Redevelopment project comes to River Road intersection

Monday, February 14, 2011
BY VINCE BAGLIVO
Community News (Fair Lawn Edition)
CDS Collaborative Special to the Community News

Fair Lawn - Visitors to the River Road District have been doing a double take in recent weeks at the distinctly different sight lines of a busy local intersection. An old industrial structure on the former KEM Property at the intersection of River Road and Maple Avenue has been demolished.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VINCE BAGLIVO Richard L. Brown worked with the River Road Improvement Corporation and other district stakeholders to make the redevelopment of the KEM Property a reality in 2010.

The redevelopment project that will rise on the site, including both commercial and residential components, will change one of the River Road District's most important gateways. It includes much-needed improvements to the intersection, including a dedicated lane for left turns onto River Road at Maple Avenue to improve traffic flow and help reduce congestion.

The people who helped make the project happen recall a challenging process that took nearly 10 years to put the right pieces in place. Robert Landzettel, president of the River Road Improvement Corporation (RRIC), said cooperation between different stakeholders, who kept the best interests of the district a priority, was key to making the project a reality.

"The RRIC contributed to the process as a liaison between developers, commercial property owners, borough and county officials and state regulatory agencies to ensure the best possible results for all," Landzettel noted. "This effort is by far the largest, but the River Road District has several other significant commercial and residential projects in various stages of the development process despite the extended economic downturn."

In addition to contributions by representatives of the borough and other regulatory and planning agencies, several individuals and organizations stand out for their hard work, commitment and shared vision.

Alexander Opper of Glen Rock-based Opper Group leads the commercial component of the project, which is expected to be completed by year end, and is actively working on new redevelopment projects. CVS, the anchor tenant, is scheduled to open for business in January of 2012.

Opper echoed Landzettel's comments about the cooperative effort, noting the complexity of the project and the number of different stakeholders involved.

"In addition to planning the best way to develop the uniquely configured and located property, we also had to be part of the solution to the county's plan for redevelopment of the intersection," he pointed out. "In the long run, everyone involved benefits, including people who live or work in Fair Lawn as well as visitors to the River Road District."

Richard L. Brown, representing the Brown family, longtime owners of the property, led the sale of one portion of the property for commercial development and is the point person for the residential development that will follow. Brown said approvals are in place to develop 64 one-, two- and three-bedroom garden rental apartments. He is currently looking for a developer to lead the construction and believes the two parts of the planned redevelopment work well together.

"It's a natural fit to build the residential units at the rear of the property set back from busy River Road," Brown said. "We are happy to see work begin after so many years of planning and preparation and pleased to be making a positive contribution to the area."

Landzettel also pointed to the cooperation and support for the project from neighboring business owners and other local individuals.

The Rivara family, owners of Rivara's Taste of Broadway located adjacent to the site, agreed to a critical easement that allowed the project to move forward.

Darren M. Lizzack of NAI James Hanson, a member of the Fair Lawn Economic Development Corporation (FLEDC), also contributed his expertise in commercial real estate.

In addition to creating an exciting new development combining the best of both commercial and residential attributes, the project will also make the much-needed redesign of the intersection possible. Adding a dedicated lane for traffic turning left onto River Road will improve traffic flow into the district and across the Maple Avenue Bridge.

"Even during these recessionary times, we have seen continued development and new businesses opening in the River Road District, and we hope to build on these positive signs to help boost economic growth and activity," Landzettel said. "High-profile projects like the redevelopment of the KEM Property demonstrate that the River Road District and Fair Lawn are worth investing in."