TINTON FALLS, NJ-Construction has started for Avalon Tinton Falls, a new 216-unit apartment complex being developed by the Alexandria, VA-based AvalonBay Communities. Leasing is expected to start in early spring 2008, with occupancy shortly thereafter, according to Ron Ladell, VP of development in the company's Woodbridge, NJ office. Cost of the project hasn't been released.

"It's our twelfth community in New Jersey," Ladell says. "And it's our third community in Monmouth County."

Avalon Tinton Falls will consist of eight, three-story buildings. Its 216 units will be comprised of 51 one-, 141 two- and 24 three-bedroom floor plans. The community, located just off Exit 100 of the Garden State Parkway, is surrounded by 63 acres of Monmouth County-owned open space and the Shark River. It will feature a fitness center and a variety of related amenities.

AvalonBay has been very active in New Jersey of late. As reported by GlobeSt.com, the company opened its Avalon Lyndhurst, a 328-unit mid-rise apartment community in Northern New Jersey in May. And in July, the company bought Avalon Rutherford Station, a 108-unit garden-style community in East Rutherford for a reported $36 million.