Belleville Planning Board Discusses Plan For ‘Kmart Property’

BELLEVILLE, NJ — A new future for a block of land known to some as the “Kmart property” took another step forward in Belleville last week.

During their Nov. 10 meeting, the Belleville Planning Board heard a presentation about 371-411 Main Street, which has seen calls for redevelopment since one of New Jersey’s last remaining Kmarts shut its doors in the township last year.

Local advocacy blog Belleville Watch offered a recap of the presentation on social media:

“Last Thursday, the Planning Board heard a presentation from the Township Planner about 371-411 Main Street, better known as the Kmart property. Spoiler alert: Despite speculation, it appears neither Home Depot nor any box store will be occupying the property. The presentation/proposed redevelopment calls for the Kmart building's demolition, building an extension of Ralph Street through the property, and essentially dividing up the property into four commercial "pads" (think of the Wawa property on Franklin Avenue & Mill Street for a similar concept of "pads.") The board discussed the proposal and spoke of what uses would not be allowed on the property (a massage parlor, for example.) The proposal must be revised with the board's input and eventually, the Town Council must vote to approve it.”

The next regular meeting of the planning board will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.

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