Piscataway, New Jersey

Historic Foundations, Modern Ambitions

 

Heading towards a vibrant future while honoring a past steeped in tradition

Founded in 1666, Piscataway stands as one of the oldest municipalities in the United States, embodying a deep sense of American heritage. Today, it is a vibrant community known for its diverse population, educational institutions, and commitment to sustainable development.

Discussions with key Township leaders—Mayor Brian C. Wahler; Jenn Johnson, Economic Development Officer; Gene Wilk, Public Information Officer; Dawn Corcoran, Supervisor of Planning and Community Development; and Jim Clarkin, Township Attorney—reveal a vivid picture of a town that seamlessly blends its historical roots with a forward-thinking approach to growth and innovation.

A historical haven

“Piscataway has a deep and rich history in this country, being the fifth oldest municipality in New Jersey and the 50th town in the United States,” Wilk highlights. “It has the notable distinction of having the first national 4th of July celebration in 1778.” The historical depth provides a strong foundation for the Township’s identity.

“General Washington, with his colonial army, was headquartered in Piscataway during the Revolutionary War, with troops on both sides of the Raritan River. After defeating the British at the Battle of Monmouth, the colonial army celebrated the first national 4th of July here in Piscataway, setting a precedent for future celebrations,” Wilk includes.

“Piscataway has transformed from a historically rich community into an economic powerhouse,” Mayor Wahler adds. “We have become home to two of the five biggest data centers in the United States and we’re key in the telecommunications sector, housing many recovery sites for Wall Street.”

Economic and infrastructural growth

The Township’s strategic location near New York City and major transportation routes like Route 287 and Route 18 have been essential for economic development. “Our location and proximity to key roadways are why we’re seeing such a spark in economic development and redevelopment,” Johnson notes.

Piscataway’s transformation from a telecommunication hub to a diversified economy is noteworthy. “We have morphed into sectors like pharmaceuticals, logistics, scientific research and development, and food science,” Mayor Wahler explains. “Our 30-year business plan has evolved into a new plan that will guide us for the next 20 to 30 years.”

One of the standout projects in Piscataway’s economic development is the Rockefeller Group’s redevelopment of an old petrochemical site. “The site, once owned by Dow Chemical and Union Carbide, is now one of the largest logistics sites in central New Jersey,” Mayor Wahler states. “They reconstructed major roads around the site without taxpayer dollars, transforming some of the worst streets in our community.”

The Township’s commitment to infrastructure development is evident. “We have 27 road projects under engineering design right now, probably the most of any town in central New Jersey,” Mayor Wahler declares. This includes the reconstruction of Centennial Avenue, a major commercial corridor. “We’re constantly updating our circulation element of the master plan, incorporating bike lanes, sidewalks, and other improvements to enhance community livability,” Corcoran elaborated.

 

Balancing growth and community

Balancing commercial and residential growth is a priority. Clarkin emphasizes the importance of repurposing obsolete buildings and creating new residential spaces, including affordable housing. “We are developing strategies to repurpose buildings that are now obsolete, whether offices or older hotels. We focus on creating a balance between logistics centers and residential areas,” Clarkin explains.

One significant project is the former Ericsson property, a 117-acre piece of land along Hoes Lane. Clarkin describes it as “the Township’s last opportunity to create a downtown.” The vision includes mixed-use buildings, senior housing, and pedestrian-friendly areas. “The project will take several years, but it promises to transform the Township,” he adds.

Senior and affordable housing initiatives

Addressing senior housing needs is another key focus. Clarkin shares details about a new senior housing project on South Washington Avenue, offering various housing options from single-family homes to condominiums and apartments. “The project is located across from our prospective ecological park, providing a passive recreational area for seniors,” Corcoran adds.

The senior housing project is part of a broader initiative to ensure all residents can access suitable housing. “In addition to our existing independent senior living facility, Sterling Village, we’re creating three different housing products for our seniors. Small single-family homes, condominiums, and rental apartments will ensure seniors have choices that suit their needs,” Clarkin explains.

“Many seniors love our active Senior Center and want to stay in Piscataway, but need to downsize,” Mayor Wahler adds. “These new housing options allow them to remain in the community near their families and the amenities they love.”

Attracting new businesses

Piscataway employs various strategies to attract new businesses. Mayor Wahler highlights the Township’s favorable tax policies, including payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements that provide financial predictability for businesses. These agreements help businesses secure financing by offering a clear multi-decade tax timeline, which is crucial for large-scale investments.

The goal is to repurpose obsolete buildings and create modern spaces that attract innovative businesses. Transforming old office buildings into residential units is particularly attractive under the new affordable housing regulations.

Cultural diversity

Piscataway’s cultural diversity is a great source of pride. “The Township is about 37% Asian, 20% African American, 14% Hispanic, and the rest are white, non-Hispanic,” Wilk explains.

“We celebrate all significant cultural events, raising flags and holding celebrations to honor the diverse backgrounds of our residents,” Mayor Wahler states.

The Township’s commitment to cultural diversity also extends to its recreational programs. “All of our Township youth recreation programs are free, allowing children from all walks of life to participate and build friendships,” Wilk says. “This inclusiveness is vital in fostering a strong sense of community.”

 

Innovative projects and sustainability

Piscataway is also making strides in sustainability. Mayor Wahler stresses the importance of solar energy and efficient water usage for the Township’s data centers. “Telecommunications and data centers require a lot of power and cooling. We work closely with utility companies to ensure that we have the necessary infrastructure to support these facilities, including triple power redundancy and low sewer rates,” he describes.

The Township’s planned ecological park is another example of sustainable development. “It will provide a passive recreational area for residents and is a key component of our green initiatives. It is designed to be pedestrian-friendly and encourages outdoor activities,” Corcoran shares.

Piscataway’s focus on sustainability is also evident in its redevelopment projects. “We prioritize projects that include green building practices and energy-efficient designs. This benefits the environment and attracts businesses that value sustainability,” Mayor Wahler states.

 

Recreational and Cultural Attractions

Piscataway offers a variety of recreational and cultural attractions that draw residents and visitors alike. The Township is home to SHI Stadium where Rutgers University football and other Big Ten sports are played. Both Rutgers basketball teams call Piscataway their home at Jersey Mike’s Arena and the men’s team will highlight a top five national recruiting class. Numerous events are also hosted at the historical village, East Jersey Old Town Village, which attracts visitors yearly.

The Township is expanding its recreational amenities to meet the needs of its residents. In response to the community’s growing interest in the sport, pickleball courts are being added to many parks. The park system is a significant achievement, with at least one of the twenty-seven parks within easy walking distance from any home in the Township.

The Piscataway Community Center opened almost four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic and has become a central activity hub. Its growth has far exceeded all expectations – with over 13,000 members, the center offers a wide range of programs and has become a must-see venue for elected officials across the state. It was built without residential tax dollars, using redevelopment fees to finance the construction.

Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in Piscataway’s development strategy. All redevelopment projects represent a collaboration between the government and the private sector. The Township works closely with developers to refine plans, prepare financial agreements, and ensure that projects meet public and private interests.

These partnerships have been instrumental in attracting significant investments to the Township. PILOT agreements play a key role in securing financing for large projects. These agreements provide financial stability and help businesses plan for the long term, ensuring they can secure the necessary funding.

Educational initiatives and community support

Piscataway’s partnership with Rutgers University extends beyond economic development. The Township collaborates with the university on educational programs that benefit local students. “Rutgers University has a program that mentors disadvantaged students from eighth grade through high school, providing them with the opportunity to attend Rutgers with their tuition covered,” Mayor Wahler shares.

The Township also supports initiatives like Popcorn for the People, a company that employs individuals on the autism spectrum. “This program provides meaningful employment and contributes to the local economy,” Wilk explains. “It’s an example of how Piscataway supports inclusive and innovative businesses.”

Goals for the Future

The future of Piscataway looks promising. “We aim to continue our economic development momentum,” Mayor Wahler says. “With Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Moody’s rating us double A plus stable, we are well-positioned to attract new businesses and investments.”

“Our proposed town center remains a top priority,” Clarkin adds. “Spanning over 117 acres, this project will take at least five years to build, but it will be a significant addition to our community’s amenities”

Piscataway’s leadership is committed to ensuring that the Township remains a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous community. Mayor Wahler aptly states, “Piscataway is a place for everybody, and we are dedicated to ensuring it remains a thriving, inclusive community for generations to come.”

AT A GLANCE

Piscataway, New Jersey

What: A historic township known for its diverse community, strong economy, and home to parts of Rutgers University.

Where: Located in Middlesex County, central New Jersey, and is part of the New York metropolitan area.

Website: https://www.piscatawaynj.org/