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  construction of a new state-funded $284 million Perth Amboy High School on Convery Boulevard, slated to open next year on the site previously home to public housing.
Planners are hoping to promote mixed-use residential development that can continue the revival of the city’s expansive waterfront, which, after some success, largely stalled at the economic downturn in 2008.
“How do we rebuild our waterfront? How do we make it more of an attraction? Moving away from industrial projects would really
be ideal,” said Joel Rosa, PARA’s chairman, who said care is being taken to make sure plans are “equitable and affordable” to existing residents.
Vasquez added: “We need to expand public access to the waterfront and, most importantly, to redefine our waterfront as a regional destination.” She said the city is in talks about reviving ferry service, which was discontinued in the 1960s, and an announcement is expected this year.
Other PARA priorities this year include:
REDEVELOPMENT AROUND THE PERTH AMBOY TRAIN STATION, INCLUDING AREA BOUNDED BY MARKET STREET, NEW BRUNSWICK AND MAPLE AVENUES AND THE TRACKS:
PARA says the redevelopment will “spur more entertainment and culture into the downtown mix.” The agency will soon ask city planners to prepare a study needed to participate in state programs
that provide tax incentives for transit districts. Vasquez said zoning changes will also be considered with an eye toward converting underused office space downtown
to residential use.
MIXED-USE
REDEVELOPMENT OF A
BROWNFIELD THAT IS
THE FORMER SITE OF A
MUNICIPAL LANDFILL,
WHICH CLOSED IN 1974:
The 20-acre parcel
at 599 Fayette St.
is envisioned as
a place for office
space, homes and
commercial and retail
opportunities. Private
developers would
be required to cap
the landfill, manage
any soil gas and
comply with all other
state environmental
regulations. A city
trash transfer station
still operates on the
site. From left: Joel Rosa, chairman of the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency; Tashilee Vazquez, the agency’s
executive director, and Mayor Helmin Caba are part of the team that hopes to attract new investment to the city’s waterfront and commercial district.
REDEVELOPMENT OF
GATEWAY, THE 54-ACRE
WATERFRONT SITE AT THE
ROUTE 35 BRIDGE OVER THE RARITAN BAY: The property requires significant environmental remediation, but its location is considered prime. Next to the Cornucopia Cruise Line, it’s a 10-minute walk to the NJ Transit station and the Smith Street retail corridor. Gateway is also just steps from the planned Borinqueneer Park and extension of a riverfront walkway. Vasquez said there should be news about the project in the coming months.
“Perth Amboy is eager to move forward with a number of smart growth redevelopment projects, connecting more people to the Raritan Bay, to our historic downtown and to our vibrant neighborhoods,” said Caba,
the city’s mayor. “Through our redevelopment agency, we have
aggressive plans to promote shovel- ready projects that will begin to maximize a number of real estate opportunities that have been discussed for years and are now ready to go.”
Victor Tavarez, program director
for the Gateway Neighborhood Collaborative, said affordable housing should be part of any revitalization plan. “We’re looking to better the neighborhood, to help the residents, we want resident-driven plans.”
Meanwhile, two sizeable new luxury apartment developments have been approved pending environmental review and permitting. A $31.75 million project at 585 West Sayre Ave. will add 117 rental units. And the $160 million Riverwalk Crossing is planned for 578 units. Both
received payment in lieu of taxes agreements from the city, providing a 25-year exemption from property taxes in exchange for cash payment to the municipality.
And Vasquez said an update to the master plan may include two new development areas: the 2nd Street corridor and the former Buckeye Site on Hughes Street.
“We’re making sure we’re working collaboratively that we’re moving forward,’’ said Vasquez, whose family has lived in Perth Amboy for three generations. “The future belongs to those who can visualize it.”
A former newspaper reporter and editor, Patricia Alex writes about development and other issues in New Jersey. RE
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