East Windsor may host $142M complex
By: Dick Brinster
EAST WINDSOR A $142 million complex that would import culture, art, architecture and history from India might be built in the township, just off the New Jersey Turnpike.
Mayor Janice Mironov said the concept, which calls for construction of several buildings on a 152-acre site off Milford Road, will be presented to residents later this month. She said Metuchen-based BAPS Inc., an international nonprofit organization serving the Indian community, would own the complex.
BAPS bought the industrially zoned land south of the Conair complex two years ago. It would need municipal approval to rezone the plot, according to the mayor.
The religious and philanthropic organization with roots in India is tax-exempt, but Mayor Mironov said BAPS understands it’s expected to enter into an agreement to make payments in lieu of taxes and to "generously support" programs in the township. She said she wants the developer to completely explain the project.
"We felt it was important, and they agreed, that the concept and proposal be shared with the community for comments before any formal steps are taken or considered," she said.
The plan is expected to be presented at 7:30 p.m. May 25 at the Ramada Inn at 399 Monmouth St.
Various buildings included in the proposed complex are an assembly hall, conference and exhibition center, youth center, food court and shopping area, Indian restaurant, yoga and meditation center, house of worship, library and research center, monument, and visitor’s center. The complex would be open to the public and various facilities would be made available for public use.
One of the mayor’s pet sayings is "All is great at Exit 8," and that location played a major role in the decision to establish the complex in the township, according to a member of the development team. The land on which the yet-to-be-named facility would be located is slightly more than a mile from the foot of the Turnpike exit ramp.
"Clearly, there was a belief that the location adjoining Exit 8 would provide direct access with the least amount of disruption to the surrounding community," said Anthony Cimino, spokesman for Schoor DePalma of Manalapan, the project engineer. "There are a number of factors for choosing the site, and East Windsor is an excellent community in which to place the facility."
The plan was enthusiastically received Wednesday by Indian immigrant Bhavesh Patel, a township resident and business manager in Edison.
"I am very excited that BAPS is undertaking such a project," he said. "They are recognized by the U.N. for their charitable work and I am also aware of their wonderful work in the areas of community services, health, education and relief efforts for Katrina and other tragedies.
"It seems to me that such a complex will definitely serve the needs of the surrounding community. And because it’ll be open to all, it will help build deeper understanding of various cultures and arts for all residents. In today’s time, a center that promotes universal values and harmony could be a great asset for our children."
Mayor Mironov said BAPS is expected to make considerable contributions to the township.
"The developer has been made aware and agrees that, in lieu of taxes, an agreement would have to be worked out that, if the proposal were to be well received and go forward at any point, they would have to be a significantly contributing good neighbor to the community and township," the mayor said. "They understand and they would wish to generously support the needs and services of the community in important areas such as open space, youth recreation, senior program needs and emergency services."
The mayor said more than half the site would remain undeveloped as preserved open space. The campus, as proposed, would include large landscaped areas featuring ponds, fountains and garden.
Mayor Mironov hopes establishment of the facility, also easily accessible from the Pennsylvania Turnpike and several interstate highways and within a three-hour drive of perhaps 25 million people, would spur additional business development in the eastern part of the township.
"One of the purposes of the public meeting is for the sponsor to discuss what they believe are to be positive benefits for the area as a result of their proposal." The mayor said. "That could include positive impact for local businesses such as restaurants and hotels, from which the town collects a state fee for occupied rooms."
There also is potential for expansion of the area south of the East Windsor Business Park. The Indian facility would become the southernmost developed property on Milford Road. The property is across the street from Etra Lake and bounded on the south by Rocky Brook. Access to the proposed development would be from Milford Road.
There is no timetable for construction, Mr. Cimino said.
"Our preference is to go before the public and let them hear about and have time to consider it," he said. "We want their input before we do anything."

