Planning board recommends JCP&L former power-plant site for redevelopment study

The Sayreville Planning Board voted to recommend that Borough Council designate the former JCP&L power-plant parcels as an area in need of redevelopment, a first step that would permit the borough and its redevelopment agency to write a redevelopment plan for future reuse.

Veena Sawant of VMS Planning LLC presented the study on behalf of the Sayreville Economic Redevelopment Agency. She said the study area comprises Block 174, Lot 1.01 (about 14.5 acres, known as 99 River Road and owned by Serval Power LLC) and Block 174, Lot 1.02 (roughly 72 acres, owned by Trogon Development LLC). The parcels include the abandoned power-plant structures and associated paved areas. Sawant told the board the area has been underutilized for more than two decades and that police records show incidents of trespassing and suspicious activity; she also noted outstanding taxes on one parcel and that site access is constrained by a narrow driveway that crosses borough-owned land.

Sawant framed the recommendation under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law’s statutory criteria for designating redevelopment areas, saying the properties meet multiple tests including: obsolete or discontinued industrial use, excessive impervious coverage and dilapidated or deficient site conditions, and inclusion within the state’s Smart Growth/metropolitan planning area. She cited the council’s resolution of Jan. 6, 2025, which authorized the planning-board review. Sawant said the parcels are contiguous to an existing River Road redevelopment area and that including them in a redevelopment designation would enable a coordinated plan for roadway improvements and future private investment.

Board members asked whether any peaker or jet units on site remain operable; Sawant said she had been told the site was abandoned and that she would confirm the operational status of the smaller units as part of further study. The board’s planner noted the parcels’ access limitations and recommended follow-up engineering review of roadway improvements.

After presentation and questions, the board opened the matter to the public and heard no substantive opposition. A motion to recommend designation to council was made, seconded and carried by roll call (Kandel yes; Larman yes; Volusin yes; Williams yes; Chairman Tai yes). The planning board’s vote sends the study and recommendation back to the borough council, which must act on a redevelopment designation and, if the council agrees, later adopt a redevelopment plan that would set permitted uses, design standards and any public improvements required.

Next steps outlined by the redevelopment planner include confirming the operational status of on-site equipment, working with engineering staff on access and roadway constraints, and preparing a redevelopment plan and public outreach if the council acts on the board’s recommendation.