Neo-traditional plan calls for homes, offices, stores and public
parks overlooking the Newark Bay

HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. – January 31, 2007 – The Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority (BLRA) has signed a redeveloper’s agreement with Kaplan Companies of Highland Park, N.J. for the long-vacant Texaco waterfront site, located in the city's Bergen Point section.

Following a unanimous vote of authority members, the BLRA formerly signed the redeveloper’s agreement on January 25, setting performance guidelines and a plan to move forward.

"We’re delighted to be working with Kaplan to create a community that will be another great place to live and work in Bayonne,” said Nancy Kist, executive director, Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority.

Kaplan Companies will work with Chevron Texaco – the former property owner – to remediate portions of the 76-acre parcel that wraps under the base of the Bayonne Bridge at Avenue A and First Street.

The Kaplan plan calls for the development of stacked townhouses, multi-family condominiums and multi-family rentals.

The homes will be ideal for young commuters, as the waterfront at the southern tip of Bayonne would become a strategic stop for regional ferry services now in operation. In addition, it is anticipated that the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail - connecting Jersey City and Hoboken – will extend to the redevelopment area.

The new neighborhood will also be ideal for local senior citizens who no longer need to live in single-family homes and appreciate the vibrancy of a mixed-use, waterfront community.

The plan calls for 150,000 square feet of retail space and 180,000 square feet of office space. In addition, Kaplan Companies plans to construct parking decks with a total of 4,200 spaces, a 116-slip marina, a public fishing pier and seven acres of park space, featuring ball fields and tennis courts.

“One of the best amenities of this project will be the public riverfront walkway, featuring decorative lighting and benches,” said Jason Kaplan, president of Kaplan Companies. “Since 1907, Texaco had closed this waterfront parcel off to the public. Through our redevelopment plan, we are reclaiming it on behalf of the citizens of Bayonne.”

To undertake such an aggressive plan, Kaplan said, the company will create a grid of roadways that connect with the pre-existing streets in Bergen Point. He noted it is important this project be designed as a natural extension of the city, rather than as its own development.

“The entire Bergen Point neighborhood is undergoing an incredible renaissance,” Kaplan said. “We are pleased that we can play a leading role.”

Kaplan said the project will serve as a national example of New Urbanism – in which older, industrial parcels are converted into thriving, mixed-use communities for people of all ages. In following New Urbanism principles, Kaplan said, the housing units will wrap around parking decks, concealing the structures. Residential garages will also be accessed by alleys to keep cars off the streets and in front of homes.

Kaplan anticipates the company will have its first land use application heard by the Bayonne Planning Board by mid-year.

Kaplan said public input is a vital component as the plan is conceived and refined. A public forum was held in December; another is planned for the spring. More information about the project – including a PowerPoint® presentation from the December forum - is available at www.KaplanAtBayonne.com




 

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