'One of the most significant projects' in North Jersey will take years to finish
WAYNE — The Planning Board has approved a proposal by a developer from Morris County to build hundreds of new residences at a dormant office park on Alps Road.
The project, which includes 439 townhouses and 10 single-family dwellings at the former headquarters of GAF Materials Corp., could take more than six years to complete, said Jonathan Grebow, the president of the developer, Ridgewood Real Estate Partners of Florham Park.
He said he hopes to begin demolition of the office buildings before the end of the year and that construction of the new roads may start in the first quarter of 2024.
The housing complex, to be called The Villas at Wayne Hills, will be “one of the most significant redevelopment projects in the region,” Grebow said.
“We’re looking forward to transforming this land into a stunning new neighborhood,” he said.
The board is expected to pass a resolution at its next meeting to memorialize its approval of the project.
The 99.2-acre property has been unoccupied since GAF Materials moved to Parsippany-Troy Hills in February 2015.
The township and the roofing supplies company settled terms of the redevelopment in January 2020. As a result of that agreement, the project will include 90 units for low-income households.
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Ridgewood Real Estate purchased the property and the rights to its redevelopment for $17 million in September 2021.
The board held five hearings on the project between April and August.
Residents expressed concerns about rock blasting, stormwater runoff and traffic impact.
Due to concerns shared by the board, Ridgewood Real Estate agreed to install a new traffic light at the entrance to the development on Alps Road — pending further review by Passaic County officials.
Improvements to the county road would also include a left-turn lane for those driving into the development from Alps Road.
Kerry Pehnke, a traffic engineer hired by the developer, testified to the board in June that the project would generate fewer trips in morning and evening peak hours than a fully occupied office park.
Mayor Christopher Vergano commended residents for coming forward with their concerns. The approved site plan, he said, was a product of “give and take” with the developer.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Wayne NJ approves housing development on Alps Road
