A stiff cold wind blew into shore from Newark Bay on Jan. 18 as workers pounded in fence posts and dignitaries shivered in, waiting for the moment when with a shovel full of dirt they would start the official development of 31 new condominiums units on 30th Street.
Although a significant amount of work still needs to be done, and crews brave the cold to continue their effort even as dignitaries clamor toward the ceremonial shovels, this location was once considered an eyesore – one of the last few trailer parks left standing after the city prohibited new ones to open. The trailers are gone, and huge roll off Dumpsters stand to one side of the large vacant lot overflowing with tree stumps and other debris. Heavy earth moving equipment leveled the ground in anticipation of the construction of what is being called the Bay Harbor Club. This upscale condo development is situated just north of the high school on the shores of Newark Bay.
With chattering teeth, company and city officials held a brief, chilly ceremony, each gripping the frigid handle of a ceremonial shovel to toss a little dirt in the air.
Overhead, jet airlines glint in the bright sunlight and chopping gray waves lap at the feet of the shore, each part of the dramatic and amazing views the condo development promises in its package for sales.
This is the second water front development undertaken by Baker Industries, whose previous effort on 8th Street, offers similar spectacular views of the harbor and Port Newark.
“We hope to put down the foundations in three or four weeks, weather permitting,” said a bundled up Christopher Baker, who serves as the company’s chief executive officer.
After the foundations are in to the four story brick buildings, Baker predicted framing would start within 45 to 60 days.
“We should be ready for occupancy in a year to 14 months,” he said.
“We made a commitment to the redevelopment of the Bayonne waterfront with the introduction of the Boatworks last year,” said Clark Atwood, general manager of Baker’s northern New Jersey region, not that the Boatworks project, which includes about 160 connected townhouses at the site for the former Elco Boat Works, is about half completed. “We’re delighted to continue our efforts with the groundbreaking of Bay Harbor Club, and we expect similar success. This community will provide homebuyers searching for residences along the famed Jersey ‘Gold Coast’ yet another opportunity to purchase a luxurious waterfront home at a price considerably less than comparable communities in Jersey City and Hoboken.”
The Harbor Club will offer six different floor plans on two-bedroom units from 1,200 to 1,700 square feet, Baker said. The condos will have nine foot ceiling, large kitchens, master suites, master baths, walk in closets and other features typical of upscale housing. Some of the units will offer private den that can be used as a study, home office or guest room. Several units will have clear views of Newark Bay. Other units will offer partial views.
“Either way, residents will benefit from living in a distinctly maritime environment in the heart of northern New Jersey, surrounded by a wealth of modern conveniences and amenities. The facility will include underground parking, a fitness center and a security system.
Pre-construction sales will begin in the spring.
“This is the second project Baker has brought to Bayonne,” said Mayor Joseph Doria. “We are very glad for the comment they have made to our city and we know they are going to provide an outstanding product.”
Al Sullivan can be contacted at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com