Kenvue Redevelopment Study Heads to Planning Board as Independent Consultant Is Chosen for 23 Orchard

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY, NJ — Montgomery Township’s Planning Board received its first formal update Sept. 28 on the newly authorized redevelopment investigation of the former Kenvue campus at 199 Grandview Road, while separately approving an outside consultant to examine redevelopment possibilities for 23 Orchard Road.

Although the two properties are proceeding through different stages of the redevelopment process, both are expected to return before the Planning Board in the coming months. The Sept. 28 meeting agenda also included final action on the previously approved Thrive at Montgomery application.

Kenvue Action Is a Study — Not a Redevelopment Approval
The Planning Board discussion concerning 199 Grandview Road, the former Kenvue campus, was relatively brief but provided an important explanation of what happens next. Board attorney, Karen Cayci, said the Township Committee has authorized preparation of a study-area report examining whether the designated property meets the statutory criteria to qualify as an Area in Need of Redevelopment. Officials emphasized that the Township Committee has not approved a redevelopment plan or determined that the property qualifies for redevelopment designation. Once the investigation is completed, the report will be presented to the Planning Board and made available to the public. The Planning Board will then conduct a public hearing and determine what recommendation, if any, it wishes to send to the Township Committee. The governing body would ultimately decide whether to accept or reject a redevelopment designation.

Residents Ask Board for Independent Review
The update drew comments from residents who have been following the future of the former corporate campus.

Jennifer Winell of Skillman acknowledged that the Planning Board must undertake the investigation authorized by the Township Committee but urged members to conduct an independent review of the property. Winell asked the board to consider Montgomery’s existing planning goals involving open space, farmland and woodland preservation and requested that the eventual report include information about what state and county preservation funding sources may have been explored for the property.

Dave Leonard of Skillman raised questions about the legal criteria required for an Area in Need of Redevelopment designation. Leonard cited a 2023 New Jersey Supreme Court decision involving West Orange and argued that the board should closely consider whether existing conditions at the Grandview Road property meet the standards contained in New Jersey redevelopment law. He specifically questioned whether conditions at the property could be demonstrated to be detrimental to the health, safety, morals or welfare of the community. Leonard’s remarks reflected his interpretation of the applicable redevelopment law. Whether the Grandview property satisfies the statutory criteria will be evaluated through the formal investigation and subsequent Planning Board process.  

Resident and former Mayor Devra Keenan attempted to raise additional objections concerning a potential redevelopment designation, but the board chair suggested those arguments would be more appropriately addressed once an actual study is before the board.

23 Orchard Reaches a Different Stage
While Grandview Road is only beginning the investigative phase, the board took a more concrete step involving 23 Orchard Road. The Planning Board approved the appointment of Econsult Solutions, Inc. to provide economic-development advisory services as the township works toward preparation of a redevelopment plan for the property. Board members were careful during the discussion to distinguish the 23 Orchard appointment from the Kenvue matter. A Planning Board subcommittee interviewed three firms before recommending Econsult Solutions. Members said they wanted an outside consultant capable of taking a broad and independent look at what could be economically viable at the property. An earlier concept had largely originated from the developer’s perspective, according to the discussion, and members said public comments received during previous meetings contributed to their desire for an independent examination of other possibilities. Board member Paul Blodgett said the goal was to get “another look with another type of planner” and bring a different perspective to the site.

$65,500 Contract Funded Through Property Owner Escrow
The contract with Econsult Solutions is for an amount not to exceed $65,500 and runs through Dec. 31, 2026. Officials said the work will be funded through an escrow account posted by the property owner, meaning general township funds will not be used to pay for the consultant. The Planning Board approved the professional-services appointment on a roll-call vote unanimously.

Thrive at Montgomery Resolution Memorialized
Earlier in the Sept. 28 meeting, the board also approved the formal resolution for GTP Acquisitions, LLC, known as Thrive at Montgomery, at 22 Scarborough Road. The matter involves a minor subdivision and preliminary and final major site plan. Before approving the resolution, several edits were incorporated, including language concerning testimony about the allocation of unit types and additional clarification regarding deed restrictions associated with Medicaid beds.

Major Development Matters Will Return
The Planning Board closed the meeting by identifying several matters expected to appear on future agendas, including Springpoint at Montgomery, 23 Orchard Road and EKahn Development Corp.’s 199 Grandview Road property.  For Grandview Road in particular, the next significant step will come when the Area in Need of Redevelopment study is completed and formally presented to the Planning Board. At that point, the report will become public, a hearing will be held and residents will have another opportunity to comment before the board makes any recommendation to the Township Committee.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com