Mayor’s Message, June 20–26
In Harrison, we have a reputation for setting a high bar on proposed development projects, both residential and commercial. So once a private landowner sells their land we adhere to the law that allows for the zoned use, but we seek the best standards aesthetically so the end product will be an enhancement to our community. Today, I make you aware of a major project proposed on the property on the east side of Route 55 at the Route 322 Interchange, which is owned by Rowan University. For reference, you’ll note that the new Inspira Hospital is already under construction on the south side there and the lone building of the Rowan Technology Park sits on the north side. You should also understand that the Mantua-Harrison border meets there. In fact, most of the north side property in that stretch of Route 322 lies in Mantua, including that Technology building.
For several years, Rowan has planned for these “West Campus” parcels to be developed for their athletic programs. Rowan’s philosophy of public-private partnership has now led to a relationship with a private entity that will develop this entire north quadrant. They plan to build a multifaceted athletic and event center that will serve as Rowan’s athletic hub (public use), as well as a venue to stage numerous sports tournaments, music festivals and other events throughout the year (private use). The existing technology building will be converted into Rowan’s Athletic Department offices and the 250-acre project on this north side will include: 55 multi-purpose fields (15 artificial turf/40 natural turf), eight baseball diamonds, a 120,000 square foot indoor sports hall with a track, a full size outdoor track, 10 tennis courts, a 5,000 seat multi-purpose indoor arena, 60,000 square feet of retail space, a sports bar and a 340-room hotel.
This athletic/entertainment focus on the north side of Route 322 now allows for other private commercial development on Rowan’s south side properties in Harrison. There are several ongoing negotiations that will be detailed when/if they crystalize. The important thing to grasp at this point is that (unlike the north side venue) they will be low-intensity uses. And obviously, they will produce substantial tax ratables for Harrison that were not previously anticipated.
I remind you here that all the north side development is on Mantua property, negating any “legal” jurisdictional oversight for Harrison. For that reason, we are happy to have entered into an agreement with Mantua to produce a “joint redevelopment” plan for all the property on both sides of Route 322. This is a unique partnership between two municipalities that is possible because of our relationships with county/state leadership and Rowan University. Our efforts to build these bridges over the last decade has never been more beneficial and constructive. Mantua and Harrison will partner on the redevelopment plan and financial agreement with the developer(s) that will be vetted and approved at our Joint Land Use Boards as the various parcels are granted their specific approvals.
This is a vital partnership for our community since it gives us a seat at the table that we would otherwise be excluded from. This development process will take place over the next six months, with a timeline for design, engineering and final approvals by year end and a groundbreaking in March 2019. We will keep you in the loop as things evolve.
