Dear Neighbor,

Last fall the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), in partnership with the Township Committee, announced its intent to develop a visioning strategy for the Madison Avenue Corridor (“the Corridor”), a specific section of Madison Avenue located within Morris Township, between the Normandy Parkway and Canfield Rd /Convent Rd intersections.  The full letter introducing the initiative can be read here.  The visioning process seeks to give our community a voice in shaping the kinds of development proposals for the Corridor, which may be presented for consideration in the future.

The Corridor is in a phase of transition. Part of EDAC’s mission is to recommend a forward-looking strategy for redevelopment proposals in the Corridor. This will be a collaborative process and developed with input from the existing property owners, Township residents and development professionals. The goal is to provide input so that the Township’s and resident’s interests and vision for this historic and important segment of our Township are considered in any future projects in the Corridor.

It is very important to note that the Corridor consists of all privately owned properties. This is not public or Township property that can simply be developed or converted into gardens, parks, or greenspace. As commercial enterprises, the property owners are seeking to maximize their investments, which EDAC anticipates will enhance the economic vibrancy of our community. Developers/ business owners will continue to follow all standard land use, zoning and planning board protocols. EDAC appreciates the importance of keeping the community engaged in the future development of the Corridor and the visioning process seeks to ensure your inputs are considered.

We would also like to highlight some of the current changes that are already underway on the Corridor:

• RH (Restoration Hardware) purchased The Abbey, located at 355 Madison Ave (corner of Canfield Road), and is currently under construction for their new showroom/dining facility.
• The Primrose School is currently under construction for their new childcare facility located at 204 Madison Ave (the former Wells Fargo branch location).
• An application has been presented to the Planning Board for a Dunkin Donuts at 222 Madison Avenue (the former TD bank branch location). The application can be found here.
• 299 Madison Avenue will remain a commercial entity with anticipated renovations for new tenants and parking that meets medical use facilities.

The following survey is an important component of EDAC’s initiative and is intended to gauge initial input from residents. A separate complimentary, live (virtual) “Visioning Session” will be scheduled in the coming weeks, and we encourage as many residents to participate as possible.