Parking deck project pending DEP permits BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer EAST BRUNSWICK - The proposed commuter parking deck at the Golden Triangle will soon become a reality, according to a representative of the developer in charge of its construction. Robert Fuller, vice president of Pennsylvania-based Toll Brothers, said construction will begin on the parking garage once his firm receives permits that are pending from the state Department of Environmental Protection. He said his firm applied for permits in January, but he does not know when they will be issued. He noted that Toll Brothers has been calling to "nudge" the agency. Despite the minor delays, Toll Brothers still hopes to have the deck built and functional by June 2008, Fuller said. The deck would replace the current Transportation and Commerce Center (TCC) commuter lot, which is behind Sam's Club, and will provide several hundred more parking spots as well as better amenities for commuters. Though Toll Brothers will subcontract the work, it will oversee the project, which is expected to cost more than $28 million. Fuller acknowledged that Toll Brothers had hoped to be further along by now, but said the permitting has slowed the process. Township Finance Director L Mason Neely, who heads the township's parking utility, said it has been decided that the deck will have a sixth floor. This will not only provide more parking, but also more revenue for the township utility. The parking deck is now expected to have 1,681 spaces, whereas the current lot offers about 1,130, Councilman David Stahl said. During the construction period, commuters who use the TCC will be able to park at Tower Center, which is also the site of the township's other park-and-ride, Neilson Plaza. The question of how the township will pay for the new deck has been discussed at times, though no one raised it during the March 12 meeting. Stahl said later that officials have not yet determined how it will be financed. Though Toll Brothers purchased the entire Golden Triangle site from the township for redevelopment for $35 million, it is not responsible for funding the new parking deck. Fuller said construction of the deck will take about 10 months and will be completed well in advance of when Toll Brothers begins the bulk of construction on its proposed transit village of homes and businesses. The existing businesses, including Sam's Club, have leases that run through 2008 and are expected to vacate their properties at that point.