By STEVEN VIERA
Staff Writer
ABERDEEN — A plan to construct a residential community catering to commuters is finally leaving the station.
On Monday, Aug. 8, businessmen and officials representing local, state and federal governments gathered at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Harrison Avenue to break ground on Transit Village, a mixed-use development that will include both commercial facilities and rental units.
“This is going to be a home run down here,” Mayor Fred Tagliarini said.
Located on the six-acre site neighboring the Aberdeen-Matawan Train Station, which was previously occupied by two dilapidated factories, the Transit Village complex will include 227 luxury one- and two-bedroom rental units, a pool, fitness room, residents lounge and wi-fi business center as well as 8,000 square feet of street-level retail space along Atlantic Avenue.
Aberdeen officials hope the Transit Village will come to function as the township’s main street.
“Aberdeen doesn’t have that main street. We’ve got a lot of state highways, but no main street,” Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone said. “This is going to be our main street.”
The cornerstone of Transit Village is its proximity to the train station. Because residents will be able to walk to the station, officials hope the rental units will be attractive to young professionals who commute to work. Additionally, since most residents will not drive to catch their trains, Tagliarini feels the Transit Village will have a “limited impact” on traffic.
“The Transit Village concept is wonderful because, basically, it’s trying to cut down on commuter time [and] cleans up sites that are unsightly,” Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Monmouth, Middlesex) said. “It makes it possible for people to live close to the train station so that they get to work quicker and provides all these services — not only the housing, but also the retail, dining and other services.”
Plans to construct a Transit Village in Aberdeen have been in progress for more than a decade, but the current developer — Highview Homes — has been involved since June of 2011. Highview has partnered with BNE Real Estate Group to develop the project.
“It’s a long process, but it’s a rewarding process, and we’re looking forward to adding another project to the community that we think will be a positive,” said Jim Smith, a partner with Highview Homes.
According to Jonathan Scwartz, a principal of BNE, construction will last for approximately two years.
