Bayonne  Mayor James Davis announced recently that the City plans to respond to the request for proposals (RFP) issued by Amazon for the creation of the second headquarters in the United States.

Mayor Davis stated, “Given the fact that the City of Bayonne has over 200 acres of undeveloped land on the former Military Ocean Terminal-Bayonne (MOTBY), I believe we are uniquely positioned to respond to this request.” Bayonneâ€s ongoing transformation from a city of industry to a city of innovation and technology fits perfectly with Amazonâ€s objectives and, quite frankly, the City of Bayonne meets or exceeds every one of the logistical, cultural, communal and operational criteria set forth in Amazonâ€s RFP.  Simply stated, “I believe there are no other municipalities offering anything close to what Bayonne has to offer.”

The area being offered by Bayonne as the location for Amazon HQ2 sits on the Hudson River steps away from the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, adjacent to Route 440, within easy reach of three major airports and two Amtrak train stations with a soon-to-be-finished direct access to the New Jersey Turnpike.  The area currently has plans for development of residential and retail space on a portion of the former base that would fit in with Amazonâ€s goal of the headquarters being part of a thriving community. The area also offers great growth potential with many old warehouses and other abandoned industrial sites nearby.

Amazonâ€s current corporate headquarters is located in Seattle, Washington and its Chief Executive, Jeff Bezos, has announced that Amazon is looking to set up a second corporate headquarters outside of Seattle.  “Amazon is looking for a city located in a metropolitan area of 1 million or more people,” Davis added, “with a diverse, educated population, ample recreational opportunities and quick access to mass transit, major highways, international airports and major universities.  Sounds to me like Mr. Bezos wants to come to Bayonne.”

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Harbor Station South is the designation used for the southwest portion of the former Military Ocean Terminal (MOT) at Bayonne. “This is a major step in the right direction as we pursue full development of the MOT,” said Mayor Davis. Development of the MOT has topped the Davis administrationâ€s agenda as one of its primary goals.

Bayonne City Council President Sharon-Ashe Nadrowski stated, “This is a significant step in finally bringing development to the Base. After over 15 years it is time to deliver on the pastâ€s unfulfilled promises of progress.” This is just one step the administration has taken in a consolidated effort to spur redevelopment. Over the course of the past year the City Council approved the settlement of three separate lawsuits that halted construction and redevelopment of the MOT.

The plan being developed will include a 300-plus room hotel, as well as retail and restaurant space. Upwards of 750 additional residential units will also be part of the plan. Howard H. Li, principal of Kate Howard LTD, expressed his enthusiasm about the announcement: “We are excited to invest in the City. I believe there is great opportunity to bring a world class hotel to the area and a premier shopping experience.” Howard Li is Chairman of the Waitex Group which has owned a major logistics center on Pulaski Street in Bayonne for the past 15 years. Continuing his comments, Mr. Li went on to state that he was drawn to the area based upon its close proximity to New York City, highway access, and public transportation. The land being developed is adjacent to NJ Route 440, and will have direct access to the NJ Turnpike upon the completion of the Interchange 14A improvement project.

Strategic development of Harbor Station South is part of the overall plan for the MOT. In addition to this plan, the City is in the process of approving site plans for 400 residential units by Fidelco, and 500 rental units by Atlantic Realty. Upon completion, these projects will add to Bayonneâ€s base of ratables, effectively chipping away at the Cityâ€s longstanding structural revenue deficit.

Mayor Davis concluded by stating, “Although this is a major development announcement, it is part of an overall plan to redevelop the City. Bayonne is in the early stages of growth with interest from various developers throughout the City.” The City Council and Planning Board recently approved plans for a ten (10) story building on 46^th Street and Broadway, a twenty-two (22) story building near the 8^th Street Light Rail station, and a medical arts building in mid-town in Bayonne.

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