As you know, this year, your favorite regional business publication has been profiling South Jersey’s “People to Watch” for the past two years.
  Now we’ve turned our attention from “people” to “projects.” Specifically, we’re going county-by-county and looking at the development and redevelopment Projects to Watch, including (when we can) the most important projects completed in the last 12 months,  the most important projects underway, and the most important projects on the drawing board.
  Now it’s Gloucester County’s turn.
  As with all lists, we know that we’ll inevitably overlook some important efforts—just as we missed a few important people. But that’s the nature of lists. And you can help us be as complete as possible be letting us know about any projects in your county that you believe belong on our list. Just drop our publisher, Jenny Ryan, a note with the details at jenny@snjbp.com
  Now, here’s our list from Gloucester County…with thanks to the County’s Director of Economic Development Lisa Morina.
Countywide:
  Rt. 322—The County recently completed the Phase II construction work on Rt. 322 in Richwood, which has completely eliminated the traffic congestion in that area. The total construction cost in Richwood was approximately $4,400,000.00. The work included the widening of the existing roadway to a five-lane section with the complete reconstruction of the two existing signals.
  The County also recently started the first phase of the Mullica Hill By Pass Project.  This project includes the construction of a new by pass roadway around the downtown area of Mullica Hill.  The phase I construction cost is approximately $4,100,000.00.  The County is planning to bid the second phase of this project before the end of this year.
  The County is also currently undertaking 21 road improvement projects totaling approximately $22,000,000 in 12 municipalities, and one project that is countywide.
  Through the Community Development Block Grant program, $590,000 in municipal projects will begin in the fall in eleven different municipalities, including ADA improvements and curb cuts, road improvements and demolition of blighted properties.
  Through the $2.5 million federally grant funded Gloucester County Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) work continues to purchase, rehabilitate and resell 20 homes that were either foreclosed or abandoned to stop blight in several neighborhoods in Paulsboro and Woodbury.
Borough of Paulsboro:
  Work continues on the $250 million public/private Paulsboro Marine Terminal project and the $16 million Mantua Creek overpass.  Final permitting for the project is anticipated in the fall, followed by release of various RFP’s for construction activities.
Mantua Township:
  Total Turf Experience plans to construct a 75,000 square foot indoor sports and wellness management facility on 16 areas of a former brownfields site within the Lambs Road redevelopment area.  Mantua Township MUA recently completed a utilities project providing water and sewer for the TTE facility.  Ground breaking for this project is anticipated by the end of summer.
  A redeveloper has been selected for a mixed used project located on the former Inversand/Ledden properties.  It is anticipated that approximately 200 housing units may be built, in addition to potential restaurants, professional offices or commercial/retail uses. A liquor license may be available for this project.
Borough of Glassboro:
  Work continues in Glassboro on the Rowan Boulevard project, with several projects under final completion or breaking ground in the coming months.  The $18 million Phase 2 student housing project will be completed in August; and the 36,000 square foot, $14 million Barnes & Noble bookstore and Starbucks coffee shop will be complete in September. It is anticipated that the $18 million Courtyard by Marriott hotel will break ground in August, along with the first $30 million mixed use buildings.  The $33 million, 1300 car parking garage is also anticipated to begin construction in 2010.
National Park:
  The Borough of National Park entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Hartz Solar, LLC of Seacaucus, NJ to develop a 5 megawatt solar energy generation project on the former Hawthorne Landfill site.  Hartz Solar, LLC will be the Master Redeveloper for a proposed renewable energy project that will include a solar photovoltaic ground-mounted array that will be interconnected to the local electric distribution system and/or a net-metered installation.  The 75-acre Hawthorne Landfill, located at Woodlawn Avenue and S. Grove Road, has been identified as a priority project by the County. Recently it was designated as an Area in Need of Redevelopment by Borough officials. A final redevelopment plan is expected to be adopted by the end of the summer.  The Borough will continue to pursue remediation and closure of the landfill with Birdsall Services Group, previously selected through RFQ/RFP process as its potential Remediation Firm.
West Deptford:
  The Township moved toward completion of the Riverwinds Redevelopment Plan with the recent lease of the Golf & Tennis Center to RJM, LLC (Ron Jaworski) for $2.1 million which came with a commitment by RJM to build a Golf Clubhouse with a value of at least $2 million.  The facility will include a pro shop, food and beverage facilities, function rooms, and catering.  In addition, Fieldstone Associates, L.P. has been appointed as redeveloper of upwards of 270 upscale homes and a marina on the Delaware River waterfront. 
  Two solar projects have recently been approved in West Deptford Township.  Paradise Solar is developing a 5 MW solar photovoltaic power facility on Crown Point Road.  Sunpower Corporation has been approved for a 5 MW ground mounted solar facility on a 31-acre portion of the 290 acre former Huntsmen site on Mantua Grove Road.
Franklin Township:
  Plans continue for redevelopment of the 50-acre Route Forty Food Center located at the former Meredith Farms site.  Because of the high water/sewer capacity of this property, plans call for light manufacturing, food processing and associated industries.  This site is in a redevelopment area and is adjacent to a public airport.  It is anticipated the project will be a $10 million investment on completion.
Logan Township:
  A landfill solar array project has recently been approved in Logan Township at the former Rollins site on Route 322.  Plans call for a 1.5 MW solar array on the 90-acre capped landfill owned by Bridgeport Disposal, LLC.
On the Planning Board:
  Hotels in Monroe, Washington Township, Deptford and Paulsboro.