New Landowners and a New Plan
In 2009, a potential buyer with experience in closing and revitalizing distressed NJ waterfront properties met with Borough officials to develop a concept plan consisting of: stabilizing the sludge; preserving the wetlands; converting approximately 20 acres of exposed sludge to viable transition area habitat; and to develop a small portion of the site in order to provide an income stream sufficient to maintain the natural improvements at the site.
The concept plan was found to be a win-win-win for the Borough and its citizens, the distressed environment at the site, and the new landowners. Input was sought from DEP and several environmental groups who wanted to clean up the site and preserve habitat, one environmental group even offering, for an undisclosed fee, to help "shepherd" the permitting issues.
The concept plan was adopted subject to engineering and permitting constraints and a process set in motion to revitalize the property. The new landowners – Rahway Arch Properties - purchased the site and got to work to develop the 125 acre location in general accordance with the concept plans. A contractor was sought, one with: experience in capping land with poor geotechnical conditions; a track record of being able to source and produce acceptable capping materials; and willing to take on the financial risk to thoroughly investigate, develop and permit a well-engineered plan to stabilize and cap the site. Soil Safe met all those criteria, was recruited and engaged by the landowners and, by summer of 2010, the team was assembled and work began in earnest. Support for the project was strong.
Judith Shaw / Rutgers letter to Scott Brubaker / DEP – dated Oct. 5, 2010
Beth Ravit – C. Obropta / Rutgers letter to Scott Brubaker, DEP – dated Oct. 5, 2010
Robert Speigel / Edison Wetlands email to C. Pucillo – dated Oct. 10, 2010
Mayor Reiman / Carteret letter to Scott Brubaker / DEP – dated Oct. 13, 2010
D. Mans / NY/NJ Baykeeper letter to Comm. Martin / DEP - dated July 19, 2011
Logan Township letter to Middlesex County Freeholders – dated Feb. 10, 2012
Sen. Vitale Letter to Comm. Martin/DEP - dated Feb. 28, 2012