The City Council on Monday unanimously approved the reappointment of Anthony Diege to another four-year term to the Redevelopment Agency board commissioners.
Category Archives: Redevelopment Agency
Another add-on for Hamilton Stage project
For the second time in as many months, the Redevelopment Agency approved an additional change to the Hamilton Stage for Performing Arts nine months after its opening.
KC Jazz site could become parking
The building that was to become a jazz club is no longer structurally safe and developers are ready to cut their losses on the project.
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Redevelopment Director Peter Pelissier reported to the Redevelopment Agency earlier this month that Ronald Esposito, an attorney representing E.T. Building, LLC, said the property is plagued by multiple problems: the building is structurally unsafe, plumbing has been ripped out due to theft, and a leaking roof has created water damage. The building has no value but RSI bank still is owed some $400,000 on the mortgage, he said.
Should the bank take the property in foreclosure, Pelissier said the Parking Authority could negotiate with the bank to see what the best use of the property might be, most likely as parking since it’s needed in the area of Seminary Avenue and Irving Street area.
The Redevelopment Agency last year granted Esposito’s request to lift a restriction that the property be developed specifically as a jazz club. For years, the former Kelly’s Pub site was slated to become KC Jazz restaurant, receiving Planning Board approval in July 2007.
Redevelopment meetings shift to Hamilton Stage
The Redevelopment Agency has changed the venue for its meetings, moving from City Hall to the new Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts.
Continue reading Redevelopment meetings shift to Hamilton Stage
Redevelopment Agency marketing plan
A 30-minute video chronicling redevelopment history and the key players behind it, a pocket-size downtown map of significant projects, and a tablet/smartphone app were among the tools presented to the Redevelopment Agency by a marketing firm to lure potential developers.
The DavidHenry Agency presented a video and demonstrated an app at the Dec. 10 Redevelopment Agency meeting, outlining the history of redevelopment in Rahway, along with the efforts of the agency and city officials, and highlighting several key projects. The Redevelopment Agency awarded a $135,500 contract in May to the Westfield-based marketing firm.
The priciest items in the contract were about $18,000 each for print/production of a folder and brochure; a website with social media integration including layout content and design; and, an interactive project development app. David Fink of The DavidHenry Agency said the demo will be a platform to lure developers with the brochures and websites.
In addition to the 30-minute DVD, the development app was demonstrated at the December Redevelopment Agency meeting. The app can be viewed on a smartphone or tablet and provides information and background, including video, about various projects within the city. A website specifically dedicated for the Redevelopment Agency is not yet live and the agency also has a Twitter account, LinkedIn account, and Facebook page. UPDATE: The Redevelopment Agency website is now live, including the video.
The video features excerpts from interviews with city officials, including Redevelopment Director and former longtime City Administrator Peter Pelissier, Redevelopment Agency Chairman William Rack, former Mayor James Kennedy, and other developers and officials. (Conspicuously absent from the video, other than perhaps a passing reference as the current mayor, is Mayor Rick Proctor.). The video lasts a considerable 30 minutes but is broken down into about five chapters, including one of near canonization of former Mayor Kennedy that’s almost to the point of embarrassment.
Redevelopment Agency Secretary Cindy Solomon said the agency will be sending packets to developers and the video will play at Hamilton Stage, other facilities as well as the local cable access channel.
Lot B — 100 units or 200 units?
The question seems to be: 100 units or 200 units? City Administrator and Redevelopment Director Peter Pelissier told commissioners at the Oct. 3 Redevelopment Agency meeting that he expects meet early next month with a representative of the owner of Lot B Â area parcels to discuss the size of any resurgent project — basically whether the plan will be for 100 units or 200 units.
Artist housing site to be appraised
The Redevelopment Agency awarded an appraisal contract for the site of a proposed affordable housing complex for artists.
Capodagli named redeveloper of Wheatena site
The Redevelopment Agency conditionally designated Capodagli Property Company as redeveloper of the former Wheatena and Quinn & Boden sites on Elizabeth Avenue.
Continue reading Capodagli named redeveloper of Wheatena site