Landmark Up for Conditional Designation
Tonight's City Council meeting may include conditional designation of Landmark Development Corp. as developer of a West Front Street site that includes the Appliance-Arama warehouse and two lots. Although not on the agenda, the project was presented at the Sept. 29 meeting and is apparently up for fast-tracking through the approval process.
The meeting is 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
Landmark already has an agreement with the city to redevelop the North Avenue Historic District, but there has been no recent update on that project or on the North Avenue extension, which includes the PNC Bank building. Landmark received the initial conditional designation for the North Avenue project in August 2006. After some extensions, Landmark was named developer and an agreement was approved in April 2007.
The new project, on the Tepper's block, is outside the boundaries of the prior one. According to Landmark principal Frank Cretella, the parcels involved are Block 249, lots 5, 6,and 7. Lots 5 and 6 were previously supposed to be the site of Heartstone's 12-condo development. Most recently, a pocket park was created on the Heartstone site.
A press release on the new Landmark proposal appeared on the city web site. Click here to read it. The approval mentioned is just the conditional designation. The developer must still apply to the Planning Board for site plan approval.
The change of focus from North Avenue to West Front Street calls to mind the switch by another developer from East Third and Richmond to South Avenue. In that instance, George Capodagli's company was formally released from developer designation at East Third and Richmond before submitting plans for the new project on South Avenue.
These moves bear watching. I missed the Board of Adjustment meeting at which I hear the South Avenue proposal received approval for variances. (Correction: This application was not approved.)The project is for a four-story, 33-unit apartment building.
I still have some church publicity work hanging over my head but will try to update my redevelopment files. Those seeking re-election in 2009 need some redevelopment showpieces to point to, but the public needs more facts.
--Bernice Paglia
The meeting is 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
Landmark already has an agreement with the city to redevelop the North Avenue Historic District, but there has been no recent update on that project or on the North Avenue extension, which includes the PNC Bank building. Landmark received the initial conditional designation for the North Avenue project in August 2006. After some extensions, Landmark was named developer and an agreement was approved in April 2007.
The new project, on the Tepper's block, is outside the boundaries of the prior one. According to Landmark principal Frank Cretella, the parcels involved are Block 249, lots 5, 6,and 7. Lots 5 and 6 were previously supposed to be the site of Heartstone's 12-condo development. Most recently, a pocket park was created on the Heartstone site.
A press release on the new Landmark proposal appeared on the city web site. Click here to read it. The approval mentioned is just the conditional designation. The developer must still apply to the Planning Board for site plan approval.
The change of focus from North Avenue to West Front Street calls to mind the switch by another developer from East Third and Richmond to South Avenue. In that instance, George Capodagli's company was formally released from developer designation at East Third and Richmond before submitting plans for the new project on South Avenue.
These moves bear watching. I missed the Board of Adjustment meeting at which I hear the South Avenue proposal received approval for variances. (Correction: This application was not approved.)The project is for a four-story, 33-unit apartment building.
I still have some church publicity work hanging over my head but will try to update my redevelopment files. Those seeking re-election in 2009 need some redevelopment showpieces to point to, but the public needs more facts.
--Bernice Paglia
posted by Bernice at 2:54 AM
4 Comments:
Hi Bernice;
Not only this administration needs to point to some "results" for re-election(however fast they might want to achieve these results let's remember that the last word is still on the council) but, anyone running for election will need to demostrate knowledge of any of the on-going redevelopment proposals and convince voters that his/her plan is better than what the present administration has on mind.
I really wish that those ones hoping to run for Mayor next year will start emerging, otherwise any opossition to the incumbents runs the risk of going unnoticed by the majority of voters.
Maria Pellum
Bernice, the South Ave project that received Zoning Board approval on Wednesday was actually a different developer/location then the one you mentioned here.
It was Suomo Realty, and the building on South is directly across from the Netherwood Station on the corner of Belvidere.
I think I caused this 'mix up' through a recent email I sent you.
My apologies for not being clearer.
Jim Spear
ps. . on a lighter note, thanks for edging the side walk around Grace Church. . .it looks MARVELOUS !
The commcercial development on W. Front St sounds excellent. I understand that Appliance Arama will be an anchor tenant consolidating their retail space with the warehouse. This is exactly what we talked to them about doing some years back but did not have an interested developer at that time nor did they want to do it on their own.
The only problem the city may face is from putting in the pocket park this year. New Jersey Green Acre rules state that if a governmental entity knowingly allows public property to be used as park land it is protected as such by the state. This is true whether or not it is designated as park land or ever had any Green Acres funds applied to it. This is what happened to delay the Park Madison project for 2 years.
Pat Fox
I read with interest MP comment on the prospects of the mayoralty race in 2009. I for one do not believe that an objective voter would want to re-elect the Green/Briggs team. They have let the city down in numerous ways. The one that has received most attention is the demise of Muhlenberg Hospital. They were a "sleep at the switch." Its interesting that now that the hospital's fate is up for grabs, the Green/Briggs team is back in play and has brought its pay-to play crowd to the table with the intent of profiting at the expense of what is best for the city. Instead, they should be run out of town. That said, who would replace them - the mayor. Councilman elect (third ward)Adrain Mapp has leaped into the race. But wait, wasn't he one of the pay-to-play pols that fell out of favor, for being too independent, with Assemblyman Green. Yes, it is the same one. And if you think, a "tiger can change its stripes," your a bloody optimist. Mapp let the 2nd & 3rd ward down as councilman so if pragmatism rules, Adrain Mapp would be a lousy choice for mayor. Nevertheless, do not be surprised if Green dumps his protege Briggs and embraces Mapp for Mayor. Politics does make stange bed fellows. Poor Plainfield and with no leader in sight - who would put the well being of the city first -what will become of us?
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