In 1992, developer Tom Barrett first envisioned a waterfront parcel of land along River Road in North Bergen as a perfect site to build a high-rise luxury apartment complex. He didn’t know that it would take nearly a decade to hold the development’s grand opening.
"It’s a long story," Barrett laughs. "It really was a long process. I think it speaks to some of the difficulties that are inherent in the development industry these days. But I told everyone that we were not going to give up. We make sure our projects are completed. We’ve been through this process before."
The patient and diligent Barrett was able to smile when Half Moon Harbour opened its doors recently. There was an official ribbon-cutting ceremony last week attended by Mayor Nicholas Sacco and several other township officials. Barrett Builders will also hold a public reception Sunday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to welcome prospective renters to the 12-story edifice located at 7911 River Road.
In the light of the World Trade Center tragedy, Barrett considered postponing both events, but decided that they were symbolic gestures of the country "getting back to business as usual."
"We decided to move forward in keeping with the encouragement offered by President Bush and New York Mayor [Rudy] Giuliani to resume daily life as a show of America’s strength and determination," Barrett said. "At the same time, we wanted to do something at the ceremony to acknowledge our neighbors across the river."
For the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, Barrett Builders brought in one large American flag to display and gave away smaller flags to those in attendance, and a moment of silence was held to honor the victims. Two 8-by-12-foot American flags will also be added to a fence bordering Half Moon’s amenities deck.
Also, in consideration to any New Yorkers who were displaced by recent events, the property will have a limited number of apartments for three-month leases.
"We’re trying to do something to help," Barrett said. "So we’re offering short-term leases as an assistance for anyone who lost their homes in the tragedy. We told the brokerage community that we’re willing to help. Since then, we’ve been writing deals practically every day."
The luxury complex features 176 units, with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Each unit comes
with European-designed kitchen cabinets, an individual washer/dryer and hot water heater in a separate utility room and ceramic tiling in the kitchen and baths. The three-bedroom units on the top three floors include private terraces.Convenient on-site amenities include 24-hour concierge service, a fully equipped health club and front door shuttle service to the NY Waterway ferry terminal in Weehawken.
The complex also has an outdoor recreation
deck that features a swimming pool and a tennis court and it also has included the state-mandated riverwalk, which will eventually link the Hudson River waterfront from Liberty State Park to the George Washington Bridge.Rentals begin at $1,900 per month.
Because of the current unstable economy, Barrett feels that rentals may be an option for prospective homeowners.
"There is always a market for rentals, even when there is a downswing in selling," Barrett said. "I think everyone has their concerns with the economy, so renting is a safe bet. You can be out in a year if the market changes. Many of the other waterfront development projects have gone condominium, so there aren’t many high-rise rentals along the waterfront. We’re offering an option."
Barrett said that the response has been phenomenal. Nearly 60 percent of the 176 units have already been leased and the rental office has been showing units daily.
"We’ve been so busy that we had to put my wife, Rosemary, on the sales team part-time," Barrett said. "She doesn’t normally help out in projects, but this was a special effort."
Although he wouldn’t elaborate, Barrett said that there have been several prominent sports figures and people from the entertainment industry that have already signed rental agreements. In fact, some have moved in already.
"We’re really getting a nice group of people," Barrett said. "My partners and I are very happy with the response thus far. It is a very nice building with a great location and excellent amenities. We have our own little piece of solitude."
Although many of Barrett Builders’ promotional fliers and materials speak of the "majestic view of the New York skyline," Barrett said it’s still too early to decide whether to change the materials in light of the view of Manhattan being altered considerably since the terrorist attack.
"It’s still to close to our hearts and souls," Barrett said. "It really has been a painful time for all of us."
Sacco believes the opening of Half Moon Harbour is a blessing to the township. "It’s a phenomenal asset for North Bergen," he said. "Our fine community is pleased to welcome the many people, including young professionals, families and empty nesters, who are moving here."