Director of Economic Development
Liz Jeffery
Liz Jeffery’s work with Fanwood began in 2016 after discussing the need for redevelopment direction in the Borough. Shortly thereafter, she began working on its redevelopment efforts, which include Station Square, China Moon strip mall, South Avenue zoning, and the Fanwood Plaza behind the retail stores on Martine Ave.
Ms. Jeffery brings decades of urban planning and development experience to Fanwood. Her resume includes working for Jersey City, initially as a project manager and then as Director of the Division of Economic Development, and as Vice President for Planning and Capital Projects for Save Ellis Island, Inc.
Her goal for Fanwood is to continue the Administration’s vision of a vibrant work-live-play Fanwood. In assisting the business community to make it stronger, Jeffery wants to create a center of place in Downtown Fanwood for bringing the community together by making attractive public spaces and new public programming.
Downtown Redevelopment Area – Block 64
35 Second Street
On April 27, Jobar Realty Company, Inc. received site plan approval for construction of a three- unit residential building with 2,900 sq ft. of commercial space on the first floor. Construction is ongoing in June 2019.
Station Square, Lots 17 thru 20
Station Square at Fanwood LLC was designated developer on March 20, 2016. Site plan approval was received August 31, 2016.The Station Square project entails 28 market rate rental units and 7 affordable housing rental units for a total of 35 residential units. The market rate units are townhouse style with 2 car garages. There are 2 one-bedroom flats and 5 two-bedroom duplex apartments in the Affordable building. All 28 market rate units were completed and fully occupied by May 2019. The COAH units are near completion and will be occupied in June/July 2019
APPROVED- 34 S. Martine Ave.(formerly Fanwood Grille)
On October 27, 2021 a site plan was approved for the renovation and expansion of the building to improve the existing retail space and add 2 residential rental units above
Fanwood Crossing- Lots 4, 5, 6
Frank’s Auto Body
Franks Auto Body received site plan approval on July 27, 2016 for a 945-sf one-story addition for the creation of a new third bay for auto repair. The project included a small landscaped area at the corner and a sidewalk along La Grande Ave. The project was completed Spring 2019.
Downtown Retail Space
Fanwood Crossing I & II – South Avenue retail space are fully leased to Railside Cafe, Ivy Education (now Collegewise), Edward Jones, Fanwood Pharmacy, Kessler Rehabilitation Center, Joli Visage, Fanwood Eye Care and Monk’s Home Improvements. There are 41 full time employees and over 25 part time employees in the new businesses located in the Fanwood Crossing retail space. Martine Ave. retail includes Fanwood Bagel, Crown Jeweler, Rocko’s Ice Cream, Nick’s Pizza & Deli, Benny Nails, Fanwood Larder, Tasty Thai, Scotch Plains Fanwood Dental, Duke’s Pet Den and Anton’s Salon.
Public Plaza Expansion
In 2017, the Borough completed the expansion of the South Avenue between Railside Cafe and Monk’s Home Improvement to provide a continuous walkway/plaza area behind the Martine Avenue stores of block 64 and connect to La Grande Avenue.
Commercial Corridor
A significant portion of the Commercial Corridor has been declared an Area in Need of Rehabilitation. This will enhance the Borough’s efforts to garner investment and encourage improvements to the properties located in the CCD.
In 2015, the Commercial Corridor zoning overlay was adopted for South Avenue. In 2016, a significant portion of the Commercial Corridor was declared an Area in Need of Rehabilitation. This is to provide for cohesive planning and improvement and will enhance the Borough’s efforts to garner investment and encourage improvements to the properties located in the CCD. In 2017, Fanwood received an $800,000 TAP grant from the NJTPA. The grant is for streetscape improvements and beautification from the downtown area to Terrill Road. Design will commence summer 2019.
After completion of a study of the area along Old South Avenue, the Borough designated the Area an Area in Need of Redevelopment. This includes the properties abutting the Old South Ave right of way including the former A&P site.
264-268 South Ave (China Moon Strip Mall)
The new building facade is complete. It is comprised of hearty plank and brick, consistent with the downtown design criteria.
200 South Ave.
Sheelen’s Crossing Pub & Bistro opening in November 2016.
383 South Avenue
Sheelen’s Fish Company opened in 2018. Fresh fish is sold daily as well as a cooked menu.
105 South Ave. (Carano Square)
Concept plans have been prepared for a mixed-use development- residential with a large stand-alone restaurant.
On January 6, 2020 Carano Square LLC, the property owner, was designated the developer for Block 55, Lots 11,11.01, 12 and Block 57, Lot 1 in the Old South Avenue Area in Need of Redevelopment for a multi-family, mixed use project. Redeveloper Agreement was approved by Borough Council on November 16, 2020. The Old South Avenue Street Vacation Ordinance was adopted 12/7/20, pursuant to Old South Avenue Redevelopment Plan.
15 South Ave, Block 55, Lot 2
The former Sun Tavern site has been renovated to create Lightbridge Academy. Lightbridge Academy is a preschool and child care facility. Lightbridge opened in April 2018.
Fanwood Animal Hospital
In July 2020 Fanwood Animal Hospital completed the adaptive reuse of 137 South Avenue into a new 6,000sf, state of the art Animal Hospital.
APPROVED
- 282 South Avenue (The SOHO at Fanwood)- The Landmark Company received Planning Board approval on November 18, 2020 for The SOHO residential building. The project consists of 49 market rate units and 9 affordable units with retail and amenities on the ground floor.
- 40 South Avenue- Site plan approval by the Fanwood Zoning Board was received on January 20, 2021 for a mixed-use project consisting of 23 market rate rental units and 5 affordable units over retail spaces.
- 70 South Avenue(former Fanwood Animal hospital)- in February 2022, site plan approval was received for 12 residential units above street level retail.