What’s in the works for the Voorhees Town Center?
At the township committee meeting Monday, the redevelopment plan for the Voorhees Town Center was passed, officially bringing forth the beginning of redevelopment ideas to the area
The redevelopment of the Voorhees Town Center continues to be a major topic of conversation for the community as plans for the property progress.
At the Voorhees Township Committee meeting last Monday, an ordinance was passed on second reading adopting a redevelopment plan for portions of the property.
Brandywine Financial Corp. has put down an offer to purchase the property from the mall’s current owner, Namdar Financial, which was agreed upon last month. The amount the deal is worth has not yet been released.
The deal includes “the existing mall, the Macy’s building and the surrounding parking lot,” said Mario DiNatale, the economic development director for Voorhees Township. “It does not include the Boscov’s or [Town Center Boulevard].”
The municipal offices are also not included in the sale and are expected to remain where they are after the sale.
“What it does is allow the developer to do certain things. The township has set parameters,” DiNatale said. “It’s like a menu of different items that the township is willing to see be developed here.”
DiNatale said the township is looking for a small number of additional townhouses and active senior apartments, while also repurposing the existing mall and Macy’s building. The hope is to turn the location once again into a destination for South Jersey residents.
“We look forward to working with Brandywine Financial to redevelop the Voorhees Town Center into an exciting destination site,” Mayor Michael Mignogna said in a statement to The Sun. “The Redevelopment Plan gives the developer flexibility and will serve as a guide to create a mixture of commercial uses with green space and high quality housing opportunities. The vision may include a microbrewery with a beer garden, wine bar, indoor sports complex and a theater.”
DiNatale says he aspires for the location to be able to provide an Xfinity Live-type experience, combining alcoholic beverages along with upgraded foods, such as wings or cheesesteaks, all while being able to watch whatever sports games might be on that night.
“Since that draws in a certain type of clientele, millennials and whatnot, there is an interested party to come in here and bring entertainment that those type of [people] like,” DiNatale said.
Although nothing is confirmed to be coming to the location, he says there have been discussions of trampoline parks, skydiving tunnels, rock climbing walls, as well as other sporting activities.
DiNatale says he plans for the new owners to present in front of the Voorhees Township Planning Board around April or May to ensure their plans are consistent with the redevelopment plan of the township. After receiving approval, construction could start during the summer.
“They’re anxious to get started, and so are we,” DiNatale said.
Also passed at the committee meeting last week was an agreement between the township and Congregation Beth El to provide school security officers during the year. The township has also recently reached an agreement with Kellman Brown Academy.
“The Voorhees Township Committee is pleased to have struck a partnership with both Kellman Brown Academy and Congregation Beth El to provide police officers in those schools all day, every day,” Mignogna said. “This program has existed in the Voorhees Township schools for years. The officer is for the protection of the students, staff and faculty. The presence of an officer also helps foster a level of comfort and respect with the students.”
