office and retail
opportunities
Outlook for business
bright, consultant says
Developers eyeing
office and retail
opportunities
BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer
HOWELL — A number of retail businesses are considering setting up shop in Howell, Barry Lefkowitz, the township’s economic development consultant, told the Township Council earlier this month.
Walgreen’s wants to open two pharmacies, he said, one on Route 9 and another in the area of Lanes Mill Road. He said negotiations are under way between Walgreen’s and property owners.
Lefkowitz said another developer is considering building three one-story professional buildings — two 20,000-square-foot buildings and one 6,000-square-foot building — all for property on Route 9, south of West Farms Road.
Another 35,000-square-foot, L-shaped building for office and retail purposes and a fitness center is being considered by another developer for the same Route 9 area, Lefkowitz said.
Lefkowitz, a paid economic development lobbyist for Howell who also works with the township’s appointed Economic Development Committee, said he and a number of municipal officials hold work meetings with prospective businesses as "a friendly body to walk them through the process" of opening a business in Howell.
Among those involved in these meetings are Township Manager Bruce Davis, who Lefkowitz praised for his dedication to the commercial development process, and Land Use Officer Vito Marinaccio and Code Enforcement Officer Chris Jackson.
Another businesses considering a move to Howell is a day care center for pets, Lefkowitz said. He cited the large number of commuters in the community and the fact that Howell has about 20,000 dogs. He said a "doggie day care" business is considering an 8-acre site on Route 33.
Lefkowitz said that besides providing a viable business, the doggie day care facility also would help preserve most of the 8-acre tract as open space.
Also, Lefkowitz said discussions are under way for the possible development of an industrial park on Randolph Road across from Arnold Steel, which would be the home base for light manufacturing and additional office retail space.
In addition, a 10-screen movie theater is being proposed at Lanes Mill Road and Route 9. Lefkowitz said he received an agreement from the developer that there will be no arcade at the theater.
Lefkowitz said the Benderson Group, the developer of Howell Commons on Route 9, was "moving aggressively on all fronts," saying the shopping center is expected to be completed by Christmas.
According to Lefkowitz, Benderson is also likely to buy the Moon Motel and put up a Quality Inn or similar establishment.
He also said a corporate broker, Omni Serve, is involved in talks regarding "filling in the gaps in strip malls" such as Aldrich Plaza.
Summing up his presentation, Lefkowitz commended the governing body for its dedication to attracting clean, commercial businesses to the township.
He asked council members to be aware, however, that biotechnology firms and large distribution companies will want zoning in place along with public water and sewer before they will commit to moving here.
Finally, Lefkowitz said he created a brochure for prospective businesses in order to illustrate Howell’s potential. He said it contains key demographic data and an emphasis on Howell’s "quality of life."
The brochure will be submitted for review by the mayor and council for any suggestions or revisions, and a compact disc will then be made of the finished product.
Lefkowitz said he will be making monthly presentations to the governing body in order to keep officials informed of ongoing economic development proposals.