Robbinsville’s Planning Board has scheduled a public hearing to consider whether the Foxmoor Shopping Center qualifies as an area in need of redevelopment, in accordance with the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.
The meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m., will review a report prepared on behalf of the planning board by Remington, Vernick, & Arango, Engineers. The report is available for review at the Municipal Clerk’s office.
According to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, property can qualify for an area in need of redevelopment if conditions of development are stagnant and the property has a negative economic impact, or otherwise has been detrimental to the safety, health or welfare of the community.
If the planning board deems the Foxmoor Shopping Center as an area in need of redevelopment—and the council accepts the recommendation—then the township will be able to exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire the property.
The Foxmoor Shopping Center has struggled to attract new businesses since the Thriftway grocery store closed down. In November, the Monmouth County Court appointed Colliers International NJ, LLC the controlling manager of the property after the former landlord gave the shopping center back to the bank.
Mayor Dave Fried said that Colliers will remain the caretaker until a new owner releases a comprehensive plan to revamp the entire shopping center. However, Fried and township officials have their own vision for Foxmoor, which includes an access road to Route 33—customers can only enter the shopping center off Washington Boulevard—and additional pad sites along the highway.
The planning board will take public comments regarding the Foxmoor Shopping Center during the meeting, which will be held at the senior center, 1117 Route 130.
For more information about the hearing, visit Robbinsville’s website.
