On May 16, 2019, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking eligible respondents for the purchase and redevelopment of the former Riverfront Prison site on the Camden Waterfront.
The riverfront property, which boasts views of the Philadelphia skyline and approximately 8.75 acres of prime developable land as well as close proximity to a newly-established public park, is a prime location for new commercial or mixed-use development.
“Gov. Murphy’s economic development strategy is focused on making investments in New Jersey’s communities, particularly our cities, where investment is needed most,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said.
“Redevelopment of the former prison site in Camden is a critical step in realizing the vision articulated in the North Camden Waterfront Study Area Redevelopment Plan and we are excited to be advancing this project via a process that will prioritize local input and stakeholder engagement,” he added.
In 2009, the NJEDA demolished Camden’s Riverfront Prison and initiated a large-scale environmental cleanup that involved capping the property with clean fill, topsoil, and vegetation. The rehabilitation project also included constructing a new public park, undertaking roadway improvements, and adding a parking lot on the site.
The RFQ applies to the approximately 8.75 acres of developable land that remains. To ensure the new development benefits the local community, redevelopment proposals must preserve the public park and include a description of how the proposed use will be consistent with the North Camden Waterfront Study Area Redevelopment Plan. The Plan’s vision is to create a vibrant, mixed-use district that provides new opportunities for riverfront recreation and attracts sustainable development while connecting existing residential neighborhoods to the waterfront.
The sale is governed by P.L. 2013 c. 22, as well as the New Jersey State House Commission-approved Procedures for the Disposition of the Riverfront State Prison Property. This includes a two-step RFQ/Sealed Bid process:
- Step 1 – NJEDA will accept qualifications through September 18, 2019 at 2 p.m. Based on the criteria outlined in the RFQ, the EDA will establish a shortlist of eligible respondents.
- Step 2 – NJEDA will issue a bid package to eligible respondents and accept sealed bids.
If necessary, the EDA will issue and accept best and final offers. The final sale and development will be subject to various approvals, including the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, the EDA Board, and the State House Commission.
Qualifications must be received by 2 p.m. on September 18, 2019 in a securely SEALED envelope or carton. Qualifications should be shipped or delivered to:
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Real Estate Division
REF # 2019-RED-RFQ-DEV-076
36 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625-0990
Submissions will be publicly opened on September 2, 2019 at the 36 West State Street location at 2 p.m. For a complete list of qualification submission requirements and other information pertinent to this RFQ, visit http://www.njeda.com/bidding.