Municipal Complex Redevelopment Plan & PSE&G Substation
Published on October 20, 2026
The Mayor & Council are considering a redevelopment plan for the Municipal Complex property, located at 205 Claremont Avenue, 57 Park Street, and 68 North Fullerton Avenue. Separately, PSE&G has expressed interest in the property as a potential location for a replacement electrical substation.
No substation has been approved for construction at the Municipal Complex. The proposed redevelopment plan would establish permitted uses for the property, including public utility use, but would not itself authorize construction of a substation.This page provides background on both matters, information about PSE&G's proposal, and links to relevant documents and public presentations.
Documents Provided by PSE&G
Since posting this article, PSE&G has provided the Township with two documents containing additional information about its proposed replacement electrical substation. The township's information below has been updated to reflect information from these documents.
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PSE&G Substation Frequently Asked Questions: Addresses questions about the need for a new substation, construction impacts, noise, safety, environmental considerations, and other aspects of the proposed project.
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PSE&G Property Analysis and Siting Survey: Details the properties PSE&G evaluated for a replacement substation, including the factors considered in its site-selection process and its reasons for identifying the Municipal Complex as the preferred location.
The information and assessments contained in those documents were prepared by PSE&G and reflect the utility's findings and positions.
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Background: Why PSE&G Is Proposing a New Substation
The existing electrical substation at 60 Valley Road was built in 1925 and still operates with some of its original equipment. PSE&G has stated that the facility is nearing the end of its useful life and no longer meets modern standards.The substation serves approximately 9,000 customers, including 21 schools, five emergency facilities, 38 houses of worship, and multiple Township facilities.
PSE&G has stated that aging equipment has contributed to power outages and that replacing the facility would improve electrical reliability, reduce the risk of equipment failure, and help meet future electricity demands.
PSE&G presented information about the need for a new electrical substation and its site-selection process at the October 20, 2026 Council meeting. Residents can watch the meeting on YouTube, and can view the accompanying slides from the presentation here: Montclair Substation Council Meeting Slide Deck.
How the Municipal Complex Became a Potential Location
PSE&G began evaluating locations for a replacement substation in 2020, according to its Property Analysis and Siting Survey. In May 2026, PSE&G formally expressed interest in the Municipal Complex property, which includes approximately 1.96 acres at 205 Claremont Avenue, 57 Park Street, and 68 North Fullerton Avenue.
According to PSE&G, the Municipal Complex is its preferred location because the property offers sufficient space for the required equipment, has comparatively less underground utility congestion along surrounding streets, and provides access to existing electrical distribution circuits.
The survey also identifies other properties considered and explains why PSE&G determined that those locations were less suitable or could not accommodate the project.
Why the Township Is Considering Redevelopment
The Township has been exploring options for the future of the Municipal Complex for years due to deficiencies in the existing municipal building. Options discussed at public meetings have included renovating the existing building or relocating municipal operations elsewhere.
A key consideration is the cost of these options, including the potential value of the Municipal Complex property if sold. Currently, the property is zoned for public uses only, limiting its potential value.
A redevelopment plan would establish additional permitted uses for the property, allowing the Township to better evaluate its potential value and compare the costs of renovating the existing facilities against relocating municipal operations.
The Township's consideration of redevelopment began before PSE&G expressed interest in the Municipal Complex. The previous Township Council designated the property as an area in need of redevelopment, and the current Council is considering the next step of adopting a redevelopment plan.
What the Redevelopment Ordinance Would Do
Ordinance O-26-39,Adopting a Redevelopment Plan for the Municipal Complex Property, would establish what types of development are permitted on the property.
These would include public utility use, in addition to other uses permitted in the surrounding area. Adopting the redevelopment plan would not approve a PSE&G substation, authorize its construction, or constitute an agreement to sell the property.
Any proposed substation would remain subject to applicable review and approval processes.
Potential Substation Design and Community Impacts
The exact size, layout, appearance, and other site-specific design details of a potential substation at the Municipal Complex have not been established.
PSE&G has stated that a new substation would include perimeter fencing or walls for security, with landscaping, screening, and other design features developed in consultation with the Township and community.
Regarding noise, PSE&G has stated that operational noise would be minimal and generally not very noticeable from across the street. The utility has also indicated that noise levels would be evaluated as design progresses and that mitigation measures would be assessed as necessary to comply with applicable regulations.
Additional information about construction, noise, safety, environmental considerations, and other technical aspects of the proposed substation is available in PSE&G's FAQ linked above.
Public Engagement and Opportunities for Input
PSE&G has stated its commitment to holding public engagement meetings, including a town-wide meeting and a separate meeting for residents living near a potential substation location.
These meetings are intended to provide opportunities for residents to ask questions, learn about the proposal, and offer feedback on potential impacts and design considerations.
Residents would also have opportunities to participate through any applicable land-use board review process.
Dates for future PSE&G public engagement meetings have not yet been announced. The Township will share information as it becomes available.
Additional Township Documents and Public Presentations