Woodbridge Council Reshapes Route 1 Redevelopment Plan, Pulls Support for Dispensary
Township also purchases NJDOT parcel and approves major capital spending
Caption. (Source)
December 4, 2025
The Woodbridge Town Council accelerated its redevelopment agenda Tuesday night, approving a major update to the Route 1 Area 7 Redevelopment Plan, withdrawing local support for a stalled cannabis dispensary project, and acquiring a key NJDOT parcel near the Route 440 interchange.
The meeting also opened with a high-energy celebration for three championship youth soccer teams.
Route 1 Redevelopment Plan Updated with New Housing and Park Districts
The council adopted a significant amendment to the Route 1 Area 7 Redevelopment Plan, reshaping 15 acres along the Avenel stretch of the highway. The update lays out a clearer vision for transforming a cluster of aging commercial and vehicle-related lots into a mix of new housing, park space, and modern commercial or light-industrial uses.
One of the most notable changes is the creation of a Residential District, which would allow new townhouses and could provide a future site for relocating the township’s Route 1 trailer park, identified in the plan as outdated and difficult to maintain in its current condition.
The amendment also creates a Public Park District to introduce recreational space in an area dominated by dense commercial development. Other updates push for consolidating driveways and reducing the number of direct access points onto Route 1—an effort aimed at improving traffic safety along a corridor known for congestion and frequent turning movements.
Township officials did not discuss any active redevelopment applications tied to the updated plan.
Council Withdraws Support for Mad Hatter Dispensary
In a separate vote affecting the township’s commercial landscape, the council rescinded its earlier support for Mad Hatter Dispensary, citing the operator’s failure to meet obligations under its redevelopment agreement.
Council President Cory Spillar said:
“The only good thing about this at this point is the adult variety center is closed down and will never open up again. They basically sold us a broken box of rocks. They’re not adhering to what they needed to do, including knocking down the existing adult variety center within the six-month period that was put forth in their redevelopment agreement, along with a plethora of other things.”
The Central Jerseyan reached out to Mad Hatter Dispensary for comment.
Township Acquires NJDOT Parcel Near Route 440 Interchange
The council approved the acquisition of Parcel P1, a small NJDOT-owned property located near Smith Street and Newton Street, within the area influenced by the Smith Street & Newton Street Redevelopment Plan.
That plan seeks to reposition underused industrial parcels, improve circulation near the Route 440 connector, and attract new commercial or mixed-use development. Officials did not specify whether Parcel P1 will be incorporated into the plan, but its location suggests potential alignment with future roadway or redevelopment improvements.
A township aerial map highlights the Smith Street and Newton Street Redevelopment Area near the Route 9 and Smith Street interchange, where Woodbridge is planning long-term redevelopment activity. (Courtesy of Township of Woodbridge Redevelopment Plan (Amended June 2023)
$5.65M in Capital Bonds Approved
$3.45 Million for Equipment and Vehicles
The council approved a broad capital bond for township-wide improvements, including new municipal vehicles and equipment. No details were provided on which departments will receive upgrades.
$2.2 Million for Ice Rink Equipment
A second bond funds the replacement of compressor units at the Woodbridge Community Center ice rink. A separate ice-chiller bid was rejected later in the meeting.
All three championship youth soccer teams honored by Woodbridge Township — the Cosmos, Galaxy, and Wildcats — gather for a combined photo at Tuesday’s council meeting. (Courtesy of Woodbridge Township via Facebook)
Youth Soccer Teams Take Center Stage
Three championship youth soccer teams filled the council chambers as the township honored a standout fall season for local athletes.
The Colonia Cosmos boys team earned recognition for winning their Mid-New Jersey Flight Division and sweeping the Branchburg Fall Classic tournament. Players shared brief remarks, including one who said, “I just like to say I want to congratulate Colonia for working hard at the tournament and winning it.”
Player Isaac Henry praised Coach Anthony Alfieri, saying, “He doesn’t yell a lot. He’s really nice.” Alfieri reported the team finished two leagues with a combined 14-2-4 record.
The Colonia Galaxy boys team were honored for winning their first Presidents Cup title and reaching the State Cup final.
“We got good defenders, good midfielders, good strikers,” said Daniel T.. Team captain Martin called the season “a great experience,” and co-captain Alex R. noted the coaches “made the boys work really hard,” drawing laughs from the room. Coach Rafal Rebisz thanked families, saying, “Without you, we wouldn’t make it tonight.”
The Woodbridge Wildcats girls team drew the largest ovation of the night after becoming the first team in township history — boys or girls — to win a New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cup Championship.
“We didn’t lose any,” said Carmela Giglio.
Captain Kelsey Markovic highlighted that “our defense is just amazing,” while co-captain Claire Downes credited Coach Michael Giglio: “He pushed the team a lot… that’s why we won most of our games.”
Giglio walked officials through the journey: “It started with 16 teams,” narrowing down weekly “until there was only one.”
Council members Debbie Meehan and Lizbeth DeJesus praised the athletes, with DeJesus noting how significant the Wildcats’ win is for girls’ sports in Woodbridge.
Other Actions
T&M Associates received a $153,950 contract for Main Street streetscape engineering.
Liquor license transfers were approved, including one for Jersey Boys Pizza.
Emergency temporary appropriations were authorized for 2026.
The Police Department received approval to purchase a 2026 Ford Interceptor.
The council approved three easement modifications on Wood Avenue affecting condominium lots.