A redevelopment study has been authorized for several Woodbridge-based Hess properties that are being sold by the oil company.
Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac said Hess is marketing properties both in Woodbridge Proper and Port Reading, including the office building on Route 9 that is easily identifiable from the New Jersey Turnpike. The Planning Board approved the months-long study at its meeting this month.
“It is prudent to study it to see if we can help attract the right development to the project,” McCormac said.
The mayor said recent initiatives in Woodbridge have made redevelopment projects on sites such as the Hess properties particularly attractive for prospective developers.
“The fact that companies like Amazon and Arizona Iced Tea have invested in Woodbridge makes everyone else around the state take notice,” he said. “Even Hess put a lot of money into that building, and they left long ago.” While looking forward to new development, McCormac said he is sad to see the departure of a company with such a strong connection to Woodbridge.
“The red neon sign on the refinery was iconic, as is the green sign on the office building,” he said. “Hess has been such a big part of our history.
“It’s sad to see them go, but we will make sure we are not hurt financially by redevelopment projects.”
McCormac said the Planning Board will now conduct the study, examining whether the properties fit the criteria to be classified as an area in need of redevelopment. The study will ultimately be sent to the Township Council for final approval.
Designating properties as part of a redevelopment zone provides the township a level of control over future development, as well as the ability to issue tax incentives.
Hess was founded in 1933 by Leon Hess, a former Asbury Park native and owner of the New York Jets. He opened the company’s first oil refinery in Port Reading in 1957 and the first gas station in 1960.