Planners in this township just outside of Trenton gave preliminary approval late last year for the first phase of the project, which comprises the major retail component. A second phase is planned to add several restaurants, while a third phase is envisioned with office, hotel and perhaps additional retail. The additional phases still require preliminary approval.

According to JDN Realty spokesman Arthur Sypek, engineering work, traffic planning and design work is well underway on the site. The company is also in the process of finalizing the deal to buy the land, which is currently owned by the Diocese of Trenton. Cost of the project hasn't been released to the public.

The big box anchor tenant mix will be led by a Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, which is taking the largest amount of space at 177,000 sf. The list also includes Wal-Mart and BJ's Wholesale, although both of them will need variances because their auto service operations don't fit local zoning laws defining retail.

The project also includes moving a historic building, the Grafton Farmhouse, off the property before construction starts. JDN has agreed to pay for the move, which will be to a nearby 10-acre site donated by the township.

While it would seem to be a longshot, JDN officials says they hope to get at least part of Hamilton Marketplace up and running by December, in time to take advantage of some late Holiday shopping. "The weather could be a factor," Sypek admits. "A cold, rainy spring could cause us a lot of trouble."