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 stagnation. The redevelopment of the River Road gateway is a 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
Location
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 units, of which 15% is affordable to low- and moderate-income households, parking, 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