West Orange Zoning Board Approves Plan For Essex Green

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Zoning Board gave a thumbs-up to the Essex Green redevelopment plan last week, setting the stage for a big facelift at the local shopping center.

During their April 11 meeting, the zoning board voted 5-2 to allow Clarion Partners to carry out a large renovation at the property, which has seen a mix of tenants that include ShopRite, Macy's Backstage, AMC Theatre, Petco, TGI Fridays, Panera Bread, GameStop and GNC.

The Essex Green application for 495 Prospect Avenue sought "c" and "d" variances for the expansion and renovation of the shopping center.

The board’s approval came over the objection of the project’s opponents, who have claimed that there are "numerous safety, aesthetic and environmental issues" with developers' plans.

Clarion Partners spokespeople have disputed local activists’ allegations.

• See related article: Debate About Essex Green Shopping Center Heats Up Before Hearing

REDEVELOPING ESSEX GREEN

After Clarion Partners purchased the shopping center in 2016 for $97 million as part of "one of the largest retail sales in New Jersey in the last two years," developers announced plans for a large renovation at the property, citing a double-digit vacancy rate among its tenants.

In January 2018, the West Orange Town Council approved a resolution designating the shopping center and an adjacent office park on Executive Drive as an "area in need of redevelopment."

In August 2018, West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi announced that Clarion Partners isn't asking for a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to redevelop the property.

Catch up with some of our recent stories on the Essex Green project at the below links:

• See related article: Developers Laud Essex Green Plan, But Activists Are 'Dubious'
• See related article: West Orange Mayor: No PILOT For Essex Green Shopping Center
• See related article: Essex Green Redevelopment Gets Key Vote From West Orange Council

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