79°
The Hampshire Companies, also known as HC Development, responded to the borough’s RFQ for Designated Redevelopers. The firm is a vertically-integrated real estate company based in Morristown that owns and operates a diverse portfolio of over 25 million square feet.
The borough has been in the midst of seeking redevelopment of the 91-acre Porete Avenue area, which borders the New Jersey Meadowlands District on the southeastern corner of the borough. North Arlington officials hope to further develop the area with warehouses and light industrial-type buildings.
Some of Hampshire’s similar existing buildings include CENTRA at MetroPark in Woodbridge and 175 Park Ave. in Madison, which features green roof technology and energy efficient mechanical systems. The energy savings from these features helped attract full-building tenant, Realogy Corporation, keeping 1,300 jobs in New Jersey.
The recent FedEx groundbreaking brought a crowd of dignitaries. The mayor and council were joined by,
- Lt. Governor of New Jersey Kim Guadagno
- U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-Paterson)
- Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco
- Bergen County Freeholder Steve Tanelli
- Developer Moshe Mana
- FedEx Freight Vice President of Operations Brian Poland
“When I was sworn in as mayor, my ambition was to bring development to North Arlington,” Mayor Joe Bianchi said. “To make this happen, we had to hire people with specific expertise and these people were instrumental in making this project go as quickly as it did.”
Located at 38 Porete Ave., Bianchi remarked the FedEx site would be “transformed” and “by next summer we won’t recognize it.”
Bianchi said he is pleased to have FedEx in town and looks forward to their addition to the community.
“I would like FedEx to know that I, and my office, will always be there for them,” he said. “FedEx really gives us a shot in the arm.”
Pascrell agreed, saying, “North Arlington’s best days are ahead. This plot of land has stood ripe for redevelopment for years. I’m pleased to see what I know will be the beginning of a successful redevelopment event and effort. The work of North Arlington and FedEx, in partnering together, will bring 225 jobs to this facility alone and it will build infrastructure needed to attract additional development and more jobs in the area.”
While calling the groundbreaking “a very momentous occasion,” Council President Richard Hughes gave a brief history of the industrial area.
Hughes said the current mayor and council had a vision to further redevelopment that began early last year.
“The mayor and council looked at the FedEx proposal, we liked what we saw, and put everything else aside,” Hughes said. “Within 60 days, prep work had begun.”
County Executive Jim Tedesco also addressed the benefits of FedEx joining the community.
“Your [FedEz] presence in North Arlington proves Bergen County is open for business,” Tedesco said. “North Arlington has a strong work ethic and family values. The entire landscape and picture of North Arlington is changing. Today, you’re hearing a lot about growth and prosperity,” Tedesco said.
FedEx Freight said the new facility will serve as a local pickup spot.
“North Arlington and North Jersey are important locations for meeting the needs of our customers,” Poland said. “FedEx looks forward to being a good neighbor. FedEx cares about positive change around the world.”
Guadagno also praised the addition of FedEx to North Arlington, saying it’s a benefit to all of Bergen County.
“This is the way economic development occurs,” she said. “When numbers work for a company in New Jersey, they will stay. We are open for business – not just North Arlington, but Bergen County. It’s a success story for all of us. You’ve made the right decision.”
Former North Arlington councilman, Freeholder Steven Tanelli, also added praise to North Arlington’s newest neighbors.
“North Arlington is known as a town with a lot of communities and Bergen County offers businesses of all types the opportunity to succeed,” he said. “FedEx has shown to be a true partner wherever they call home.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Lyndhurst and receive free news updates.
