Town Center Renewal on the Horizon

Bloomfield’s Town Center is one step closer to being redeveloped, according to Parking Authority Attorney Joe Baumann, who presented a plan to the council at Monday night's meeting. “It's an awesome moment for Bloomfield," he said. "It's finally happening," he said.

The long-awaited plan promised boost activity in the area and generate much-needed revenue for the Township.  The project as outlined would center around a parking garage and a 224-unit apartment building in central Bloomfield with a grocery and/or retail store at street-level. The residential contract would go to California-based luxury apartment developer Avalon Bay.

Baumann made it clear that the council does not need to make a decision one way or the other for several weeks, and would do so only after a more formal presentation that would explain in greater depth the cost and timeline of the project.  He reminded the council that the redevelopment of Bloomfield Town Center has been discussed for no less than a decade.  At least, he said, the township is now being offered “attractive pricing” packages, due to the current low cost of building materials.

The council declined to comment on the project before being apprised of the specifics.  Councilman Carlos Bernard aired his concerns about redevelopment costs to taxpayers.  Baumann responded that "conservative projections" of the plan would generate more than enough revenue to pay for itself.

The full presentation, which Baumann will present with representatives from Avalon Bay, will take place at the June 18 meetingand  likely will be discussed again on June 25.  Mayor McCarthy noted that the earliest the council could make a decision would be July 2.

Other News: 

Resident Jacqueline Stern exprerssed concern about the homeless population in town.  “I no longer feel safe in Bloomfield,” she said.  She went on to describe three recent occasions in which she was accosted by homeless men in the business district in broad daylight and “shaken down” for as much as $20 on one occasion.

Her companion, Steve Groom reiterated that “residents need to feel safer” and that in eight years in town, he said he has only rarely seen policemen on bike or foot patrols.

The vouncil did not offer comment publicly to Stern or Groom, though Baumann did posit that redevelopment of the Town Center would, by design, increase police patrols in the area.

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The Council resolved to form a committee made up of Historical Society members to investigate options for the historic Collins House, which has been condemned.  Members of the council said they fear it may soon become a liability if it is not renovated, rebuilt or demolished.

If demolished, the Council agreed that, at the very least, the foundation would remain intact to preserve its historic value.