Woodbridge issues RFP on 54-acre Avenel complex

The Township of Woodbridge issued requests for qualifications and proposals for the Woodbridge Developmental Center at 289 Rahway Avenue this week, according to Real Estate NJ. The outlet noted that the area, which once housed residents with developmental disabilities, has been designated an area in need of redevelopment, therefore qualifying for tax incentives. RE-NJ reported the town is not seeking proposals for residential use at the 54-acre site, but instead commercial, educational and health care-related uses. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy authorized last August the $5 million acquisition of the former state-owned institute for the disabled. The facility was closed in late 2014 by New Jersey’s Department of Human Services after 50 years in operation. Woodbridge officials are reportedly also open to proposals to now convert the site to industrial use, given the strong demand for such space in the Avenel submarket. The Real Deal has recently noted soaring industrial rents in the Exit 12 New Jersey Turnpike submarket, which includes Avenel. [RE-NJ]