HISTORY & ENVISIONMENTNovember 2016
History: Throughout the 1800’s, the waterfront encompassing West 30th to West 31st streets was one of several private swimming beaches, (Bayonne was essentially a resort area in the era). This beach became very popular due to the cove of the shoreline, and harbor’s width, (this location represents the widest point of the Newark Harbor, thus enabling a favorable and reduced water current velocity and safe swimming, (ducks congregate here all the time). In the early 1900’s this beach had been vacated and the land associated with the property, located at the top of the incline, was converted into a goat farm, and later an empty lot. In 1960 a Bayonne builder constructed two sister homes on this property, for his personal use.
A neighboring condominium structure, built in 2007 by “Baker Residential”, which is located at 199-201 West 30th Street, in Bayonne, NJ could be considered a high end structure. There is sublevel parking and a gym. Each unit has granite kitchen countertops and (2) bathrooms. These units sold out before construction was even finalized. They were purchased primarily by NYC business people, as these units enable a short commute back and forth to work during the week, (20 mn via Hudson Light Rail, located on East 32nd Street). Many of these apartments are not even occupied over the weekend.
The Bayonne Bridge is currently being raised to facilitate the largest freighters in the world. Once the modifications are completed, these ships will pass 31st Street, on a regular basis, in route to their shipping ports in Newark and Elizabeth. This will inevitably become a huge attraction. Additionally, Bayonne has a newly elected mayor,(Jim Davis), who is avant-garde. He wants to buildup the town. Bayonne will be building a multimillion dollar amphitheatre on Broadway. He wants to spend money on the town and consequently, he wants higher tax revenues. He wants Bayonne to become a “new Hoboken”. Zoning on the Baker project was approved, with a former and very conservative mayor, around the turn of 2000.
Envisionment : A luxury high-rise condominium structure, witha sub-level for parking, a gym, and a swimming pool. A glass elevator shaft (hemi), which will enable a clear view of the Newark Harbor. There will be an observation deck on the roof, with built in tripods and telescopes to enable 360 degree viewing, (NYC, Verrazano Bridge, George Washington Bridge, and much more). There will be a beautiful rooftop garden, with benches, small trees, and shelters. Solar panels will be installed at designated location(s) on the roof, to offset the cost of maintenance. A huge Japanese Coy pond with waterfall(s) and bridge(s), will encompass nearly the entire main lobby. A built in convenience store will be located on the ground level, as well. There will be a private entrance to the proposed swimming beach. Each unit will have an HE washer and HE dryer, along with a large deck Jacuzzi in the master bathroom, and a steam sauna in the powder room. Kitchens will have granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. All floors, will be constructed of either granite, marble, or porcelain. Each unit will have a built-in wood burning fireplace, (there will be a 400 ft2 fire wood storage roomat ground level). All fixtures, appliances, materials, and building methodologies will be of the highest quality and standards. The proposed structure and the Baker structure will complement each other. The proposed structure will outsell the Baker structure and if it’s assembled properly, each unit will generate 1M in revenue.
In 2009, the US Coast Guard had tested and determined that the water quality, at this location, is equivalent in quality and purity as that of Sandy Hook, NJ. Upon finalization of the proposed condominium complex, the existing beach will be widened and restored to a fully functional swimming beach, (this will represent the only swimming beach in Bayonne, and will represent the only swimming beach within 45 miles). The beach will measure 400’ long by 100’ wide, and will resume its original location, (it will begin at the South, on West 30th Street and end at West 31st Street). Sand will be barged in, deposited, and graded to enable favorable aesthetics and safe swimming conditions. Condominium owners will have exclusive rights to the beach, (or public vs. private vs. a combination). Kindly note that West 31st street is elevated 40’ above sea level, (tidal flooding is a non-issue with regard to the proposed structure and sublevel quarters).