By BRIAN DONOHUE
Approval by the Planning Board would mark the final hurdle for the first half of a massive project envisioned for decades on a swath of NJ Transit parking lots and adjacent properties Denholtz has purchased in recent years. If approved, Chairman Steven Denholtz has stated publicly that construction could begin in 2027.
In 2025, the Planning Board and the Mayor and Borough Council approved the Train Station Redevelopment Plan, which essentially created new zoning in the district, dictating building heights, density, open space requirements and other rough parameters for what can be built. (Read the full plan here.)
Now, Denholtz is seeking approval of a site plan, a specific blueprint detailing how the project will be designed, how it will look and what exactly will be included.
While the redevelopment plan allows for the eventual construction of up to 400 apartments on two parcels, the site plan application before the Planning Board makes it clear Denholtz will construct the project in two phases, beginning with the North parcel between Monmouth and Chestnut Streets.
The north parcel includes the NJ Transit parking lot near the historic train station, the former home of Mayo Auto Clinic on Monmouth Street, and several other smaller lots.
Last month, NJ Transit’s Board of Directors approved a master development agreement and 98-year ground lease with Denholtz for the north phase of the project. In a press release announcing the deal, NJ Transit said the lease would raise an estimated $10.5 million in revenue for the agency.
“This project is exactly the kind of smart, sustainable growth New Jersey needs,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill in the June 10 NJ Transit press release. “Transit-oriented development is a top priority of my administration and a central focus of our Housing Governing Council. By advancing development next to the Red Bank Station, we’re creating new opportunities for housing, economic development, and transit access all in one place. I commend NJ TRANSIT, the Borough of Red Bank, and Denholtz for helping build a stronger future for our state.”
The NJ Transit press release said the north phase of the project would include “new pedestrian and cyclist safety and access improvements, new public open space, landscaping and new bus berths with dedicated bus shelters.
“NJ TRANSIT retains approval rights on the design, phasing, financing and construction plans as well as station access and interim parking plans,” the press release states.
The South Phase of the project is subject to further study and will appear before NJ Transit’s Board of Directors at a later date, the press release states.
“Working with NJ Transit on this project gives us an opportunity to transform this site in a way that benefits both Red Bank and the broader region,” said Denholtz Chairman Steven Denholtz in the press release. “We look forward to working with the community to create a thoughtfully designed development that honors the borough’s history while expanding housing opportunities, supporting local businesses and strengthening the connection between downtown Red Bank and the train station.”
In February, a request submitted by redbankgreen to NJ Transit under the state’s Open Public Records Act for documents relating to the process by which Denholtz was selected as the designated developer for the Red Bank Train Station project was denied by the agency.
Wednesday’s Planning Board is scheduled for 7 pm at Borough Hall, 90 Monmouth Street. It can also be viewed via Zoom at this link.
Be forewarned, however: unlike the Mayor and Borough Council, which allows the public to speak or ask questions remotely, the Planning Board generally does not allow public comment for anyone not physically present.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
