75 Apartments, 4-Story Building Discussed To Replace Agway Site In Raritan

RARITAN, NJ — A four-story mixed-use apartment building with 75 units is being discussed as a possibility to replace the former Raritan Valley Agway Garden Center off Thompson Street in Raritan.

The conceptual idea was submitted to Raritan Borough's Redevelopment Advisory Committee at the Aug. 12 meeting.

"The potential redevelopment of the Agway site remains in the preliminary stages. The developer and their team have shared and discussed conceptual ideas with the Borough, but no formal application has been submitted or presented to the Redevelopment Advisory Committee," said Raritan Borough Administrator Eric Colvin.

The proposal is a mix of commercial and studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units.

While still in the conceptual and discussion phase, not everyone is on board with the idea.

Raritan Borough Councilman Adam S. Armahizer shared some concerns.

"At this time, I do NOT support the redevelopment plan for a 4-story, 75-unit mixed-use apartment building. My concerns center on the potentially negative impacts that this project could have on our community - to include issues related to population density, traffic, infrastructure strain, and preserving the character of our Borough," said Armahizer. "I believe any redevelopment of this site should be carefully considered to ensure it truly benefits residents and aligns with the long-term for Raritan. While revitalization of the property is important - I do not believe this particular proposal is the right fit for our Borough."

The application is not available to view just yet.

However, Colvin added that "if and when a formal submittal is made to the Borough, we’ll place it on a public agenda and provide the appropriate notice."

The longtime Raritan Valley Agway Garden Center at 77 Thomson St. in Raritan closed in June 2023 after owner Jeffrey Krachun died.

Since then, the property was reportedly sold on Feb. 14, 2024, from the Estate of Jeffrey Krachun to Station Village at Raritan LLC for $850,000. The registered agent for Station Village at Raritan is Kevin Sempervive with a Middlesex Borough address, according to mycentraljersey.com.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.