An urban gateway creating new housing options. 

The intersection of River Road and Watchung Avenue is a key location and the Borough’s eastern gateway. Currently, this area is dominated by low-intensity industrial users. Given the fact that Chatham is predominantly built-out with very little vacant land remaining, redevelopment in underutilized areas is necessary to prevent economic stagnationThe redevelopment of the River Road gateway is key component of a broader effort to create healthy, livable neighborhoods that are supported by transit and add diversity to the Borough’s housing stock. Together with the Borough’s residents and stakeholders, Topology developed the redevelopment plan through continued research, public engagement, planning, and programming analysis. This plan incorporated sustainability measures and quality architectural standards to create an asset for Chatham Borough for years to come. The planning process and negotiations for the redevelopment are completed and construction will start in 2021.  

Type

Redevelopment Plan

Role

Redevelopment Planners

Project Partners

Chatham Borough, River Road Redevelopment Subcommittee 

BNE Real Estate Group, Redeveloper 

Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, Chatham Borough’s Redevelopment Counsel 

Nassau Capital Advisors, Chatham Borough’s Real Estate Financial Advisor 

Public Benefits

Improvement of a major gateway location

Creation of new tax ratables

Support transit-oriented residential development

Provision of affordable housing options

Remediation of contaminated properties.

Program

259 residential unitsof which 15% is affordable to low- and moderate-income householdsparking, and amenities such as a pool and outdoor recreation spaces. 

Budget

$99.2 million

Status – Complete

Redevelopment Plan: June 2019 

Redeveloper Designation: June 2019 

Redevelopment Plan Amendment: February 2021 

Redevelopment Agreement: February 2021 

Site Plan Application: Spring 2021 

Project Completion: Anticipated 2022-2023