Business Movement on Route 18

Retail business along Route 18 could be better, but according to the township economic coordinator, things are looking up.

“We’re moving along slowly but steadily,” said Economic Coordinator Ed Cohen.

During a report to the Township Council on Monday, Cohen said there are several vacant stores that are close to getting tenants. He also said is slated to have a full house by the end of the year.

The approximately 56,000-square-foot center was approved in 2010 and is expected to be home to 11 tenants. According to William A. Lenaz, senior vice president of R.J. Brunelli & Co. Inc. in Old Bridge, Pier 1 Imports, Five Below, Ulta (a cosmetics store) and Muscle Maker Grill have signed letters of intent to lease space in the building. David’s Bridal and Annie Sez have both signed leases, with already open. In addition, Torrid, a fashion store, and Panera Bread are both negotiating space in the center.

“They also have been talking to a couple of other people, like Chipotle,” said Cohen.

Up the road, at the “Miracle Mall,” home to the , Cohen said a 12,000-square-foot Japanese hibachi restaurant and a furniture store are eyeing space. In addition, a company that wants to put in a laser tag complex in the old movie theater space may be seeking a use variance before the end of the year. He said a use variance is needed because zoning requires entertainment establishments to seek special approval when they are within 500 feet of a residence.

Cohen also said changes are in store for the Brunswick Square Mall that include closing the store and changing the space into an area that can accommodate two restaurants. The plans, he said, also call for creating an entrance to the mall from the outside. Currently, customers parking near the store must access the mall through JC Penny.

Paul Crociata of Simon, which operates the mall, said those plans aren’t expected to move ahead in some time and that plans haven’t been approved by Simon yet.

Cohen also was optimistic about a movement on plans for L.A. Fitness to move into the old Linens and Things, near Kohl’s on Route 18. He said a lawsuit filed against an L.A. Fitness competitor is nearly closed and that permits could be filed with the township within the next two weeks to convert the building in to a sports club.

”They feel a verdict is close and they’re very optimistic, so they’re going ahead with construction,” said Cohen.

However, Cohen said plans for may be on hold temporarily. In February, the Planning Board granted approval for a project that included tearing down the “old Hostess bakery” behind Kohl’s and Dick’s, subdividing the 32.9-acre lot and building a 220,000-square-foot, three building, retail center. However, a large national retailer has backed out of a tentative agreement to move into the building.

Councilman James Wendell asked that Cohen reach out to businesses currently in the building  and facilitate their eventual move to other spaces in East Brunswick.

“We have a number of vacancies, we should try to keep them in East Brunswick,” said Wendell.

Mayor David Stahl agreed, and said the township should approach the businesses when the time is right, with an eye toward making sure they don’t interfere with any existing leases the tenants may have.