No surprises from Mayor Pete Cantu at the Plainsboro Business Partnership networking breakfast on April 21. The mayor gave a township update at the event, held by the Plainsboro Business Partnership under the auspices of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Cantu discussed the “comprehensive plan for the community,” one centered on open space, a strong economic base, and a diversity of housing, from single family to townhouses and apartments. The township has more than 50 percent open space, and this year’s reassessment increased the ratable base to $4.6 billion, 46 percent of which is non-residential.
Development updates centered along the Route 1 corridor. Cantu said two sites in the hospital redevelopment site are expected to break ground this year: the 105-unit Maplewood Senior Living, a 100,000-square-foot memory care facility on Hospital Drive; and the 11,500-square-foot Discovery Years Child Care Center.
Still on the horizon is an 55-plus adult rental community with roughly 315 one and two bedroom rentals. The development sits on a 38-acre parcel between Merwick and the Firmenich campus.
North of the hospital redevelopment site across Scudders Mill Road is the Princeton University Forrestal campus, and the Planning Board approved a 40,000-square-foot medical office building, known as “Beacon 3,” at the April 18 meeting.
Beacon Forrestal MAB Associates is the developer, and the 4.25 acres will be purchased from the university. Tenants already occupy an existing 40,000-square-foot medical office building, “Beacon 1,” and there is preliminary approval for a third building, “Beacon 2.”At 90,000 square feet, it is expected to feature a mix of professional and medical offices.
On the southbound side of Route 1, the 394-unit residential site in Princeton Forrestal Village is navigating the compliance process. Cantu also said Forrestal Village is expecting a 120,000-square-foot “health spa,” which he emphasized is “not a gym” but a “comprehensive health facility.”
Cantu left time for questions, and chamber head Peter Crowley asked what the plans are for the corporate campus recently vacated by Bristol Myers-Squibb.
Cantu said future use is “flexible based on opportunity,” but he noted the township has not had much interaction with the real estate investment trust that owns the 600,000-square-foot property, which also has preliminary approval for an additional 400,000 square feet. The mayor also noted BMS’ departure is “not a huge impact” on the township.
Merwick Care and Rehabilitation Center won the large business award, while Eileen Sinett’s “Speaking that Connects” won the Small Business of the Year.
There will be a one-year hiatus for the Plainsboro Business Showcase, but Founders Day will take place Sunday, May 1. The annual event, marking the township’s founding, starts with a parade from Edgemere Avenue to the municipal grounds and includes performances, children’s activities, food, and more.
Construction Notes. The eastbound lane of Plainsboro Road from Parkway Avenue to Prospect Avenue will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday, May 2, through Friday, May 13, excluding weekends. A detour will be posted.
