One of the reasons I started this site is because of how much I enjoy going through planning and zoning board minutes/agendas to spot new retail development in the area that I live in.

Now there is something interesting brewing in my town, Middletown NJ. On the agenda for the June 6th Planning Board meeting is this proposal:

#2007-200 – Bowen Development Company, Block 807, Lot 1, 1230 Highway 35, located in the
B-3 Zone. Applicant is seeking major site plan and minor subdivision approval for a 14,708 sq.ft.
pharmacy and a 9,600 sq.ft. retail building.

A quick Google search for Bowen Development Company comes up with this SEC filing from Walgreens, showing that Bowen Development Company is one of their subsidaries.

What is interesting to me is that the address in the proposal is actually the exact address of a longstanding Friendly’s restaurant. What is happening to that eatery? Is it being closed, moved, or redeveloped?

Walgreens, via Bowen Development Company, also has an application in Franklin Township, NJ for a proposed location. Public comment was in March with the application on the agenda for their meeting next week.

Walgreens is currently working on redevelopment of a former restaurant in Washington DC to create their first location within that city. It appears that they have been working closely with local officials and historic groups to create a design that satisfies the local community. Good to see a retailer who is that involved with the community.

(More coverage of the Washington DC development from examiner.com.)

What is to come of the Friendly’s location and the Walgreens proposal? We’ll find out more next week.