Bayonne Mayor Davis announces Kate Howard LTD as Harbor Station South developer

Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis has announced that Kate Howard LTD will develop the vacant Harbor Station South land into a plan that includes a 300-room hotel and at least 750 residential units.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

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,” Davis said in a statement. “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.”

Council President Sharon Nadrowski echoed the mayor’s sentiment, calling the project a “significant step in finally bringing development to the [military] base.” The land has been vacant for 15 years.

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 in a prepared statement:

“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.”

Li is also the chairman of the Waitex Group, which has owned a major logistics center on Pulaski Street in Bayonne for the past 15 years.

He added 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, officials said.

In addition to this plan, Bayonne is in the process of approving site plans for 400 residential units by Fidelco, and 500 rental units by Atlantic Realty.

A statement from Davis’ office says that the hope is that these projects will add to Bayonne’s base of ratables, which will help eliminate the city’s structural revenue deficit.

The City Council and Planning Board recently approved plans for a 10-story building on 46th Street and Broadway, a 22-story building near the 8th Street Light Rail station, and a medical arts building in mid-town in Bayonne.