The Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, New Jersey, is undergoing a facelift with the construction of a housing development. The project, led by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and its co-developer, Mill Creek Residential, aims to integrate residential housing with the shopping center, creating a diverse community with a town green and a main street outdoor district featuring restaurants and everyday amenities
The first phase of the development includes the construction of 550 luxury apartments, which will be connected to the mall across a 1-acre town green, with future phases potentially incorporating a hotel, medical offices, and senior living
However, some locals have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the development. Traffic congestion is a significant worry, as the area is already known for heavy traffic, especially during peak shopping times.
Additionally, there are apprehensions about the potential increase in property taxes due to the introduction of new housing units. These concerns reflect the complex dynamics associated with such large-scale developments in established areas.This trend of integrating housing with shopping centers is not unique to the Garden State Plaza mall. A similar trend has been observed at the Paramus Park Mall, where the addition of housing units is being considered as part of a broader redevelopment plan. This reflects a growing strategy among mall owners to create live-work-play environments and revitalize underutilized spaces
The integration of housing with shopping centers is a growing trend, aiming to create vibrant, mixed-use communities that offer a sense of place and convenience for residents. By combining residential, retail, and recreational spaces, these developments seek to enhance the overall appeal and sustainability of the areas they serve. However, it is essential to address the legitimate concerns of local residents to ensure that such developments benefit the community as a whole.
