Council designates developer for South Avenue redevelopment that would add 150 units and grocery space

Plainfield — The City Council voted separately to designate a developer for a proposed mixed-use redevelopment at 1405–1479 South Avenue after pulling the item from the consent agenda for additional discussion.

Economic development staff described the project as a 150-unit residential development that would include 15 workforce units, a commercial component intended to accommodate a grocery store between approximately 11,020 and 20,000 square feet, and a minimum of 265 parking spaces. Staff also cited a negotiated $350,000 community benefit. The council asked about parking configuration; the administration said a parking deck at the rear of the property adjacent to the rail line plus surface parking are planned to meet the 265-space commitment.

The resolution designating the developer (R449-25) was removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration and passed by roll call with 5 votes in favor and 2 opposed. Council members asked whether the grocery was guaranteed; staff said they had been speaking with the property owner and with at least three grocers who have shown interest but could not guarantee a signed tenant at the time of the designation.

Council members also discussed environmental and site issues including lot size and soil contamination concerns on some lots; staff said contamination investigations would be part of the planning-board process and disclosure would occur during that review.

Because the developer designation proceeds in advance of planning-board approvals, subsequent steps will include planning-board review, site remediation if required, parking-deck design details and final tenant agreements for the commercial space.