Hartz set to start work on Ford plant redevelopment

Real Estate Weekly, June 3, 2009

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Hartz Mountain Industries has made the first of two installments totaling $1.5 million to Edison, and will soon begin the construction of Edison Towne Square, the mixed use redevelopment of the former Ford Plant on Route 1 is slated to include retail, restaurants/cafes, hotel, entertainment venues and office space.

After four years of planning, Hartz will begin construction of the development's first phase, which includes a 140,000 s/f Sam's Club with a gas station on Route 1, by the summer.

Edison has received $1 million from Hartz, and will receive the second installment of $500,000 June 8. The total $1.5 million is in addition to a donation of 7.5 acres of land adjacent to Paterniti Park on the site's Vineyard Road border.

Hartz president Emanuel Stern presented Mayor Jun Choi with a $1.5 million check as part of a civics class at the Edison High School.

In April, the Edison Planning Board granted final approval to the Edison Towne Square, the 98-acre mixed-use redevelopment of the former Ford Plant on Route 1. Hartz purchased the site in 2004 and designed the Towne Square concept consistent with Edison's master plan.