LINWOOD, NJ—The city's acquisition of approximately 17 acres of land from the Cornerstone Commerce Center for use as open space appears to have quelled criticism from some circles that the property would be developed for retail or office space.

Linwood mayor Rick DePamphilis says that the property was acquired with a $953,000 Blue Acres grant from New Jersey and a $250,000 grant from the Stewart Trust, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The mayor says the section by West Monroe Avenue now earmarked for open space will ensure the center does not change the character of the residential neighborhood.

“A lot of those residents living north of that buffer were very concerned about Cornerstone trying to develop that area. That's why we tried so hard to get it since we promised that would never happen,” he says. “This fulfills our promise to those people.”

Karman Development Group LLC announced a tentative $20-million plan on Wednesday to build 90,000 square feet of housing, possibly assisted living or independent living units at the Cornerstone Commerce Center. That use is not permissible under the current development plan. See story in the Press of Atlantic City.