New Plan Expected Soon to Redevelop Wayne Town Center

Officials expect the Wayne Town Center property owners to refile a site plan to redevelop the 49-acre site soon.

Mayor Chris Vergano said officials were “very encouraged” by a meeting that was held with the key people involved with the redevelopment and town officials recently.

Vergano said he expects Wayne Town Center Associates (WTCA) to file their “all-encompassing” plan within 90 days.

The plan would include the addition of various smaller buildings around the perimeter of the property. A new tenant for the former Fortunoff building could also be announced soon. It is expected that the Fortunoff building will be knocked down and a new building will be built in its place.

“We are extremely pleased that they are moving forward with the redevelopment of this site and look forward to working with them to make this new development plan a success,” Vergano said.

WTCA withdrew its application to redevelop the site in October. That application called for 750,000 square feet of building space to be added to the once-thriving property next to the Willowbrook Mall. Several “high-end” businesses, a Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a health club were slated to be a part of that redevelopment project.

“They need to do something because they have all these nice places on the outside and nothing here,” Gabriella Flores said as she pointed to the vacant land next to JC Penny. “If they can get something good going here it would be a great place to come all the time between this and Willowbrook.”

The main part of the building was demolished in 2009. Businesses, including Old Navy, and the now defunct Borders Books and Music, left the main part of the mall one by one since 2008. JC Penny is the only remaining original store. Several retail stores and restaurants are located around the periphery of the property.

Vornado Realty Trust bought a leasehold interest in the site for $12.5 million from Wells Fargo & Co. in late 2010.

Officials are hoping that the redevelopment of the Wayne Town Center and properties like the former State Farm property on Route 23 will help stabilize the town’s ratable base.

The former State Farm building has been torn down and the lot is vacant.

“As of today, we have not heard from anyone concerning the old State Farm property,” Vergano said. “With the very old building being demolished, the property should become much more marketable.”

Construction projects on other commercial properties is moving forward. A new QuickChek is being built on Hamburg Turnpike. A Hilton Garden Inn will be built on Nevins Drive.

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