Plans are on track for the major redevelopment project at the former National Lead site, with the first corporate tenants scheduled to open in spring 2013, according to Sayreville officials.
The concept plan for the O’Neill Properties’ $83 million project, The Point at Sayreville, was revealed last spring and remains in large part intact, with plans calling for residential, commercial and recreational development, as well as open space, on the 453-acre site that spans three miles along the Raritan River.
Sayreville Economic Redevelopment Agency (SERA) Executive Director Joseph Ambrosio said the only addition since last year’s unveiling is a possible multiplex theater that would join Bass Pro Shops in the first redevelopment area, located near Faith Fellowship Ministries. According to John Mooney, a public relations representative for O’Neill Properties, an official announcement of a contract with a movie theater chain has not been released and a deal may or may not be finalized.
The new theater would have no affiliation with National Amusements Inc.’sAmboyMultiplex Cinemas, which is located adjacent to the redevelopment site but has been closed for several years. That property, which O’Neill Properties discussed purchasing, has yet to change owners, Ambrosio said.
According to concept plans released last year, The Point will consist of 2.97 million square feet of retail space, 650,000 square feet of offices, 837,500 square feet of hotel space and 2,000 residential units. Ambrosio said changes to the location of the residential units can be made, but the number cannot reach more than 2,000.
Former Sayreville Councilman David Kaiserman has taken issue with one aspect of the project — tree removal. Kaiserman has made requests to the borough to begin an investigation into whether O’Neill has followed proper procedure concerning the cutting down of trees. Developers are required to provide tree counts indicating the number of trees to be removed. Kaiserman said that, for any tree removed improperly, the responsible party would be subject to a $500 penalty from the borough.
Borough Clerk Terry Farbaniec confirmed that O’Neill had not submitted a tree count, but said it is not yet required to do so and must submit one when seeking site plan approval from the borough Planning Board. Ambrosio, who agreed with Farbaniec, said O’Neill is subject to the Planning Board’s decision on tree replacement and other obligations that will be negotiated at a future meeting.
Ambrosio said large development projects often involve aerial photographs that will allow developers and boards to come to terms on the number of trees removed. Kaiserman is currently seeking the assistance of the Edison Wetlands Association in the matter, and said he is not against filing a lawsuit if necessary.
The redevelopment project is still in the remediation phase, according to Ambrosio. O’Neill is removing and replacing contaminated soil and concrete pads, stockpiling material and sending it off site through rail lines and by truck. He said the remediation is scheduled to be completed by March.
A portion of The Point development, 74 acres, will be protected wetlands with walking trails. Wind and solar farms are planned for an additional 14 acres of the property.
“The Point will be a pedestrianfriendly community providing visitors and residents alike with a lifestyle experience unequaled in the tri-state area,” O’Neill Properties Group Chairman Brian O’Neill said last year. “Moreover, it will generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in new tax revenue.”
Contact Deanna McLafferty at