The borough's five redevelopment zones are taking shape after years of planning.
SOMERVILLE -- The borough is holding a public meeting 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to discuss redevelopment plans for the former Baker and Taylor site in hopes of assuring residents that the concept plan will fit in with the neighborhood.
The meeting will be held in the Borough Council's chambers.
"We're hoping we can give residents the assurance that we're not going to build this monstrous structure that is going to overwhelm the neighborhood," said Colin Driver, the borough's economic development director. "There is an accepted science to this."
Driver said the developer, Crusader Servicing Corporation, has been cooperative, agreeing to lower the density from 22 units per acre to 20.
The metamorphosis of the borough into a Central Jersey shopping, dining and residential draw continued last month with an agreement being reached to develop 31 acres of prime real estate adjacent to the Somerville Train Station.
Somerset Development, LLC will pay $10 million to N.J. Transit to purchase the property. Initial redevelopment plans call for a mixed-use transit village that will include 765 residential units, ground floor retail space and a parking deck next to the Raritan Valley Line.
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Driver said the borough will oversee and must approve the developer's plans as the project unfolds. He said he believes it will be at least 18 months before any construction begins.
Mayor Brian Gallagher and Driver said the project will result in millions of dollars in new tax and other revenues for the borough. Both said they want the project to complement the robust downtown area, not compete against it.
The two projects are part of a five redevelopment zone plan undertaken by the borough council and Planning Board that has been years in the making. "We are finally seeing the revitalization of Somerville," Gallagher said.
The five other redevelopment zones are as follows:
- The Kirby Avenue Redevelopment Area that includes the former Baker and Taylor site and the Litgo project.
- The Station and Landfill Redevelopment Area that includes the just-purchased 31-acre tract adjacent to the Raritan Valley Line.
- The West Main Street Redevelopment Area that includes ShopRite, Wolfgang Steakhouse and the JSM project.
- The East Central Business District Redevelopment Area located on Main Street east of Bridge Street and includes the old Messenger-Gazette building, the Cobalt project and Somerville Commons.
- The North Gaston Avenue Redevelopment Area in which plans are currently being drawn up.
"I think everyone is really excited because over the past two years we've seen a dramatic increase in the personality of Main Street," said Driver. "It's very busy all the time. Builders, investors and property owners all want to come to Somerville. It's what we hoped would happen and it has happened."
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.