Redevelopment Plan For Washington Street Returns To Morristown Docket

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Following Mayor Tim Dougherty's comment last month about progress in spurring development near the Morristown Green, the town will look into the Washington Street Redevelopment Project further.

Several properties on Washington Street were designated as "in need of redevelopment" several years ago, but no plans to govern development on the properties have been prepared.

Last month, the town council unanimously adopted a resolution directing the planning board to investigate whether the town should pursue the condemnation and redevelopment of vacant storefronts on North Park Place and Washington Street.

On Thursday, June 8, the Morristown council will be holding a redevelopment entity meeting, in which, the sole topic of conversation will be the Washington Street Redevelopment Project, according to the agenda.

During town meetings over the years, residents have expressed concerns about the location's need for improvement as well as job losses caused by the closure of past Green tenants such as Century 21 and Rite Aid.

The department store Century 21 previously held a 65-year lease before COVID-19 hit.

After declaring bankruptcy, the retail store that sold discounted brand-name clothing and shoes closed in 2020.

Condemnation has previously been discussed, but no formal action has been taken. Dougherty discussed this at the May 23 town council meeting, saying that it is difficult to take someone's property when they are paying their taxes and following the rules.

All of the properties in question are owned by David Brown, who previously stated that a sale to an unnamed buyer was imminent and urged the council to abandon plans for eminent domain.

"We are just trying to work with the property owner trying to move this forward. It is a very difficult thing to have happen," Dougherty said.

The town will discuss the matter further during the redevelopment entity meeting, which is planned for 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8.