The city will have three lots appraised in the heart of downtown, adjacent to several city-owned parcels, where there have been efforts over the years to create a pocket park and performance space.
The city will ultimately cover the six-figure cost of repairs and remediation to the former Elizabethtown Gas building before it becomes the new headquarters of the United Way of Greater Union County.
Almost the entire block that includes the former RSI bank building, the former API Foils site on New Brunswick Avenue, and a string of properties along Pierce Street that already have been acquired by a developer will be studied by the Planning Board to determine if they qualify for redevelopment under state law.
Legislation approved by City Council and the Redevelopment Agency would allow for live music in a renovated bank building downtown with plans for outdoor dining adjacent to the train station.
City Council plans to authorize borrowing $2.6 million to acquire four properties on Esterbook Avenue to eventually develop a 60-unit senior housing facility.