JACKSON, NJ – In a significant and unpopular pivot from its original vision, Cardinale Enterprises, led by Vito Cardinale, has introduced a new development plan for the Adventure Crossing project in Jackson Township, New Jersey. The revised proposal ditches previously announced amenities including a hotel, mixed-use commercial spaces, a retail plaza, and a groundbreaking Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research facility, in favor of constructing a large-scale residential complex.
Cardinale Enterprises initially laid out an ambitious blueprint for Adventure Crossing USA, which was to be a multifaceted development encompassing entertainment, commercial, and medical research components. A highlight was the proposed MS research center, which would have utilized drones to transport human brains from CentraState Medical Center, aiming to advance MS research significantly. The project was described by Cardinale as a personal mission, motivated by the loss of his wife to MS.
I am altering the deal, pray I don’t alter it any further
The new plan submitted to the Jackson Township Zoning Board removes these unique elements, focusing instead on the construction of 1,200 housing units.
This shift suggests a move towards addressing housing needs in the area, potentially driven by economic considerations or changes in market demand. The proposed apartment complex would become one of the largest and densest in Jackson Township if it receives approval.
Rumors are swirling that Cardinale is planning to ‘flip’ the project. It wouldn’t be the first time. Several years ago, Cardinale, the former owner of Jackson Crossing, sold the plaza, which has seen a dramatic transformation as many businesses were forced out in favor of news businesses that cater exclusively to the township’s growing Orthodox Jewish community.
Original Plan
The change in development strategy has not been without controversy. The Jackson Township Council, which had previously supported the diverse use of the land, now finds itself at odds with Cardinale Enterprises.
The deviation from the original commitments, particularly the MS research center, has sparked debates about community benefits versus developer interests. Local residents and groups had earlier opposed aspects of the development due to concerns over increased traffic, noise, environmental impact, and the strain on local infrastructure.
New Plan
In response to the friction, Cardinale Enterprises has filed a lawsuit against the township.
This legal action might be aimed at securing zoning approvals or challenging existing regulations that could hinder the new residential-focused plan. The lawsuit follows a history of legal challenges in Jackson Township, where zoning and development have often been contentious. For instance, Jackson Township has faced lawsuits over alleged discriminatory zoning practices against the Orthodox Jewish community, which ended in settlements, highlighting the complex interplay of zoning laws, community interests, and development rights.
The Adventure Crossing project has evolved over the years, reflecting broader trends in real estate development where initial grandiose plans often get scaled back or shifted due to economic realities, community feedback, or regulatory hurdles, and possibly a sprinkling of corporate greed.
The area near Six Flags Great Adventure had been envisioned as a hub for sports and entertainment, but the vision has repeatedly changed, with phases of the project receiving both community support and opposition.
If approved, the new plan will significantly alter the landscape of Jackson Township, potentially increasing the population density and changing the demographic and economic fabric of the community. The removal of the MS research facility represents not only a change in the physical layout but also a shift away from what was seen as a community legacy project.
The future of Adventure Crossing now hinges on the decision of the Jackson Township Zoning Board. Whether this new direction will meet with approval or lead to further legal battles remains to be seen. What is clear is that Cardinale Enterprises’ latest proposal marks a significant departure from its original vision, reflecting the dynamic nature of large-scale developments in response to evolving community needs, economic climates, and legal frameworks.