Parts of the former Nabisco plant at 22-11 Route 208 in Fair Lawn have been demolished to clear the way for a proposed 644,075-square-foot industrial development. — Courtesy: Greek Development
By Joshua Burd
Greek Development has postponed an implosion at the former Nabisco complex in Fair Lawn — where it’s slated build a new ground-up distribution center — amid residents’ calls for expanded environmental testing at the historic property.
The developer last week announced the move ahead of the originally scheduled date of April 15, citing “delays in ongoing efforts with local and state agencies to fulfill all regulatory requirements and make all necessary pre-implosion arrangements.” The move came after hundreds of nearby homeowners signed a petition calling for additional testing throughout the process, raising concerns that tearing down the tower at the site could release hazardous materials into the air, soil or water.
Both Greek and Fair Lawn officials have said that all asbestos is being removed from the complex before demolition, while all state and federal requirements are being followed, according to multiple reports.
“A new date for this demolition activity has not yet been set,” Greek Development said in an emailed statement last week. “Ownership’s priority is to ensure the safety of its workers and the surrounding community and will continue transparency with the public as it works to revise the proposed schedule.”
The news comes around two months after Greek filed plans to build 644,075 square feet of modern industrial space at the property, at the junction of Route 208 and McBride Avenue, after acquiring it in late 2021 for nearly $147 million. Nabisco parent company Mondelēz Global closed the landmark plant earlier that year, following more than six decades of operation, giving way to the redevelopment plan.
Demolition at the 39-acre site started around late January. The East Brunswick-based developer said it planned to start construction on the new warehouse this summer, pending local approval.
Greek files plans for 644,000 sq. ft. logistics facility at former Nabisco plant in Fair Lawn
