SOMERS POINT — A developer has proposed a mixed-use complex at 19 MacArthur Blvd., the property that has been a missing tooth in the commercial strip’s smile for decades.
A marine supply shop, a couple of hotels and a religious facility have been among the past iterations proposed on the lot, but nothing has been built there since the once-contaminated site has been remediated.
In 2021, Ocean City’s Coastal Christian proposed a church inside a community center attached to a destination hotel, but like other past plans it fell through.
Now Dan Metzler, who’s currently developing a townhouse complex in the city, has proposed a mixed-use building with 70 condominium units on four floors atop retail space.
The lot, like a broken window between the Econo Lodge and Economy Motel on the north side of the busy roadway, is shaped like the state of Florida, continuing north from the boulevard to a wooded area, then turning east and backing up to the parking lot across Shore Road from Josie Kelly’s Public House.
“That site has been vacant for a number of years. It plays a prominent role in your community on a main thoroughfare,” said attorney Michael Lario of Nehmad Davis and Goldstein, representing Metzler’s MacArthur Acquisitions. “It is what the redevelopment housing law would define as underutilized property.”
Architect Bill McClees, whose office is just down the street, told City Council on Aug. 27 that he was hired to help find a solution that might be compatible with the neighborhood, the corridor and the vision the city has for growth in the community.
He said the property’s been designed with a coastal aesthetic.
“We tried to work with materials that are commonly found in the area. We’ve got a lot of shiplap and clapboard siding and some wood screening, as well as stone, and incorporated some gable roof areas,” McClees said.
The residential condominiums would be mixed between two- and three-bedroom units oriented in a single corridor with views toward the bay and pool deck.
“It’s a pedestrian-friendly site design, connected to the pedestrian network, both along Centre Street and along MacArthur Boulevard,” he said.
All parking requirements would be met under the plan and a loading dock would be located underneath the condominiums and completely screened from surrounding properties.
McClees said there would be a spacious pool deck that incorporates outdoor kitchens and cabana space, as well as a fitness center and function space.
“This has redevelopment written all over it,” City Council President Kirk Gerety said, noting the city has been trying to get the property developed for years.
Metzler is one of two principles in the development of the luxury bayfront townhouse complex at 90 Broadway currently in progress adjacent to John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. The development is replacing the 17-unit Highbank Apartments.
“We think this will really turn that MacArthur into a really good area; there’s a lot going on,” he said. “We think the retail will be a good benefit, some job creation there as well, and I think the units as well will really make that corridor look really, really good.”
Metzler said there’s a lot of interest in the retail side of the property.
100 housing units
proposed for Bay Ave.
In related news, Somers Point Bay Ave Redevelopment has applied for an environmental permit to build a 100-unit housing development at 555 Bay Ave. The property borders Harbor Lane and is across from Yacht Avenue, which loops through Harbour Cove condominiums.
The plan consists of the complete redevelopment of the site with 80 market-rate townhouses and 20 affordable apartments. Site improvements will include driveways, walkways and outdoor amenities.
A 30-day public comment period ends Sept. 17. The complete application can be viewed at the City Clerk’s Office.
Comments can be sent to: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Land Resource Protection, P.O. Box 420, Code 501-02A, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420 Attn: City of Somers Point Supervisor.
At least one area resident already has objected to the plan.
Teresita Doebley of Bay Avenue provided a letter that she sent to Mayor Dennis Tapp stating her concerns.
“My hope is that the commission will carefully consider how this proposal may affect the surrounding neighborhood, particularly with respect to traffic, parking, safety, noise, lighting and the overall character of the area,” the letter states, noting Doebley and her husband lived on Somers Avenue and ultimately moved because increasing noise, lighting and traffic “had begun to affect our quality of life.”
“As a resident, I have always valued the quieter, small-town character of Somers Point, and I would very much like to see that character preserved as our community continues to develop,” Doebley stated.
Speaking at the meeting Aug. 27, city resident Brandon Dolan said what the city needs is more homes and families.
“I know it’s not helping our school enrollment. It’s making this, especially where I live, right down the street next to all the restaurants, it’s making it very, ‘Get out of my way, I’m on vacation’ feel of our small town, which used to be a community,” he said. “It’s a bummer to see my son go to a school where it’s losing teachers, it’s losing funding because it’s out-of-towners.
“So, in the future maybe think about less units, more homes, more families, more community.”
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
