BRICK-There is mixed news today regarding the future of several high profile commercial properties in Brick Township that have been vacant, courtesy of Mayor John Ducey during his Tuesday evening Facebook Live discussion with residents.
In 2016, after 50 years in business, the Jersey Paddler closed its doors at their Route 88 location, near the intersection of Route 70 and the old Laurelton Circle.
Mayor John Ducey said there although there has been plenty of talk around town about the future of the Jersey Paddler site, but nothing concrete yet. He said plans for a hotel and other such projects never materialized.
“The former owners still own the property and they’re looking to sell,” Ducey said. “A new business will be there. It’s zoned commercial so it will be some type of commercial use.”
As far as the former Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft store at the intersection of Jack Martin Boulevard and Route 88 there will be a new business moving in soon, At Home Recreation.
At Home Recreation is a store similar to the old Branch Brook Pools business which sells above ground pools, hot tubs, patio sets, outdoor kitchens and pool tables.
They have 4 locations in New Jersey including East Brunswick, Ocean, Manahawkin and Hazlet. The Brick location will be their 5th store.
Ducey said the store sells seasonal products all year long.
“It’s a really awesome addition to Brick Township,” Ducey said. “It’s really exciting for the town.”
As for the old Pathmark plaza, Ducey said he is unsure of which stores are moving in, but said he was told by the owners that two food store chains are in negotiations with the owners and that the owners of the property definitely want to put food stores in the space. He did not have the names of those food stores.
Moving on to the old Foodtown site on Route 88, Ducey said the land is still tied up in the courts and will soon be heard in trial after he rejected a proposal to build a condo complex that had been approved by the prior administration. The township is being sued by M&M developers over the future use of the parcel.
Ducey reiterated that although the town does not have anything to do with the negotiations between landlords and tenants, as mayor, he is often privy to what the owners of the properties let him know about their future tenants.
Photo: Jersey Paddler Google Maps/Google Earth.
