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 was completed in 2023.

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. 

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

  • Creation of new tax ratables

  • Improvement of a major gateway location

  • Provision of affordable housing options

  • Remediation of contaminated properties

  • Support transit-oriented residential development

Awards & Accolades

2024 Urban Land Institute Northern New Jersey Excellence Award – Suburban Development

Location

River Road, Chatham, NJ

Role

Redevelopment Planners

Project Category

  • Affordable Housing

  • Redevelopment

Budget

$99.2 million

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