Business View Magazine | August 2019

296 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 JMF Properties: Excited to Open Newest Clarus Community in Glen Ridge Intelligently-designed, highly-detailed, transit- oriented development continues to spread throughout New Jersey as government officials and local stakeholders recognize the lasting positive impact this type of development has on municipalities. Developer JMF Properties is at the forefront of this movement, creating properties that embrace the unique character of each community. JMF’s focus on this type of development is evident in thriving communities such as Estling Village in Denville and Clarus Maplewood, the first WELL Certified™ residential community in New Jersey. Under the leadership of Joseph M. Forgione, with more than 25 years of experience in the industry, JMF Properties has earned a reputation for creating residential, retail and mixed-use communities of lasting value in some of the state’s most desirable locations. Mr. Forgione has developed more than 2,500 residential units that are under JMF’s management, as well as multiple commercial and retail properties during his career. Additionally, more than a dozen projects are currently in various stages of approval or construction, totaling 1,200 residential units and more than 1,000,000 square feet of retail anchored by top retailers such as Whole Foods, Starbucks, Homesense, Shake Shack, LA Fitness and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Now JMF Properties is proud to introduce the newest residential community that will carry the “Clarus” brand name, Clarus Glen Ridge. Taking its cue from the property’s Latin name, which means “clear” or “bright”, Clarus Glen Ridge will offer a balanced lifestyle with light-filled residences, exquisite finishes and appointments, and a curated collection of amenities in the historic Borough of Glen Ridge, just a short walk from downtown Montclair and the Bay Street train station. Construction is underway, with an estimated spring, 2020 grand opening planned. ...... To learn more, please visit our website www.jmfproperties.com suburban living. Residents of Clarus Glen Ridge will have access to a full-complement of amenities, including a state- of-the-art wellness center with fitness room and yoga/spin room with virtual fitness, lobby lounge, social lounge, billiards room, library, business center, package room, bike storage, second floor residents’ lounge, and a theater. Outside, a landscaped courtyard will include multiple seating areas, a game area, al fresco dining areas, grills, and a fire pit. Clarus Glen Ridge will be a pet-friendly community, and dog owners will appreciate the on-site bark park. Plenty of covered, secure garage parking will be available thanks to the 220-space garage that is already completed. “Yet another upcoming project concerns the town’s educational system,” Rohal continues. “Years ago, when the school population was dropping, Glen Ridge sold its Central School to Wells Fargo Bank. The Board of Education reacquired the building through eminent domain, and we are now converting it back into an elementary school; it’s going to be pre-K to second grade. We anticipate the renovations to be completed by August. We’re going to phase in the grades; the first grade that’s going in is the pre-K, so it will be four years before it’s totally occupied.” In an effort to lower its residents’ energy costs,