BERNARDSVILLE, NJ - Redevelopment plans for the Palmer Property located in the heart of downtown Bernardsville took a significant step forward after design plans, including renderings of the proposed buildings, were revealed to the public at a special borough council meeting.
Over 100 members of the public tuned into the virtual meeting held over Zoom and Youtube on Thursday, Aug. 11. A video of the meeting can be found HERE.
Covering the properties located at 35 and 39 Olcott Square and 5 Morristown Road, the “concept plans,” as described by Mayor Mary Jane Canose, include 10,000 square feet of ground-level retail space, 68 apartments, and 139 spaces of underground parking that will serve both residents and shoppers.
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The proposed mixed-use development site also calls for visual improvements to the ‘streetscape,’ honoring the historic quality of Downtown Bernardsville, according to members of the presentation team, led by Advance Realty Investors and their architectural partners Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA).
The goal is to transform Bernardsville into an attractive destination for shopping and a home for future businesses. The Palmer site’s three adjoining properties (Block 125, Lots 1,2 and 3) are located near the station in downtown Bernardsville. The site is bordered by Olcott Square, Morristown, Mine and Mt. Airy roads.
Overall, public reception to the design plans and digital renderings were positive, with residents expressing approval of the borough’s plans to make the downtown a destination for shoppers, diners and other businesses.
The conceptual presentation unveiled on Thursday, follows a trend of redevelopment in the borough that includes the Quimby Lane Redevelopment Project, also being developed by Advance Realty.
However, concerns surrounding the height of the proposed four-story buildings were echoed by various members of the public and proved to be the main area of concern for the residents and stakeholders who spoke at the meeting.
“I’m very excited about this project,” said David Spence, a commercial property owner of nearby 17 Morristown Road.
“I'm just wondering about the overall scale of the building. It will be the largest and highest building in Downtown Bernardsville.”
“The Palmer building is dwarfed and it really looks out of sync,” said resident Rhonda Pisano when reacting to a computer-rendered view from Olcott Square.’ “I feel like the proposed building is a little too high.”
Resident Ross Zazzerim expressed his support for the project.
“I'm excited for this plan because I think it's a step forward in the revitalization of our downtown,” Zazzerim said. “I think it's also an opportunity to stay in town for those who need to downsize and an opportunity for future homeowners to establish themselves.”
‘Concept’ Plan
Ahead of the public comment, Mayor Canose provided context as to where Thursday’s night’s meeting falls into the redevelopment process for the Palmer site.
“This is a concept plan, this is a vision. The final plans go to the planning board and they make sure it fits into the redevelopment plan and the appropriate zoning,” the mayor said.
Expressing concern for the project was Councilmember Diane Greenfield.
“It’s not enough parking for the guests, patrons, and employees of the 10,000 square feet of retail and office space,” Greenfield said.
Councilmember Greenfield also wanted to know how the site would account for truck deliveries and movers.
Mayor Canose responded to Greenfield’s comments by saying that the issues would be addressed when the redevelopment plan goes before the planning board, where “expert testimony” will discuss the traffic and parking impact.
“I also know many towns have faced a lot of the same concerns that Diane and many residents bring up,” Councilmember Christine Zamarra said. “ I know they are not insurmountable. I know that we can work through them."