Court ruling gives Levin go ahead for shopping center development.

The New Jersey Supreme Court has upheld the Appellate Court's decision in Levin Properties, L.P v. Hamilton Township Planning Board, allowing Levin to proceed with development of its new 200,000-square-foot, ShopRite-anchored shopping center on Klockner Road in Hamilton Township, N.J. The court case involved the Planning Board's denial of Levin's site plan application even though it complied with all of Hamilton Township's long-standing zoning ordinances.

"We are pleased with the Supreme Court's decision and plan to work closely with Hamilton Township as we move forward in developing this exciting new shopping center," said Matthew Harding, president and chief executive officer of Levin Management of North Plainfield, N.J. The company is exclusive leasing and managing agent for the property and will also serve as construction manager.

The decision upheld established zoning laws, which state that if a site plan complies with existing zoning ordinances, it must be approved. It is a significant ruling for the development community.

Leasing of the center is well underway, and Levin Management has already negotiated a 75,000-square-foot lease with ShopRite as an anchor tenant. ShopRite is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the U.S. and the largest employer in N.J.

The market area for Klockner Corner is growing rapidly in population and income. Population within three miles is currently 131,079, and is projected to increase to 136,326 by 2011. Average Household Income, now $60,029, is expected to reach $66,318 in that year, a 10.4% increase. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year and to be completed in 2008.