|
|
Post by admin on May 9, 2007 18:24:32 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/0509/Front_Page/050.htmlFreehold prepares to sell one-time police station BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - A building that formerly housed the Freehold Borough Police Department can be had for the right price. A notice for a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued by borough officials for the sale of the building and property at the corner of Hudson and Bennett streets. Bidding will start at $600,000. The building has been vacant since 2003, when police operations were moved to the Rug Mill Towers on Jackson Street. Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina said the 1.35-acre parcel is on an L-shaped corner lot. The property has 200 feet of frontage on the east side of Hudson Street, 240 feet of frontage on the south side of Bennett Street and 50 feet of frontage on the north side of Center Street. The 12,180-square-foot building, built in 1910 as the borough's high school, also contains a 2,700-square-foot finished basement. Bellina said the site must be redeveloped in accordance with a redevelopment plan that has been approved by the Borough Council. The property is in a residential zone and must follow restrictions laid out by the redevelopment plan which includes the following: There cannot be any additions made to the front or sides of the building without the approval of the Historic Preservation Committee and no additional principal structures can be built on the property. The historic appearance of the existing building must be incorporated into any additions. With the exception of maintenance, there can be no alterations to the exterior front and sides of the building. Window air-conditioning units are prohibited. According to the redevelopment plan, the following uses for the building are permitted: a performing arts center; a community arts and activities center including classes or instruction for acting, dancing, singing, martial arts, yoga or visual art; schools or day-care centers for children or disadvantaged adults; business or professional offices; and a post office. A preproposal meeting will be held at 10 a.m. May 16 in Borough Hall. An inspection of the building and property will immediately follow that meeting. All proposals must be submitted to Bellina's office by 11 a.m. June 28. Municipal officials will review the proposals before deciding how to proceed. For more information call borough hall at (732) 462-4200.
|
|
|
|
Post by admin on May 9, 2007 18:25:48 GMT -5
All right readers, What would you do with the old police station. I still believe in using it for school space, but that is not going to happen. Any other bright ideas?  |
|
|
|
Post by richardkelsey on May 10, 2007 12:52:53 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/0509/Front_Page/050.htmlFreehold prepares to sell one-time police station BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - A building that formerly housed the Freehold Borough Police Department can be had for the right price. A notice for a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued by borough officials for the sale of the building and property at the corner of Hudson and Bennett streets. Bidding will start at $600,000. The building has been vacant since 2003, when police operations were moved to the Rug Mill Towers on Jackson Street. Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina said the 1.35-acre parcel is on an L-shaped corner lot. The property has 200 feet of frontage on the east side of Hudson Street, 240 feet of frontage on the south side of Bennett Street and 50 feet of frontage on the north side of Center Street. The 12,180-square-foot building, built in 1910 as the borough's high school, also contains a 2,700-square-foot finished basement. Bellina said the site must be redeveloped in accordance with a redevelopment plan that has been approved by the Borough Council. The property is in a residential zone and must follow restrictions laid out by the redevelopment plan which includes the following: There cannot be any additions made to the front or sides of the building without the approval of the Historic Preservation Committee and no additional principal structures can be built on the property. The historic appearance of the existing building must be incorporated into any additions. With the exception of maintenance, there can be no alterations to the exterior front and sides of the building. Window air-conditioning units are prohibited. According to the redevelopment plan, the following uses for the building are permitted: a performing arts center; a community arts and activities center including classes or instruction for acting, dancing, singing, martial arts, yoga or visual art; schools or day-care centers for children or disadvantaged adults; business or professional offices; and a post office. A preproposal meeting will be held at 10 a.m. May 16 in Borough Hall. An inspection of the building and property will immediately follow that meeting. All proposals must be submitted to Bellina's office by 11 a.m. June 28. Municipal officials will review the proposals before deciding how to proceed. For more information call borough hall at (732) 462-4200. My advice would be to build an over 55 residential condo complex. Adds maximum ratables, does not require needs for school age kids -- and is conveniently located to town for such residents. The town needs tax ratebles. |
|
|
|
Post by juan of you now on May 10, 2007 13:22:21 GMT -5
[quote author=richardkelsey board=anythingfreeholdborough thread=1178753072 post=1178819573[/quote] My advice would be to build an over 55 residential condo complex. Adds maximum ratables, does not require needs for school age kids -- and is conveniently located to town for such residents. The town needs tax rateable. [/quote] More poor old people for an old dieing town. Across the street from the funeral home too, ideal for death defying economic development. How about cemetery? Nothing to police, no school age kids, nice and quiet for the surrounding homeowners. Can be used for amusements during the boros Halloween celebrations. The boro desperately needs out side of the box thinking. low income 55 plus housing is an uninspired social welfare cause that always cost hard working taxpayer families more money.  What is promising about 55 plus housing is the promises to further push down the declining value of real estate for the surrounding streets. |
|
|
|
Post by Freehold Resident on May 10, 2007 13:27:24 GMT -5
I agree with most of the ideas that everyone has been putting out.
I would personally like to see a dance club go in. They did something similar in Boonton with Connexions, which is now called SWITCH! That was put into an old train station, very similar to the station we have in town, but bigger. I think it would bring in lots of young people. We don't really have much entertainment, and that brings in the creative types, who help to build up the town, bring in retail stores, lofts, etc.
FR
|
|
|
|
Post by juan of you now on May 10, 2007 14:00:31 GMT -5
I agree with most of the ideas that everyone has been putting out. I would personally like to see a dance club go in. They did something similar in Boonton with Connexions, which is now called SWITCH! That was put into an old train station, very similar to the station we have in town, but bigger. I think it would bring in lots of young people. We don't really have much entertainment, and that brings in the creative types, who help to build up the town, bring in retail stores, lofts, etc. FR Of course we need this!!! Freehold Boro, 29 Churches and THWitch THouth! How adorably hot! Welcome to Switch Switch Nightclub, Bar and Restaurant is North Jersey's premier nightclub! www.switchbar.com/SWITCH is the new premier gay bar / nightclub in northern New Jersey. Formerly Connexions, the space has been renovated and the crowd is hotter than ever. The new owners Jeff and David invite you to come in and experience all that the club has to offer including former resident XL bar and lounge NY DJ Jimmy Moyer on Friday and Saturday nights. The restaurant is currently closed and is scheduled to reopen soon. SWITCH is located at 202 Myrtle Avenue in Boonton New Jersey. It's open seven days a week 365 days a year - Monday through Saturday from 6:00pm till 2:00am, and Sundays from 4:00pm till 2:00am. 18 to party, 21 to drink - proper ID required. SWITCH is one of only a few establishments in northern New Jersey that caters to a mostly gay clientele; although is open to anyone accepting of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. Maybe make it exclusivle 55 plus, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender...sorry FR, your too young, but Rich K. I can get in. |
|
|
|
Post by richardkelsey on May 10, 2007 15:14:28 GMT -5
[quote author=richardkelsey board=anythingfreeholdborough thread=1178753072 post=1178819573 My advice would be to build an over 55 residential condo complex. Adds maximum ratables, does not require needs for school age kids -- and is conveniently located to town for such residents. The town needs tax rateable. [/quote] More poor old people for an old dieing town. Across the street from the funeral home too, ideal for death defying economic development. How about cemetery? Nothing to police, no school age kids, nice and quiet for the surrounding homeowners. Can be used for amusements during the boros Halloween celebrations. The boro desperately needs out side of the box thinking. low income 55 plus housing is an uninspired social welfare cause that always cost hard working taxpayer families more money. What is promising about 55 plus housing is the promises to further push down the declining value of real estate for the surrounding streets.[/quote] Who said it had to be low income? Luxury Condo's would be fine -- as part of a redevelopment. Of course, the whole area would need a face lift -- the Borough dropped the ball when it re-developed the Rug Mill into a less than desirable destination. Putting a park there -- an ampatheater, or a civic center (which costs money) will add nothing to the value of the neighborhood -- and nothing to the ratable base. Houses, townhouses, or god forbid apartments, would be adding expenses to the borough -- not ratables. |
|
|
|
Post by LS on May 11, 2007 9:33:26 GMT -5
I agree with most of the ideas that everyone has been putting out. I would personally like to see a dance club go in. They did something similar in Boonton with Connexions, which is now called SWITCH! That was put into an old train station, very similar to the station we have in town, but bigger. I think it would bring in lots of young people. We don't really have much entertainment, and that brings in the creative types, who help to build up the town, bring in retail stores, lofts, etc. FR You must be joking. Don't you think the area is too residential for a club? This is the wrong location. Perhaps something in the stip mall near 6/12 (erics is still vacant) could be for the music or club scene, but not a residential street. (p.s. anyone pick up on Juan's crazy lisp?) RK is right that it needs to be a ratable, but let's try quieter businesses. |
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on May 11, 2007 10:39:50 GMT -5
You must be joking. Don't you think the area is too residential for a club? This is the wrong location. Perhaps something in the stip mall near 6/12 (erics is still vacant) could be for the music or club scene, but not a residential street. (p.s. anyone pick up on Juan's crazy lisp?) RK is right that it needs to be a ratable, but let's try quieter businesses. LS your right and rght!... 6-12 shopping center deserves a SWITCH! As for Benette street, a business "Center" that can server to drive REAL Revitalization and a revenue engine for the Boro, like a "Technology incubation" hob, in partnership with Verizon (Hello....Verizon CO across the street yield corporate investment in the Boro)! How about that, a county Seat that can reinvent it's self as an emerging technology incubation center! This would go a lot further than LUXURY 55 plus housing...this clientele likes the shore anyway! Enough with the " redevelopment plan, the following uses for the building are permitted: a performing arts center; a community arts and activities center including classes or instruction for acting, dancing, singing, martial arts, yoga or visual art; schools or day-care centers for children" This Boro MUST build dependable, growing revenue! IMO |
|
|
|
Post by Marc LeVine on May 11, 2007 13:03:35 GMT -5
Joe Bellina has been regularly meeting with the residents in that area and whatever goes in their must be relatively quiet an have limited impact to quality of life over there.
I like your entertainment idea, though. Just not for over there.
Marc
|
|
|
|
Post by Freehold Resident on May 11, 2007 14:35:26 GMT -5
I can understand people over there not wanting a club. You're right--it is in a residential area.
However, I must say that if the borough really wants to bring in people, I think attracting a club IS one of the answers.
In Asbury, Paradise helped to draw in much of what has made the town move forward in the past few years. We need businesses that help to draw in the creative community. It's the only way. Fiber--your technology incubation center is interesting, but I'm not quite understanding it completely. Can you describe it a little more? Thanks.
FR
|
|
|
|
Post by Marc LeVine on May 11, 2007 14:44:05 GMT -5
Potential club owners should reach out to the FCP or be approached by them for discussions. There are a few issues involved - A Liquor License, is one.
The other concern is public safety. Any idea what kind of track record Paradise has had in Asbury Park? Last thing we want is to have to assign a whole detail of police to the area every night st closing time to break up fights and chaperon the drunken patrons in the parking lot.
Marc
|
|
|
|
Post by drcokey on May 12, 2007 19:05:47 GMT -5
I have the perfect solution for Mr. Bellina.....contact the developer who has yet to finish the property located across the street from St. Rose school...that way there can be a study done to see if another eyesore with empty promises can be tolerated after the sale...then he and the boro council can be proud of another legacy for future generations of immigrants to be proud of passing on their way to the muster zone....In fact with the commission from the realtor transaction...a party can be held in honor of the mayor...ooops did I say that?  |
|
|
|
Post by Jupiter on May 13, 2007 3:25:50 GMT -5
I have the perfect solution for Mr. Bellina.....contact the developer who has yet to finish the property located across the street from St. Rose school...that way there can be a study done to see if another eyesore with empty promises can be tolerated after the sale...then he and the boro council can be proud of another legacy for future generations of immigrants to be proud of passing on their way to the muster zone....In fact with the commission from the realtor transaction...a party can be held in honor of the mayor...ooops did I say that? How true Dr. The Exxon on Spring Street is developing into a next great eyesore with empty promises, and gapingly open excavation that someone is bound to fall into. And out American Hotel Center piece looks like their waiting for the rat to move in. Look ing at Rita's in the AM, the 6-12 passing on their way the muster zone is becoming the SIGNATURE financial driver for the Boro. Good work mayor and council, BTW..I saw the petunias on main street, real improvement. What a great downtown FR...advertise for your splendidly saucy club concept here  seems like your more creative than our tired Boro leaders, you should run for council, we need new blood. |
|
|
|
Post by unwelcome guest on May 13, 2007 7:03:43 GMT -5
Good work mayor and council, BTW..I saw the petunias on main street, real improvement. What a great downtown Unless the Mayor and council were idiotic enough to show up yesterday with trowels and gardening gloves, you are pointing the finger at the wrong culprits. The FCP are the ones who think flower barrels and gazebos and talent contests are really really really important, when the vacancy rate and # of failed businesses in the downtown just keeps going up. (Now, if what you meant to say is that the town council is responsible because they haven't de-funded the SID and shut down the ineffectual, bumbling abomination that is the FCP, well then, you are right.) |
|
|
|
Post by Marc LeVine on May 14, 2007 8:49:58 GMT -5
The negativity on this site is appalling. Don't forget that with 13,000 hits many of the people stopping by may be considering moving to, doing business in and/or visiting our town.
Commenting negatively on items, such as those above, is irresponsible if you are unaware of the ongoing developments. Projects are underway at both the locations that you mentioned and the purchasers are operating with due diligence and with good faith. Things under development always get a little ugly before they get prettier.
No one could predict that the partners (Brothers, I believe) that began the South Street project would have a falling out between them - not even the brothers themselves.
I'm not happy Bartleson Manor is gone, either, but these new folks are up to date with their taxes and still own it. I'm sure they will either build on it or sell the property so it can be developed into something like the original plan before too long.
|
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on May 14, 2007 10:51:53 GMT -5
The negativity on this site is appalling. Don't forget that with 13,000 hits many of the people stopping by may be considering moving to, doing business in and/or visiting our town. Commenting negatively on items, such as those above, is irresponsible if you are unaware of the ongoing developments. Projects are underway at both the locations that you mentioned and the purchasers are operating with due diligence and with good faith. Things under development always get a little ugly before they get prettier. No one could predict that the partners (Brothers, I believe) that began the South Street project would have a falling out between them - not even the brothers themselves. I'm not happy Bartleson Manor is gone, either, but these new folks are up to date with their taxes and still own it. I'm sure they will either build on it or sell the property so it can be developed into something like the original plan before too long. Good one Marc...the PR Committee should grab this bull by the horn and use this as a positive, this Boro is rebounding and these redevelopment projects are a sure fire sign that changes are on their way! |
|
|
|
Post by Marc LeVine on May 14, 2007 14:01:10 GMT -5
If there is a negative here, it's that the PR Committee still awaits approval. It had not been launched as of yet.
I'm fairly confident it will be approved before summer, though - probably in June. Just didn't want anyone to get the impression that it was already active and unproductive. It will be a good thing for our town when it gets off the ground.
Marc
|
|
|
|
Post by admin on May 14, 2007 16:45:41 GMT -5
The Borough should consider the following.
Keep the police station as borough property. Yes, I know, we want a ratable. But there is an alternative.
Lease out the space. As a governing entity, this would have to be put out to bid. This could produce more revenue than taxes. This increases the chance that a business or group who will make profit will be interested.
This would give the town some control, by way of contract, as to what happens with the property. Easier to maintain the historic aura or ensure a viable business. If a business fails, the town could easily get a new one, as opposed to taking the chance of an abandoned building gathering weeds and dust. ( sort of like we have now, waiting for a buyer)
We could wind up with an tech center, an arts center or any other interesting businesses. The arts center would be nice to fill the void of the art and music programs being cut in the schools.
Since my belief in using that building as school space will not happen, this is hare brained idea number two.
|
|
|
|
Post by admin on May 14, 2007 16:59:57 GMT -5
The negativity on this site is appalling. Don't forget that with 13,000 hits many of the people stopping by may be considering moving to, doing business in and/or visiting our town. Commenting negatively on items, such as those above, is irresponsible if you are unaware of the ongoing developments. Projects are underway at both the locations that you mentioned and the purchasers are operating with due diligence and with good faith. Things under development always get a little ugly before they get prettier. No one could predict that the partners (Brothers, I believe) that began the South Street project would have a falling out between them - not even the brothers themselves. I'm not happy Bartleson Manor is gone, either, but these new folks are up to date with their taxes and still own it. I'm sure they will either build on it or sell the property so it can be developed into something like the original plan before too long. Our weekend participants are a rough bunch, but do not let the negativity bring you own, Marc. There is a great deal of frustration within town and I know even some of you elected leaders share it. You do not even want to know about some of the private conversations I have had. Even I have been shocked. Seeing that frustration on this site is an asset. It should be of help to you, never an insult. I know some have been a little over the top, but that is the pitfall of a forum where participants can remain anonymous. Seeing people frustrated is why more of our elected leaders should participate on this site. This is why our committees should be attended and discussed. If people do not know the facts and progress, then frustration will set in. The way to beat that is for the town government to engage us all. This site does provide just such an a venue. It is an asset to have you, Marc, and Andrew DeFonzo. Both of you have done well in providing information to our readers, which is in the hundreds per month. My message to all who are frustrated-- get involved. Beyond putting your opinions here, organize, as we have seen in the schools, get to meetings and voice your concerns as often as possible. Write the papers and your elected leaders. |
|
|
|
Post by unwelcome guest on May 14, 2007 17:55:41 GMT -5
The Borough should consider the following. Keep the police station as borough property. Yes, I know, we want a ratable. But there is an alternative. Lease out the space. As a governing entity, this would have to be put out to bid. This could produce more revenue than taxes. This increases the chance that a business or group who will make profit will be interested. This would give the town some control, by way of contract, as to what happens with the property. Easier to maintain the historic aura or ensure a viable business. If a business fails, the town could easily get a new one, as opposed to taking the chance of an abandoned building gathering weeds and dust. ( sort of like we have now, waiting for a buyer) We could wind up with an tech center, an arts center or any other interesting businesses. The arts center would be nice to fill the void of the art and music programs being cut in the schools. Since my belief in using that building as school space will not happen, this is hare brained idea number two. If you have any assumption that what the town is dealing with is a turn-key situation, allow me to disabuse you of that notion with this quote from a March 2006 News-Transcript article: The Planning Board has stated that the building has fallen into a state of extreme dilapidation and is substandard, unsafe, unsanitary and obsolescent. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is obsolete. A leaky roof, parking space and traffic issues are also concerns.
According to the board, the building is “so lacking in light, air and space as to be conducive to unwholesome working conditions.” In 1998, the cost of bringing the building into ADA compliance was estimated at $2 million dollars; I shudder to think what that cost would be today. One could not expect a tenant to bear the cost of renovation, and the populace of Freehold Borough are unikely to even consider such a thing, to put it mildly. |
|
|
|
Post by admin on May 14, 2007 17:58:18 GMT -5
The Borough should consider the following. Keep the police station as borough property. Yes, I know, we want a ratable. But there is an alternative. Lease out the space. As a governing entity, this would have to be put out to bid. This could produce more revenue than taxes. This increases the chance that a business or group who will make profit will be interested. This would give the town some control, by way of contract, as to what happens with the property. Easier to maintain the historic aura or ensure a viable business. If a business fails, the town could easily get a new one, as opposed to taking the chance of an abandoned building gathering weeds and dust. ( sort of like we have now, waiting for a buyer) We could wind up with an tech center, an arts center or any other interesting businesses. The arts center would be nice to fill the void of the art and music programs being cut in the schools. Since my belief in using that building as school space will not happen, this is hare brained idea number two. If you have any assumption that what the town is dealing with is a turn-key situation, allow me to disabuse you of that notion with this quote from a March 2006 News-Transcript article: The Planning Board has stated that the building has fallen into a state of extreme dilapidation and is substandard, unsafe, unsanitary and obsolescent. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is obsolete. A leaky roof, parking space and traffic issues are also concerns.
According to the board, the building is “so lacking in light, air and space as to be conducive to unwholesome working conditions.” In 1998, the cost of bringing the building into ADA compliance was estimated at $2 million dollars; I shudder to think what that cost would be today. One could not expect a tenant to bear the cost of renovation, and the populace of Freehold Borough are unikely to even consider such a thing, to put it mildly. ouch! Idea number two down the tubes.  |
|
|
|
Post by fiberisgoodforyou on May 14, 2007 19:51:05 GMT -5
The Borough should consider the following. Keep the police station as borough property. Yes, I know, we want a ratable. But there is an alternative. Lease out the space. As a governing entity, this would have to be put out to bid. This could produce more revenue than taxes. This increases the chance that a business or group who will make profit will be interested. This would give the town some control, by way of contract, as to what happens with the property. Easier to maintain the historic aura or ensure a viable business. If a business fails, the town could easily get a new one, as opposed to taking the chance of an abandoned building gathering weeds and dust. ( sort of like we have now, waiting for a buyer) We could wind up with an tech center, an arts center or any other interesting businesses. The arts center would be nice to fill the void of the art and music programs being cut in the schools. Since my belief in using that building as school space will not happen, this is hare brained idea number two. REVENUE..we need revenue that will help pay for activities that should be offered by our schools! |
|
|
|
Post by Marc LeVine on May 15, 2007 10:19:02 GMT -5
Here are some updates on some of the projects, underway, recently questioned by some posters.
A) The Bartleson project has just been sold to a North Jersey developer. He supposed to close on it within the next few weeks and keep the original plans the same. What did I say would happen?
B) The Exxon station has plans into the code office. Hank Stryker is waiting for the new owners to take out a demolition permit. He’s staying on top of this and will give us an update soon. I'll share what I can, when I can.
C) The American Hotel is very close to forming a partnership and moving ahead quickly. Rob Cash is one of the partners. That's good news. The man is a winner!! Everything he touches turns to gold.
D) The Mayor has also asked Kerry Higgins to put the PR committee ordinance on next week's agenda. It will be discussed and the ball will get rolling, now! We were shooting for a June start and we'll be close.
So you can see things are not stagnate. I've spoken to Mayor Wilson on all these issues and he is very much up to date and engaged in the process. We are lucky to have him at the top.
Folks, this is a very fluid world and things are always taking shape, especially with construction projects. Remember that each project represents big bucks to the owners. These businesspeople can't afford to sit on their hands. It's the coordination of permits (EPA, etc) and other government bureaucracies that slow them down. Their goal is ALWAYS to make money. And, our goal is to help them make it quicker, so they can become strong ratables.
Marc
|
|
