BY CHRISTINE VARNO
Staff Writer
Long Branch City Council members are eager to select a developer for the Beachfront South redevelopment project, Mayor Adam Schneider said.
The council came close to a decision, but based on information that was revealed at an executive session June 21 with the developers, more time is needed, he said.
"Picking a developer for the project will financially be the biggest decision the city has ever made," Schneider said.
Three developers are campaigning for the project that will develop the 17 acres of property from Bath Avenue to Morris Avenue, known as Beachfront South.
The developers are: Denholtz Associates of Rahway; Westminster Communities, a division of Kushner Cos. of Florham Park; and K. Hovnanian, based in Middletown.
Schneider said the plans proposed by the developers are consistent with developing mid-rise condominiums and townhouses on the property. Each plan includes a number of amenities, but he said each one is different, ranging from 270 to 350 units.
"We are looking for the most luxurious project," Schneider said. "It will become the biggest investment by the city."
The market value of the proposed units is estimated to start at $600,000 and go up to more than $1 million, Schneider said.
At the executive session with the candidates for the redevelopment project, the mayor and City Council conducted individual interviews with each developer, Schneider said. Each one brought up issues that led to further questions, he said. He also said there were improvements to the original plans that the council had to consider before selecting a developer.
"We want to see what is best for the property," Schneider said. "We gave them questions to answer, and they have time before we get the information back.
"We may be able to reach a decision by the next meeting [July 13]," Schneider said, but he anticipates that it may take two weeks to discuss all the possible options.
He anticipates possibly another two weeks after that before a decision can be reached.

