Plans for Sea Gate in Perth Amboy call for revitalizing a 15.75-acre stretch of waterfront property with 602 market-rate apartments, at least 5,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the Arthur Kill and public amenities such as a waterfront and tree-lined esplanade. — Renderings by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners/Courtesy: City of Perth Amboy
By Joshua Burd
Kushner and city officials in Perth Amboy have taken a key step in a plan to bring more than 600 apartments and retail space to a nearly 16-acre stretch along the Arthur Kill waterfront.
The municipality and its redevelopment agency announced Friday that they have finalized agreements with the developer, noting that the project known as Sea Gate would remediate and revitalize an existing brownfield site. That includes parcels on Front, Commerce, Rector, Broad, High and Fayette streets that Kushner is buying from the city for $4.6 million, part of the estimated $200 million development that would be constructed over three years.
Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners is the project’s architect. Along with five buildings housing 602 market-rate one- and two-bedroom apartments, the plan calls for at least 5,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the Arthur Kill and public amenities such as a waterfront, tree-lined esplanade stretching nearly a half-mile from Front Street to the bulkhead between Smith and Washington streets, as well as a playground, landscaped plazas and a dog park for public use.
“We have been working closely with the redeveloper to create the type of plan that can benefit the entire Perth Amboy community, not just the residents of Sea Gate,” Mayor Helmin Caba said. “We are directly revitalizing unused, waterfront property and creating the type of development that will benefit Perth Amboy for years to come.”
The announcement Friday came two days after the City Council approved a payment in lieu of taxes agreement for the project, which calls for Kushner to pay the municipality about $1.2 million annually, according to a news release. The redevelopment area now generates only about $113,000 a year in net revenue, officials said, adding that the developer will contribute $1 million to Perth Amboy for affordable housing assistance.
“This project has been years in the making, and we’re excited to be working with the City of Perth Amboy to move it forward,” said Michael Sommer, chief development officer at Kushner. “Mayor Helmin Caba, the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency have provided strong leadership while working with us to shape a shared vision for the underutilized waterfront that will benefit the entire community. We look forward to taking the next steps toward turning this vision into a reality.”
In announcing the agreement, city officials said they envision Sea Gate to be a bustling community, with vans shuttling neighborhood residents to the Perth Amboy train station. Restaurants with views of the water would dot the property, complementing shops and potentially a connection to Manhattan-bound ferry service.
The agreement also includes a memorial to Thomas Mundy Peterson, a city resident who was the first African American to vote in an election following the ratification of the 15th Amendment, the news release said. He cast his vote on March 31, 1870.
“This property is a waterfront gem that has been under-used for far too long,” Tashi Vazquez, executive director of the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency. “There are environmental challenges that can only be handled through redevelopment with a well-capitalized private partner who can create the highest and best use of this property, fulfilling our vision.
“There is a shortage of this higher-end type of rental housing in Perth Amboy, another key reason why we are moving forward with Sea Gate,” she added. “The redeveloper is envisioning such amenities as outdoor fire pits, barbeque areas, lounge space and other recreational areas that connect the tenants and the waterfront views.”
The 15.75-acre redevelopment area, with landscaping, streetscape improvements and lighting funded by the developer, will include 909 parking spaces, the news release said.
