Mayor Laufer: Developer Pursues Starbucks for Morris Avenue Gateway Property

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Mayor Harris Laufer confirmed during the April 28 Springfield Township Committee meeting that a developer is actively pursuing plans to bring a Starbucks to the Bank of America property on Morris Avenue — a site previously slated for housing.Laufer announced that the township has been in “constant communication” with both the property owner and Starbucks representatives as the proposal continues to take shape. “We’ve been approached by a developer… and we’ve been in contact with the developer about hoping to put a Starbucks in at the Bank of America property,” the mayor said. “We’re not there yet, but we’re working very closely with the reps from Starbucks, with the property owner, to try and make sure he has the flexibility to bring what would be a great addition to the Morris Avenue corridor.”Laufer described the project as a possible anchor for future revitalization, saying, “Hopefully we’ll be able to get a Starbucks on Morris Avenue as the gateway to our town, and that would be huge… hopefully that will attract tons of other businesses both small and large to the Morris Avenue corridor,” he said.The mayor also noted that the township has been “plugged in every step of the way,” adding that he has personally spoken with the property owner and others involved in the discussions. He expressed hope that the project could move more quickly than other recent developments. “Knock on wood, Starbucks won’t take as long as Gomes to create,” said Laufer, referring to the long-delayed development project at the corner of Morris Avenue and Caldwell Place.While no formal application has yet been submitted, officials said they expect continued progress in the coming months. “We’re really excited about the prospect,” Laufer said. “Hopefully, within the next year or two, the downtown Morris Avenue corridor of Springfield will be a totally different‑looking place.”