Tuesday, January 12, 2016

South Orange's Valley Street Corridor is Changing


South Orange, New Jersey: Valley Street in South Orange has been lined with auto repair shops, used car dealerships, houses, and apartments for Seton Hall University students for several decades. However, the block, which stretches from South Orange Avenue in Downtown to the Maplewood border, is seeing significant changes. 

The Third and Valley development, which will feature a parking garage, 215 apartments, an outdoor pool, and first floor retail space, is nearing completion. Construction on the property began in 2014. The South Orange Rescue Squad and a commuter parking lot were previously located on the site. Prior to 2005, a car dealership and a Gulf gas station operated on part of the land along Valley Street.

One block away, the corner of Fourth and Valley Streets is also expected to see new construction. Keystone Properties is planning to build a three story building at 184 Valley Street, a small lot that is currently used as a private parking lot which stretches down Fourth Street. Should the project be approved, there would be three "townhouse style residences", according to Planning Board minutes.

Next to Seton Hall University's Ora Manor student housing building, a 22 unit apartment building will be constructed at 320 Valley Street. An abandoned home which dates to 1895 currently sits on the property. Parking will be available for residents.

According to township records, Blink Fitness will be opening a location outside of the Stop & Shop supermarket at the site of an unused building. The Stop & Shop was a Pathmark supermarket until late 2015. In addition, just across the border in Maplewood, CVS/pharmacy opened last year at the site of the A&P building, which was used as a dollar store before closing.

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