MORRIS PLAINS, NJ—The 63-acre former Pfizer complex here has been vacant since the pharmaceutical firm left the property in 2011 and will likely continue to be until litigation surrounding the property's development is resolved.
M&M Realty Partners acquired the property in August 2012 and later issued a conceptual plan to the borough that called for a mixed-used development of 500 apartments, condominiums and townhouses, and 1,000 square feet of retail space. After some municipal officials complained the project was too large, M&M filed a builder's remedy lawsuit in January 2013 that claimed the borough had not satisfied its low to moderate-income housing obligations required under the Fair Housing Act. If the court determines the borough has an unmet affordable housing need, it can compel the development of projects at a higher density than currently permitted under its zoning ordinances, according to the NJ.com.
M&M is seeking court approval to allow 800 units of housing at the former Pfizer site, 295 of which would be built as affordable housing.
Morris Plains Mayor Frank Druetzler says the site's fate remains uncertain, considering the litigation as well as environmental remediation that is required at the property. See story at NJ.com.
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