Developer eyeing land for residential and commercial development.
By: Cynthia Koons
WASHINGTON The Gordon-Simpson estate, a 430-acre farm along Route 130, could be the site of a 155,000-square-foot residential and commercial development if township officials make the necessary zoning changes
At its May 22 meeting, the Washington Township Committee discussed the plan, which incorporates 308 residential units, 228 of which would be age restricted for those 55 and older.
"It’s a market the developer feels there’s a need for," Township Administrator Jack West said. The developer, Sharbell Development Corp., is currently building Washington’s Town Center and is eyeing the Gordon-Simpson tract for purchase. The property is owned by Robert Backes of Trenton. He could not be reached for comment this week.
The development of the Gordon-Simpson property is part of the township’s Master Plan, Mr. West said. It has been on the books for years, officials said.
"Right now, the front half of the property is zoned for commercial and the back half is zoned for commercial," he said. The township would need to combine the zoning designations in order to create one, mixed-use zone for the property.
"Out of the 430 total acres, about 25 percent will be developed," he said. The remaining 75 percent would be preserved as open space.
Mayor Doug Tindall said he’s heard that the Hamilton division of the YMCA may be interested in building a facility there.
The plans for the property are in keeping with the cluster-type development that is currently being constructed in Town Center, Mayor Tindall said.
The Gordon-Simpson project has not yet reached formal application stages, he said.
Mr. West said no residents have expressed opposition or support for the project in initial discussions about the development. The area is near the Windsor neighborhood but not adjacent to any homes in the township.

