A redevelopment project at the Paulsboro Plaza is scheduled to begin in early December.
PAULSBORO -- Construction on the dark, dilapidated shopping structure that was once the borough's commercial hub known as Paulsboro Plaza is scheduled to begin in December, the developer responsible for the project announced Thursday.
In a symbolic groundbreaking Thursday afternoon Gregory Ore, of Lindsey-Ore Development joined the borough's governing body and representatives of New Jersey Community Capital to discuss the future of the Plaza.
The empty, cracked parking lot is scheduled to become a landscaped lot with charging stations for electronic vehicles. The boarded up main building will become a grocery store and additional retail and business space. And the end building will be demolished to make room the project's second phase -- a 120-unit senior housing complex.
This project has been in the works for nearly a decade as developers continued to attempt to secure funding and the correct permits to begin construction.
The first phase of the four-pronged redevelopment will turn the former Acme grocery store -- which is currently close to gutted -- into a brand new Save-A-Lot grocery store, as well as redo the rest of the connected building to be new commercial space.
MORE: Construction funding approved for long-awaited Paulsboro Plaza
Roof construction is scheduled to begin on this building in December, which will lead to full construction. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2016, according to Ore.
"We know this site is the heart of the town," he said. "It's sad it went into disrepair."
Local elected leaders and business owners gathered at the Paulsboro Plaza to celebrate the fact that construction is finally about to begin.
"We've been waiting for this to happen for a long time," said Phil Weiss, owner of Weiss's True Value hardware store on Broad Street. "Words cannot express how happy every business owner in Paulsboro should be about this happening. This whole shopping center plan can make or break the town."
Mayor Jeff Hamilton called the redevelopment a job creator for the community that will also beautify the area.
"This is a catalyst to get Paulsboro back to where is needs to be," added Councilman Gary Stevenson. "It's taking an eye sore and bringing jobs...This is a starting point for Paulsboro."
Rebecca Forand may be reached at rforand@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @RebeccaForand. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.