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Old Bridge planner authorized to study potential transit-village redevelopment area under state statute
Summary
The planning board voted to authorize the township planner to conduct a preliminary investigation to see whether properties near the commuter lot qualify as an area in need of non-condemnation redevelopment under NJSA 40A:12A-1, a step that could enable transit-oriented redevelopment and access to state infrastructure funding.
The Old Bridge Township Planning Board on June 25 approved a resolution authorizing the township planner to perform a preliminary area-investigation study to determine whether certain properties qualify as an "area in need of non‑condemnation redevelopment" under NJSA 40A:12A‑1.
Township Planner Vena laid out seven years of preparatory work and told the board the study would focus on a shopping-center node near the Old Bridge commuter parking lot. She described prior coordination with NJDOT and NJ Transit, said the corridor was part of a Federal Transit Administration‑funded study of a proposed bus‑rapid corridor between Howell and Old Bridge, and said a transit‑village designation could open state funding streams for sidewalks, bike lanes and other infrastructure.
Vena described the process as sequential: a preliminary area investigation, a redevelopment plan if the area qualifies, and then a state review that she estimated could take about 18 months. She emphasized public participation would be required and that the preliminary resolution authorizes only the study, not redevelopment or land-acquisition steps.
Board members asked practical questions about parking, shared-parking arrangements, impacts on existing businesses on Route 9 and the potential for a commuter parking garage funded by redevelopment contributions. Vena noted Regency Center previously contributed $150,000 toward commuter parking and said any redevelopment would likely pursue shared parking, cross-access easements and mixed commercial and residential uses designed to reduce auto dependence.
After discussion the board moved, seconded and voted to authorize the planner to proceed with the preliminary investigation; roll-call votes recorded affirmative responses from members present and the motion carried.
The resolution directs the Township Planner to conduct an investigation under NJSA 40A:12A-1; it does not itself adopt a redevelopment plan or change property designations. Any later redevelopment plan would require separate drafting, notice, and board or council action.
