Let’s go straight to some great numbers associated with BridgePort II, Industrial BridgeThe over 1 million square foot, high-capacity warehousing and distribution center is located on a 73-acre waterfront property in Perth Amboy, which had its groundbreaking Thursday morning.
- Jobs: The project is expected to employ 500 construction jobs and create approximately 1,500 permanent jobs upon completion;
- Taxes: The project is expected to generate $2.9 million in total taxes for the city;
- Area Improvements: The project is allocating $1 million for the City Open Spaces Trust Fund and $500,000 for off-site improvements.
Not bad for a site that was in need of an overhaul when it was bought out of bankruptcy in 2009.
“For years, we’ve been working with the state and developer to turn this brownfield into a tax-generating vehicle that can benefit our city,” said Helmin Kappa, Mayor of Perth Amboy.
Today, salute Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency For her persistence in ensuring that this project occurred. BridgePort II will serve as a shining example of major derelict field redevelopment that other cities will emulate.”
The project, located at 1160 State St. , the latest partnership between the city and the Bridge Industrial of Parsippany.
Two industrial warehouses will be built. One includes 243,600 square feet and the other 800,000 square feet. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of next year.
Located on the banks of Arthur Kill, BridgePort II is heralded for its strategic location close to Interstate 95 and Outerbridge Crossing, as well as significant efforts to reform such a large scale of industrial property.
The project is located on a former Act 2 site, which required extensive site clean-up and ground improvements. To make the land buildable, Bridge needed to create a complete infrastructure for the site, with several retaining walls and ample parking for cars and trailers. Installation of a 12-inch water line running approximately a mile through nearby public roads is also required. The Bridge will also install a long sidewalk on the east side of High Street, which connects to the residential neighborhood of Harbortown.
Caring for the land is not over yet.
It’s important for the redevelopment project to be environmentally sensitive, said Tachyle Vazquez, PARA’s executive director.
To this end, Bridge is constructing rain gardens, separating collected sewers to prevent untreated sewage from leaking into Arthur’s Kill, in addition to obligations to the City’s Open Spaces Trust.
In addition, the warehouses will be constructed with roofs that can accommodate solar panels.
The company is eager to work with the city, said Jeff Milanaik, partner at Bridge Industrial, noting that Bridge has already constructed “BridgePort I,” a 1.3 million-square-foot distribution complex, with three buildings.
“Our ongoing partnership with the city has resulted in a seamless approvals process,” he said. “We look forward to working alongside Mayor Caba and the city to boost the local economy, showcase the region’s talented workforce and create new job opportunities.”
In order to ensure City residents have access to employment opportunities, PARA stipulates that any and all tenants in the complex need to provide at least one job fair at least three months prior to opening the business.
Association president Craig Coughlin (D Woodbridge) said the project was an example of what a partnership could do.
“This project is an excellent example of the return of Perth Amboy,” he said. “Local leaders have taken the opportunity to take advantage of the strategic location to clean up the pollution of the past, attract jobs and return this property to the tax base for local services.
“Public safety and economic opportunity will now replace environmental dangers and pests. A big thank you to Mayor Kappa, the City Council and the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency for their hard work – it has paid off.”
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (De Perth Amboy) said the pioneering is a clear example of transformation in Perth Amboy.
“A former brownfield site has been reinvigorated to serve as a job creator, tax revenue generator and a state-of-the-art environmentally friendly facility that will benefit the future of the city and the local economy,” she said. “I commend the project developer, Bridge Industrial, for recognizing the potential of Perth Amboy and for working with the city to craft a project that will deliver significant benefits to our community.”
Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Woodbridge) said the bill is the ultimate win.
“The smart, environmentally conscious redevelopment of this strategically located brownfield will not only create hundreds of new jobs for the area, but serve as a major source of tax revenue for the city,” he said.