Woodbridge demolishes building for new arts center

WOODBRIDGE Township Mayor John E. McCormac and the township Redevelopment Agency joined representatives from Atlantic Realty Development Corp. and the township Department of Planning & Development to announce the start of demolition of the long-abandoned General Dynamics site in the Avenel section, the township recently announced in a news release.

The start of demolition marks the development of a $50 million project that would transform the vacant 27-acre industrial complex into a vibrant new community — the Avenel Arts Village and Station Loft at Avenel, McCormac aid.

"The Avenel Arts Village and Station Loft at Avenel will enhance all of Avenel and will serve to create a sense of place," he said. "More importantly, the project will serve to increase property values for every home and property owner in Avenel."

The Avenel Arts Village and Station Loft at Avenel will include:

•500 apartment units that will be constructed in phases;

• An Arts Village with more than 50,000 square feet of arts-themed retail space;

• A performing arts center with artist studios, galleries and rehearsal and performance space.

New Jersey Transit supports the Arts Village and will develop plans to rehabilitate the Avenel Train Station facility and increase stops at the station as development moves forward and ancillary development occurs on Avenel Street and Rahway Avenue, the township said. The Avenel Arts Village and Station Loft at Avenel will include streetscape improvements, lighting, sidewalks and parks and green space.

Atlantic Realty Development Corp. announced that demolition and environmental remediation of the property will take place for approximately six to eight months, with start of actual construction by the spring of 2016. The project will be constructed in phases, with Phase I construction set for completion by early 2017.

Joining Mayor McCormac to announce the project were: Alan Schall and Samuel Friedman of Atlantic Realty, Woodbridge Redevelopment Agency Director Caroline Ehrlich, Council President Michele Charmello, Redevelopment Agency Chairman Hank Haidacher, Marta Lefsky, director of the township Department of Planning & Development and Avenel residents John Mitch and Cory Spillar.

Staff Writer Bob Makin: 732-565-7319; bmakin@MyCentralJersey.com