Anthony Marchigiano, a partner at March Development, said the firm’s latest project is about more than just the 499 multifamily units it will bring to the Raritan Bay waterfront.
Marchigiano said the Cove at Manhattan Beach is about changing the community in a forward-thinking way.
“We value our partnership with the city of South Amboy in our effort to bring a state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly residential development to this long-overlooked property on the shores of South Amboy and the Raritan Bay,” he said. “We take great pride in helping to restore the health and vibrancy of a small part of the New Jersey coastline, and look forward to creating a project that becomes part of the fabric of the South Amboy community.”
Last month, Phase 1 of the project received preliminary and major site plan approval from the town.
The Cove at Manhattan Beach will consist of three separate multifamily residential structures, with a total of 499 residential units situated upon 54.2 acres of beach front.
All this on a site that currently is listed as waterfront brownfield.
With an eye towards ecological sustainability as well as function, Marchigiano said the development offers a work/play/live ecosystem with abundant amenities, such as coworking, gym, cooking classes, wine tasting classes, game room, virtual golf, yoga, outdoor pool and abundant storage.
There also will be beach access for both the residents and the greater community — and transit walkways to the ferry and New Jersey Transit rail station and a short walk to dozens of downtown restaurants, bars and other service retailers.
“As developers, we are excited that we are one step closer to realizing a shared vision for the future of the South Amboy waterfront,” he said.
Additionally, Marchigiano said the development team designed a state-of-the-art, enhanced stormwater management infrastructure system to assist in the management of severe storms that have and will continue to challenge New Jersey beach towns.
A tidal marsh is envisioned for the site, too.
Construction is estimated to start next spring, with the hope of completion in the fall of 2024.
South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry said he can’t wait to get going.
“I am very pleased that the planning board looked favorably on this project and gave its unanimous approval,” he said. “Our city has waited decades for the right entity to partner with us to reclaim this long-vacant waterfront brownfield and restore its natural beauty. With accommodations for a clean environment, a living shoreline and public access to the Raritan Bay, coupled with reliable long-term revenue for the city, this project checks all of the boxes.”
