Carteret, NJ – Mayor Daniel J. Reiman announced today that the clearing of the formerly abandoned structure at 35 Cooke Avenue has been completed, and that the Borough Redevelopment Agency is receiving bids for the purchase and development of the property.
The Redevelopment Agency has obtained zoning approvals and completed preliminary designs for the construction of 30 2-bedroom condominium complex, which according to local planning studies will help address an existing shortage of housing for young professionals. This demographic will also benefit from its close proximity to bus routes and the Washington Avenue mixed-use redevelopment area, which has grown with the addition of several new shops and eateries.
For many years 35 Cooke Avenue played host to the former “Carteret Auto Parts.” It was acquired in 2000 by the Dashmesh Dunbar Gudwara, a local religious organization that had intended to build a 20,000 square foot temple there but left the project unfinished. It remained a health and safety concern to local planning officials since construction stalled in 2001. An attempt to revitalize the property failed in 2003 when the previous owners were unable to obtain clear title, and D.O.P. approval.
Since then Mayor Reiman and the Borough Council, working with the town’s Redevelopment Agency, acquired the property through the use of Eminent Domain. Action has been taken by the administration to address minor contamination that has since been discovered, including the presence of hydrocarbons and petrol chemicals. In 2006 the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection issued an N.F.A. (no further action) for the remediation, indicating that the property again met required environmental prerequisites for construction.
“Once developed,” Mayor Reiman has stated, “35 Cooke will grow in stride with the progress of our Washington Avenue Redevelopment area. This complex will offer residential opportunities to young professionals who depend on an efficient infrastructure and mass transit, and the new quality of life standards this revitalized area offers. It is with great confidence that we are encouraging regional developers to become a part of this neighborhood’s progress.”
The minimum bid has been set at $1.25 million, with a $50,000 environmental credit available towards the purchase price. Bids are due at 10:00 a.m. on November 20, and can be submitted to the Borough Clerk’s Office at 61 Cooke Avenue, Carteret New Jersey, 07008. The Borough Redevelopment Agency can be contacted directly at (732) 541-3818.
