SJP Properties to become conditional redeveloper of North Park Place and Washington Street properties

MORRISTOWN – The Town Council unanimously approved two ordinances to conditionally designate SJP Properties as the redeveloper for the North Park Place and Washington Street properties during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The real estate company, which also spearheaded the M Station and Sanofi headquarters projects, is now set to transform the spaces, which include the former Century 21 building, into a “new mixed-use development featuring approximately 120,000 square feet of commercial space, 200 new residential units, and retail,” according to a press release from its public relations partner, Heller Inc.

Details about exact architectural plans and a timeline of project completion were not mentioned. Neither ordinance received further discussion by the council. The press release said that addtional details, including architectural plans, site design and potential commercial tenants, will be announced as the project moves through the planning and approval process.

“They have a successful track record of completing developments in town,” Morristown Town Administrator Jillian Barrick told the council. “We are optimistic to move forward with both of these projects to reinvigorate an area of the Green and an area of our downtown that has been vacant for way too long.”

Mayor Tim Dougherty, echoed the sentiment in his earlier report to the council, saying, “We need to do more stuff in our downtown.” He also thanked the council for their support with the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival.

Sixteen more ordinances were also approved by the council, with some including the insertion of nearly $1.1 million in new grant revenue as well as funding for pickleball courts, improvements to the Budd Street and Jacob Ford playgrounds, and a new bucket truck for the Public Works Department.

Among the 11 items on the consent agenda, four saw individual requests by Dublin Pub and Homestead Bar & Kitchen to serve alcohol beyond their premises for upcoming events. The council approved ABC permits for the former, but the latter’s first request was tabled until the next town council meeting while its second was rejected.

Council President Steve Pylypchuk said they should form a subcommittee—led by Councilman Robert Iannaccone, Councilman Nathan Umbriac, and himself—to lay out parameters that outline why an applicant would want to extend beyond their property.

“This is happening more and more as the town gets more popular,” Pylypchuk said. “I’m not comfortable moving forward and approving because it sets precedence.”

The proposed permit would have allowed Homestead Bar & Kitchen to temporarily extend its operation into the neighboring parking lot at the corner of Dehart Street and Maple Avenue for several Sunday football events from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. throughout September.

During the public hearing, Robert C. Williams, a liquor license attorney with Post Polak law firm who represents Homestead Bar & Kitchen, said he was “very surprised” they rejected the request, noting that the restaurant has received zero complaints from the zoning, police, and fire departments over past events.

“Why in the world would you not want people to come out on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy outside football,” Williams said. “I ask you to reconsider that.”

Two adopted ordinances about regulating instructional kitchens and prohibiting the feeding of non-avian wildlife now move to the final adoption phase. The latter will see fines upward of $2,500 for violations if the ordinance is eventually passed.

Barrick said the move comes after numerous complaints from residents who saw various bird feeders attracting rodents and other undesired animals onto their premises.