RED BANK – Days before his controversial bay-front project was approved in nearby Atlantic Highlands, the borough zoning board green-lighted local developer Steven Denholtz’s proposal for another set of townhomes that would overlook Marine Park and the Navesink River.
That is, of course, if the project comes to fruition.
The applicant, Denholtz Associates, will be the third firm in the last 15 years to attempt a project at 16 and 22 West Front St.
The adjoining lots, which combine to measure just over a half-acre of property, are situated atop a hill above the historic Monmouth Boat Club on Union Street.
Denholtz said he understands the challenges of building in such a space, but believes his firm has a project that will add to the growth and character of Red Bank.
“Much like the town itself, over the years there’s been a lot of difficulty reconciling a vision at this site. But we have a clear vision of what this project will be, just like Red Bank has a clear vision for its future,” Denholtz said.
Named Southbank at Navesink, Denholtz has proposed a 10-unit development. The firm’s site plan includes five one-story units below five two-story dwellings with 26 parking spaces located beneath the construction for tenant use and eight additional stalls surrounding the construction.
Denholtz said he expects the project to begin in fall 2019, with a completion date still to be determined.
The Southbank project isn’t the only major development effort in the area. In March the borough released concept plans for the redevelopment of Marine Park.
The conceptual drawings included the reclamation of a riverfront public parking lot behind Riverview Medical Center which would be the future site of an expansive event lawn and vendor village that would change with the seasons, including concert space in the warm-weather months and an outdoor ice rink in the winter.
Denholtz said the thought of future Southbank residents strolling down the hill and into a center of activity is a particularly exciting aspect of the project.
“It’s all happening in Red Bank right now. This is a fantastic town with so much to offer and we’re thrilled to be part of its bright future.”
The site plan application does not include sidewalks on either side of the building. If these plans remain as presented, it means the shortest route for residents who wish to enjoy Marine Park will be a slender two-way corridor known as Boat Club Court, which connects Union Street to the heavily trafficked West Front Street.
However, Denholtz said his firm plans to construct a sidewalk at the bottom of the hill on Union Street, as well as a stairwell near the eastern edge of the parcel for tenants to use.
In addition to this project, Denholtz is leading another project named The Rail on a site adjacent to the Red Bank Train Station, which Red Bank RiverCenter executive director James Scavone told The Two River Times in October fits with the town’s vision of creating a transit village in the theatre district.
The Bridge Avenue project plans were expanded to include 57 residential apartments in a mixed-use building with a 568-square-foot cafe and 6,275 square feet of retail space when Denholtz acquired two additional Oakland Street parcels, the former sites of Racioppi’s and San Remo restaurants.
The project expansion was approved by the planning board Oct. 15.
This article was first published in the May 2 – 8, 2019 printed edition of The Two River Times.
