NORTH BRUNSWICK – Revenue from construction projects in North Brunswick has more than doubled during the past year.
From July 2016 to June 2017, there has been a 33 percent increase in construction permits issued, translating into a revenue increase from $600,000 annually to $1.4 million.
For the past two years, there had been 1,890 construction permits issued, which has increased to 2,500 one month shy of the fiscal year, which begins in July in North Brunswick.
“We have shattered our permit revenue,” Michael Hritz, director of the Department of Community Development, said during the May 30 council workshop meeting.
Hritz said there are 15 “substantial” construction projects currently underway on every major corridor of North Brunswick. A lot of work is taking place at the MainStreetNB transit village project on Route 1, including the recently opened Panera Bread drive through and an upcoming Courtyard Marriott.
On Route 1, a Chase Bank will soon replace the Exxon station at the intersection with Aaron Road; a Holiday Inn Express is planned; the North Brunswick Marketplace will include Quick Chek and Wendy’s; Skechers will join the Raymour & Flanigan shopping center; and Trader Joe’s was recently announced for the North Village Shopping Center.
On Route 130, a dental office is coming near Adams Lane, a medical building is planned for Old Georges Road near Grace Church and Pierre Hage-Boutros is building Clara Plaza next to his existing restaurant, Labebe.
On How Lane, Quick Chek opened earlier this year. Another medical arts building is in the works.
Pioli Properties received its certificate of occupancy for the former National Strings building on Georges Road, with the first of 24 apartments moved in and retail shops planned for the first floor.
Hritz said there are 10 community development staff members involved with permits from the zoning, engineering and construction office divisions, he said.
“This is an extraordinary uptick in work for the professional staff,” he said.
Permit fees are part of general annual revenue.
“I think this growth is reflective of both our improving economy and the hard work of our development team. We are a business friendly community with a professional staff and engaging land use boards that work hard to support and carefully manage our growth,” Hritz said.
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@newspapermediagroup.com.
