Long frustrated by the state of the Lakeside Manor townhouse development site on Mountain Lakes Drive, Wanaque officials condemned it.
On July 10, city council members voted to designate eminent domain for redevelopment and qualify it for prominent property.
In 2016, local officials designated the area as a no-eminent domain zone for lack of redevelopment, leading to deterioration and abandonment. The following year, they approved a redevelopment plan and an agreement with the owner. The deal allowed principal owner and developer Jacinto Rodrigues to form a new company called Wanaque Urban Renewal Corp. and settle for the offer of payment in lieu of council taxes, or PILOT, to carry out the project.
The unfinished terraced house was demolished to its foundations. However, the refurbishment never took place. Deadlines were missed and city officials canceled the agreement.
In the July 10 settlement approving the Array’s condemnation, officials described their efforts to view the remodel as “Herculean. “
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Considered deserted by city officials, the site has become negative for public health, safety and well-being, according to a 2022 Planning Council decision. By condemning the property, city officials can the redevelopment effort.
The original plan called for 64 townhouses in a community provided with shade trees, street lighting and sidewalks. Then reduced to 47 units, the progression began to take shape in 1999. Water and sewerage infrastructure was buried and the 2004 Planning Act halted allocation. These restrictions were eased for the site through a 2011 court ruling, but the allocation has stalled.
In late 2014, Greentree Investment Group officials signed an agreement to acquire J’s Lakeside Manor allocation.
Attempts to triumph in Rodrigues on Tuesday were unsuccessful.