12-08-2025 12:13pm

Somerset County November Roundup and What’s Ahead for December

Donnella Tilery Editor

Somerset County closed out November with a mix of local policy decisions, redevelopment news, and community activity that will shape the weeks ahead. As residents turn toward the end of 2025, several initiatives and discussions—particularly in Raritan Borough—are likely to remain in focus.

Agway Redevelopment Proposal Rejected

The long-watched future of the former Agway Garden Center in Raritan reached a turning point in early December. After months of review, the Borough rejected a redevelopment proposal that called for a four-story, 75-unit mixed-use building on the Thompson Street parcel.
Earlier in the year, the site had been designated an official “Area in Need of Redevelopment,” clearing the way for formal planning. While the designation remains in place, no approved project currently exists, and the developer’s concept will not advance in its present form.

The rejection follows public concern about density, infrastructure impact, and neighborhood character. Residents should expect the property to re-enter discussion in 2026 if revised proposals or alternative uses are introduced.

Key Actions from the Raritan Borough Council

The Borough Council’s early-December meetings addressed several ordinances with implications for growth, services, and downtown commerce:

Redevelopment Ordinance (Agway site): Introduced but ultimately not adopted.
Outdoor Advertising Ordinance: Updates to billboard regulations may affect major road corridors.
Special Improvement District (SID): Establishes a formal structure to support and promote the downtown business district.
Sewer Billing Changes: A shift to usage-based billing is under consideration, potentially altering how residential sewer costs are calculated.

Routine year-end items—such as wrecker/towing licenses, staffing approvals for 2026, and equipment updates—were also completed.
The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for December 16, making it the final opportunity for public comment this year.

November Highlights Across Somerset County

Across the broader county, November saw a steady cadence of community and municipal developments:

Local Volunteerism: Multiple youth and civic groups supported holiday food-security efforts, with programs ranging from canned-good collections to volunteer days at regional food banks.
Public Safety Updates: Municipal police departments and county agencies issued seasonal reminders related to roadway safety and holiday-shopping precautions.
Capital Projects: Several towns advanced ongoing infrastructure work—road resurfacing, water-system maintenance, and park improvements—before winter shutdowns.

What to Watch in December

As the calendar turns to year’s end, several local issues remain active:

Follow-up on Redevelopment: With the Agway proposal rejected, residents should watch for new conversations around land use and downtown housing needs.
Downtown Raritan Initiatives: Formation of the new SID could lead to strategic planning, business-district programming, and early 2026 pilot projects.
Budget Planning: Many municipal departments will begin preparing 2026 budget documents; initial discussions may surface later this month.
Holiday & Community Events: Local fire departments, recreation groups, and nonprofit organizations will host their annual December gatherings, drives, and celebrations.