

"I think it [the ruling] vindicates the town," said Councilman Jeffrey S. Beenstock. "It indicates the township handled the land transaction and the redevelopment in the right way."