Woodbridge To Expand Ross Street Parking Lot, Plus Playa Bowls Coming

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — There are some big changes proposed for the Main Street area of Woodbridge proper:

First, Woodbridge Township is now seeking to buy a parcel of land at 107 Ross Street, tear down the house that's there and build a giant parking lot just steps from Main Street.

This is the lot directly across from the new Ross Street school, and right next to the existing parking lot. The Township seeks to expand that existing parking lot and bump it up to 100 spaces, to make it easier for downtown business parking.

The fate of that whole corner has been up in the air for some time now: Up until this winter, Woodbridge Twp. was going to allow a four-story luxury apartment complex to be built on that parking lot.

But Mayor John McCormac decided to kill the plan entirely this January, after Woodbridge parents, teachers and superintendent Joe Massimino all said they were not comfortable with such a large apartment building right across the street from an elementary school.

Now instead, Woodbridge Twp. seeks to buy that lot from Crown Point Development for $350,000.

There is currently a resolution pending before the Woodbridge town council to fund the purchase. McCormac said this is not being done through eminent domain.

Also, a Playa Bowls location is scheduled top open in mid-May at 97 Main Street, a spokeswoman for McCormac confirmed. Playa Bowls sells fresh fruit smoothies and fruit bowls with granola. Their next nearest location is on Woodbridge Avenue in Edison, if you want to check them out before they open.

This is all part of McCormac's efforts to bring new residents into town, have new businesses open on Main Street and make it easy for people to park near Main Street and shop there.

A steakhouse, Strickland Steakhouse, is still being planned to open in the former two-story Woodbridge National Bank building at 106 Main Street. Owner Michael Strickland lives in Port Reading and already owns and operates two restaurants on Staten Island.

“Our vision for downtown Woodbridge is happening right before our eyes," McCormac said in a statement Tuesday.

Keep up with Woodridge development news and what's happening on Main Street:

Steakhouse, Ice Cream Shop Opening On Main Street In Woodbridge

Woodbridge Decides Not To Build 94 Apartments At Ross Street School