85 Bloomfield Ave. in Montville
By Joshua Burd
A new 349-unit apartment property has opened its doors in Montville, helping to transform a sprawling former junkyard property that was long an eyesore along Route 46.
Its developer joined local officials and other guests recently to unveil the four-story midrise property at 85 Bloomfield Ave., following a project that is some seven years in the making. On display was a collection of homes ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, plus a host of upscale common spaces and amenities such as a two-story fitness center, a swimming pool with a sun deck, a putting green and expansive work-from-home areas, among others.
The property is quickly leasing up, the builder said, thanks in part to a large footprint that allows for both scenic views to the north and frontage on Route 46, which provides quick access to interstates 80 and 280. Equally important, though, is the fact that the project has reimagined a piece of the once-contaminated GI Auto Salvage Yard, where the real estate investment trust developed roughly seven acres while preserving another 20 acres.
The site also includes 52 units that are reserved as affordable housing, helping the municipality satisfy some of its state-mandated obligations.
