BARNEGAT – Construction on the new Barnegat 67 Plaza, located on Lighthouse Drive near the Wawa and CVS, is making headway as the first phase of construction continues.
Construction began on Phase One of the project last June and is expected to be completed by the end of this year, according to Mosha Botnick, property developer for the real estate development company Extell Development.
Botnick explained that the construction is to be completed in two pieces: retail and residential. The retail portion of Phase One should be completed by the end of the summer. He noted that Barnegat will likely be seeing a large Planet Fitness center, a Dollar Tree, a physical therapy center, an urgent care facility, and various restaurants for Asian, Italian, pizza, as well as a café.
“The residential portion includes 76 luxury market rate apartments,” said Botnick. These apartments will be one and two bedroom and age-restricted for those 55 years and up.
“There is a need today for seniors to live in a safe, well run, beautiful community as Barnegat is, without owning a home and being burdened with the cost and work of maintaining an individual house,” said Committeeman Albert Bille on the need for age-restricted living spaces. “In addition, age restricted does not add to the school population.”
Phase One’s retail and residential requirements are comprised of 55,000 square feet of building.
“People who live there will be able to take advantage,” said Botnick, by having various types of retail options at their feet, literally.
“It’s a one-stop-shop,” he said.
“Barnegat has been bypassed in the past in regards to commercial development, most going to Stafford and Lacey for a number of reasons,” said Bille, noting that the closing of the A&P and Genaurdi’s supermarkets in 2011 and 2012, respectively, did not help this fact.
“I think Barnegat 67 will add convenience with local retail options, including dining, shopping, medical assistance, fast food and fitness options and etc. I think it will be a destination that will make Barnegat residents feel pride and will add about $500,000 to our tax base,” he added.
Phase Two of construction includes another 45,000 square feet of building and has not begun construction yet.
There is not too much available information yet for Phase Two, as they are in the early stages of constructing, but we will likely see more eateries and a large grocery take over the retail space in phase two, according to Botnick.
Not to mention, another 75 age-restricted apartments for rent.
“I think Barnegat 67 will be something locals and those traveling the parkway will admire and find very useful, just another step in building Barnegat pride,” said Bille.
