Franklin Lakes Asbestos Update: Why Work Paused at the Former Cigna Site—and What Happens Next
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Franklin Lakes NJ, The massive 89-acre property at 400 Parsons Pond Road, formerly home to Cigna/Express Scripts, is back in the spotlight. After a tense standoff between the Borough of Franklin Lakes and the developer, a critical stop-work order has been lifted, allowing asbestos removal to resume.
If you’ve noticed a lull in activity or are wondering about the safety of the nearby Woodside Avenue School, here is everything you need to know about the current status of the project.
Why Did the Project Stop?
In December, Franklin Lakes officials issued a stop-work order against Sky Contracting, the firm handled by SHG Franklin Lakes LLC. The borough’s primary concern was “scope creep”—questioning whether the contractor had moved beyond asbestos remediation and into unauthorized demolition.
Specifically, officials pointed to:
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10×10 foot openings cut into exterior walls.
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The widespread removal of plumbing systems.
The borough argued these actions required a full demolition permit, which the developer did not yet possess.
The Verdict: “In Full Compliance”
On February 12, the Bergen County Construction Board of Appeals officially sided with the contractor. The board confirmed that the holes and plumbing removal were necessary steps to facilitate safe asbestos removal and did not compromise the structural integrity of the buildings.
P.J. Sarcev, Executive Vice President for Sky Contracting, noted that the site has undergone roughly 20 inspections by state and federal agencies over seven months, resulting in:
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Zero violations.
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Zero citations.
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Zero findings of concern.
Community Safety and the Woodside Avenue School
The pause in work was largely driven by resident outreach. With the Woodside Avenue School located just 600 feet away, parents and neighbors raised alarms regarding air quality and safety protocols.
While the NJ Department of Labor and federal agencies have verified that the contractor is following all legal requirements, the borough continues to monitor the site closely. A comprehensive Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request has been filed to ensure every safety report is transparent and available to the public.
What’s Next for the Cigna Property?
Now that the asbestos hurdle is clearing, the focus shifts to the future of the 89-acre lot. A massive residential proposal is currently on the table, which includes:
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433 Market-rate townhouses.
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62 Affordable rental apartments.
Public Hearing Notice: Discussions regarding the multifamily residential plan are scheduled to continue on March 4. Residents are encouraged to attend to voice their thoughts on the traffic and density impact of this major development.
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