Harsh winter, swampy spring delay Toll Brothers.
By: Gwen McNamara
WEST WINDSOR The harsh winter and swampy spring have hampered developer Toll Brothers’ work on reconstructing Bear Brook Road.
"A substantial amount of work has been done, but we’re not as far along as I’d have liked to see us at this point in time," said Christopher Gaffney, assistant vice president of Toll Brothers. "We’re still shooting for our fall re-open deadline, but it’s definitely weather permitting."
Toll Brothers agreed to reconstruct Bear Brook Road as part of a settlement agreement with the township after the state Supreme Court ruled in the developer’s favor on a long-standing affordable-housing battle with the township over Toll Brothers’ Estates at Princeton Junction housing development.
Bear Brook Road, from Old Bear Brook Road near the Windsor Haven housing development to Meadow Road, is being completely reworked with new drainage, water, sewer, utilities, curbing and surfacing, Mr. Gaffney said.
Township officials are not worried about any possible delay.
"Toll hasn’t asked for any extensions," said Sam Surtees, township land-use director. "They seem to be moving along pretty good. I think when push comes to shove, they’ll get it done, even if that means putting in extra hours."
Actual construction of homes for the 1,165-unit Estates at Princeton Junction housing development is just beginning, Mr. Gaffney added.
"We’ve started the first of two foundations and have submitted building permits to the township," he said. "It’s still too early, though, for a timeline for completion."
Even without any finished homes, 60 home sites in the development have already been sold, he said.

