Restaurant, Retail And Commercial Space Planned In Avenel Section Of Woodbridge

Restaurant, retail and commercial space is coming to the long-vacant “Big Top” site in the Avenel section of Woodbridge, officials said.

Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac, the Woodbridge Redevelopment Agency and the Woodbridge Township Department of Planning & Development on Thursday announced the start of construction of a new commercial/retail center on Route 1 north in the Avenel section of town.

“The ground-breaking and start of construction of this 2.87 acre site stands as yet another redevelopment project that will transform the entire Route 1 business corridor into a vibrant, multi-use commercial/retail district that spans the entire length of U.S. Highway 1 in Woodbridge Township, “ McCormac said in a prepared statement. “Today’s “ground-breaking” follows our recent announcement that Hotels Unlimited, Inc. will invest more than $2 million to add 30 new hotel rooms to the Holiday Inn Express, along with the development of additional commercial/retail space, along the Route 1 North business corridor.”

The proposed development would include two buildings -- 15,000 and 4,800 square feet -- at the site on Route 1 north, near Mitchell Place and Kirk Avenue.

Site plans call for 16,800 square feet of retail sales and commercial space, 3,000 square feet of restaurant space and more than 100 parking spots, a township news release said.

Project developers Tony Nadir and K.G. Patel, Caroline Ehrlich, Director, Woodbridge Redevelopment Agency, Marta Lefsky, Director, Woodbridge Township Department of Planning & Development, and Third Ward Councilman Cory Spillar also attended Thursday’s ceremony.

Photos courtesy Woodbridge Township