Two sites could help increase the residential stock near the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, and the City Council is poised to hear comments from the public at the Nov. 13 council meeting before voting on two ordinances to declare areas in need of redevelopment.
Earlier this year, the council asked the Bayonne Planning Board to designate two more sections of the city as possible areas in need of redevelopment, clearing the way for several new residential projects.
The site previously used as a plumbing supply warehouse—on Avenue E near 22nd Street—was recently sold. The property may be considered for residential development to complement the nearby Hudson Bergen Light Rail station.
This, according to former City Planner John Fuzza, could continue the progress of improved development along Avenue E that was started by the Maidenform conversion near 17th Street and the Regan project just completed near the 45th Street Light Rail station.
Avenue E has become a focus of transportation-related residential-development proposals.
On Oct. 16, the Planning Board held a public hearing after investigating the possibility of redeveloping the property and determined that the site should be an area in need of redevelopment. The city hopes to see a housing complex built on the site of the plumbing warehouse, which formerly housed Bayonne Plumbing.
T&M Associates of Clifton issued a report on the site on Oct. 9 recommending a mixed use of residential and retail for the location. Proposed for the site is a five-story building with about 160 units, and belowground parking. If approved, the city would likely use eminent domain to purchase a neighboring property which currently has a gas station on it.
The second site, located near Route 440 near Mechanic Street, was used for oil storage. Redevelopment of the site would require environmental remediation, officials said.
The site is currently owned by the Clayton Co.
Contracts for engineering and road salt
The council is also expected to approve two agreements with T & M Associates for the engineering services for improvement to the East 34th Street and East 35th Street pedestrian project, related to the Safe Routes to Transit 34th Street Light Rail (for a fee not to exceed $20,000) and engineering services associated with the Hi-Hat Catering Baker Residential project for an amount not to exceed $12,000.
Baker Residential Development started to construct a 156-unit project for the 54th Street site previously occupied by Hi Hat Caterers, but the project stopped when the residential market collapsed in 2008. Baker had successfully constructed two projects in Bayonne prior to this, including the Boatworks near 8th Street and Newark Bay, and another 30-unit project on 30th Street. Baker has also constructed projects elsewhere in Hudson County, including a large townhouse development in Secaucus.
Bayonne officials hope to revive the Hi-Hat development which would be one more sign of a reviving economy. Officials said there are several projects already in various stages of development on the east side of the city; the Hi Hat project would be a jewel on the west side. This would join the nearby 60-unit development called The Park at Bayonne on Kennedy Boulevard which is already underway and expected to have units available for lease next September.
The council is also expected to approve two agreements with Atlantic Environmental Solutions, Inc. of Hoboken for remediation services at the former Military Ocean Terminal (not to exceed $7,500) and environmental services in conjunction with the Atlas Yacht Club property not to exceed $36,818. The yacht club is located near a number of chemical storage tanks and at the Port Johnson shipping site. The club was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy last year.
The council will likely award a $308,000 contract for the purchase of rock salt to International Salt of Clarks Summit, PA.
The council is also expected to rename council member Debra Czerwienski to the Planning Board.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.