Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
I was recently driving in the Pomona section of Galloway on the White Horse Pike and the surrounding areas. It seems that there has been some noteworthy business activity, but there remains a substantial amount of vacant property available for sale.
A few years ago, Dollar General opened its doors at 289 White Horse Pike along with a used car dealer and repair business that reopened next door.
The Heritage Village at Galloway, located at 290 West White Horse Pike, opened its doors about four years ago. The 100-unit, 55 and older apartment building is an income-based community. The building also includes about 10,000 square feet of retail/office space on the ground level, which is currently vacant. This community was expected to be the beginning of a renaissance for the Pomona area. However, that has yet to materialize. Since its opening, the area has welcomed a Wawa at the corner of the White Horse Pike and Wrangleboro Road.
The biggest news for the area occurred at the Pomona Plaza with the recent addition of Wendy’s. It may not seem like a big deal, but it was the first addition to the plaza in a long time. Hopefully it will attract Stockton University students and other residents throughout Galloway.
The new owners of the Pomona Plaza have a great reputation in the South Jersey commercial real estate market for upgrading and turning properties around. I am sure we will be seeing some much-needed renovations.
The land at the intersection of the White Horse Pike and Wrangleboro Road, which was formerly the Assumption Church, still has not been developed. The original plans called for a large retail center, but after calling the Zoning Board there are no plans as of yet. As we all know the retail sector is experiencing pressure from the internet. It may be a while before we see any activity at this site.
Moving west on the White Horse Pike at the intersection with Jimmie Leeds Road is the Nantucket at Galloway. CVS has been located there for several years without any neighbors. However, there is a newly constructed, 14,000-square-foot building. It is currently vacant, however after a conversation with Thomas Hiller of Edgewood Properties (rep for the owner of the site), he indicated that they are in talks with several national tenants. He said to stay tuned for announcements shortly.
In short, the Pomona section of Galloway is on its way, but it still needs some other activity to occur in order to rejuvenate the area. Most of the commercial activity has taken place in the downtown area at Jimmie Leeds and Pitney roads where ShopRite has announced plans for a new store along with the addition of office and other retail activity.
I am still very bullish on Galloway with the major anchor employment centers of Stockton University and AtlantiCare. As long as they remain in sustainable growth patterns, Galloway should be in GREAT shape.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680
or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
