The company is currently based just across the river on Route 35 in Middletown, NJ, in a multi-story facility referred to locally as "the gold building" for the tint of its exterior glazing. Hovnanian has been in its current facility for nearly 25 years, but growth in recent years has forced it to relocate a number of staffers to another facility nearby in Middletown, according to company officials.
The new three-story headquarters, which would have a four-level, 272-space parking garage underneath it, would be located on a currently vacant downtown site at the intersection of Riverside (also known as Route 35) and Maple avenues. The northern boundary of the tract is the Navesink River. A 19th-century mansion once occupied a portion of the site, but it was demolished last year after a lengthy battle over its historic status. At the time, a waterfront park was the focus of discussion over what to do with the site.
Traffic is one issue that is expected to arise at the project's official presentation tonight, especially since two other office and mixed-use projects are in the works for the immediate vicinity. The Hovnanian site is also located next to Riverview Towers, a high-rise residential condominium complex.
The early read is that the project is likely to be supported by local officials. However, besides approvals from the local planning board, Hovnanian's project would also require an okay from the New Jersey Department of Transportation because of its potential traffic impact and the need to provide new access from Riverside Avenue/Route 35. A permit would be required as well from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection because of the wetlands considerations of the project's location on the Navesink River.
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