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Bayonne moves to close Phase 1 sale after remediation work; residents question price and prior delays
Summary
Council approved an ordinance to authorize sale of Phase 1 (Block 830 Lot 2.02) of the Bayonne Partners redevelopment after redevelopment counsel said city remediation work costing about $400,000 was completed and will be credited; residents urged renegotiation and raised concerns about lack of drawdown by the developer and tax revenues foregone.
The Bayonne City Council on Nov. 12 authorized the sale of Phase 1 of the Bayonne Partners redevelopment (Block 830, Lot 2.02), allowing the city to close on the first portion of a long‑running redevelopment agreement after staff told the council remediation and title issues were resolved.
Redevelopment counsel John Wachiscala told the council the Phase 1 parcel comprises 240 units under the project’s phasing and that an environmental remediation effort — removal and testing of a stockpiled dirt pile — cost approximately $400,000. Wachiscala said the redeveloper escrowed funds for the work and will receive a credit at closing, and that the net purchase price for Phase 1 is just under $5 million.
Why residents pushed back: Several speakers, including Sharon Nedrowski, pressed council members to renegotiate economic terms before closing, arguing the market value per unit has risen since the original 2016 agreement and that adding units in later amendments effectively leaves taxpayer money on the table. Nedrowski also said the developer had not previously drawn down entitlements and that residents had not received mailed notice about planning hearings.
Administration response: Counsel and staff said the city is bound by a contract that the redeveloper has not breached, and that the city itself had outstanding obligations (including clearing title and remedying the contaminated soil) that delayed closing. Counsel said those obligations have been addressed and that closing Phase 1 now allows the city to proceed with subsequent phases and additional ordinances as required.
Council action and context: The council closed the hearing and ordered final passage of the ordinance authorizing the sale; roll‑call votes were recorded in favor. Council members asked for copies of the prior court decision and the complaint history referenced in public comments, and staff said they would provide those documents for members’ review. Council members also reiterated interest in ensuring future phases include enforceable community benefits and workforce opportunities where permissible by law.
Next steps: With Phase 1 authorized for sale, staff will finalize closing paperwork and continue coordinating follow‑on phase approvals and any additional redevelopment ordinances that implement the broader plan.
