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Klein Enterprises is planning a 272-unit multifamily property at 212 Durham Ave. in Metuchen, where it’s repurposing a former industrial site. — Courtesy: Klein Enterprises
By Joshua Burd
A developer is expanding its portfolio in the state with plans for a new 272-unit multifamily property in Metuchen, where it’s repurposing a former industrial site.
The Baltimore-based firm, Klein Enterprises, said the project at 212 Durham Ave. is slated to open around fall 2025 after the recent completion of demolition at the property. The former factory site has undergone significant environmental remediation over the past several years in preparation for the new multifamily development, the company said, while it will benefit from what is reportedly Metuchen’s first-ever payment in lieu of taxes agreement.
According to Klein, the complex will have a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units, 15 percent of which will meet state affordable housing requirements. Plans also call for six one-bedroom homes on the ground level that will provide residents with their own office space that can be accessed through the home or through separate, private entrances.
“Over the past few years, we’ve worked closely with both Mayor Jonathan M. Busch’s team as well as Middlesex County officials to establish a redevelopment plan that meets two primary objectives,” said Daniel Klein, president of Klein Enterprises. “The first was to preserve a portion of the property as the gateway to a new county nature preserve and the second was to redevelop the balance of property with a state-of-the-art residential building that fits the character of the community and incorporates green building elements. Collectively, we believe that we have not only met but exceeded these objectives.”
In a news release, the firm said the community’s interior will evoke a “modern artistry” concept in honor of the artists, literary figures and noted intellectuals who brought culture and the arts to Metuchen in the late 1800s. The overall design will feature elements grounded by warm woods and black accents while incorporating photography, music and classic printing techniques.
Klein will also plans to achieve National Green Building Standards through features like a partial green roof, a large solar array, electric car charging stations and other elements, the news release said. Other amenities are set to include a community garden, a dog park and a pool.
The firm is proceeding with its plan for the former Gulton battery plant under a partnership with Metuchen Realty Advisors. Klein and MRA worked closely with the borough council to execute a redevelopment agreement and qualify for the 30-year PILOT agreement, which will tie tax obligations to project revenue while providing additional flexibility to the borough.
“The borough of Metuchen has been discussing possibilities for this site for decades and now the transformation has begun,” said Busch, the borough’s mayor. “It is this very project that’s enabling us to open the largest recreational space in Metuchen, fund a variety of important infrastructure projects throughout the borough, and help protect our environment, all while providing our community with new housing options that will give many people the freedom to stay in the very community where they grew up and open doors for new neighbors.
“We are particularly grateful to have partners in Metuchen Realty Advisors and Klein Enterprises. This is an example of a public-private partnership that will be a true benefit to our community.”
The news release said the project will also allow Metuchen to invest millions of dollars in major infrastructure projects, promote environmental cleanup and preserve roughly 20 acres of wetlands that will be part of the borough’s open space and recreation assets. Planned improvements include a network of trails, hiker and biker paths and open space for public enjoyment, along with access and parking facilities for a new county nature preserve.
The project is adjacent to the planned expansion of the popular Middlesex County Greenway linear park.
“Along with providing best-in-class housing to residents, the redevelopment plan and PILOT program provide us with the flexibility to completely transform a dilapidated site that will increase surrounding property value, pump revenue directly into the Metuchen community, and allow our company to expand our presence in the northern New Jersey market,” said Sean Garland, chief investment officer of Klein Enterprises. “This project is a testament to the overall value created when private developers work collaboratively with local governments to create spaces that benefit the overall community.”
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