Planning Board Examines Possible 'Gateway to Aberdeen' on Route 34

Story by Anastasia Millicker, anastasia.millicker@patch.com

A 28-acre section of land bordering Holmdel on Route 34 is being sized up as a possible “Gateway to Aberdeen.” 

In the first phase of a preliminary analysis for redevelopment, T&M Associates found that the property has the potential become a more welcoming entrance to Aberdeen. The land is on the northbound side of Route 34, across the street from the Aberdeen Kindercare and adjacent to Dr. William Moskowitz's office. 

The land is divided into four lots, explained T&M Associates Planner Anthony Rodriguez during the July 17 Planning Board meeting. The property is bordered by residential, open space, forest and commercial areas on the Aberdeen-Holmdel border.

“Currently the site operates as a de facto junkyard,” Rodriguez said, showing the board pictures of landscaping equipment and automobile part strewn around the property. The site currently houses an auto repair shop and landscape storage area.

In Phase 1 of the analysis, conducted in October 2012, T&M Associates recognized 17 environmental hazards including improper solid waste disposal, lead based paint and hazardous substance leakage on the property, which could be attributed to the property’s current use, Rodriguez said.

The first section of the land, identified as Block 114, Lot 6, is currently vacant and undeveloped but would be crucial during redevelopment because it provides access to Route 34 for the other two lots.

The second section, identified as Block 114, 7.01, is also undeveloped and has been vacant for about 10 years. There is a significant slope with mature trees, according to Rodriguez, but T&M feels said but the property is suitable for redevelopment.

The final two sections, identified as Block 114, has buildings on it that T&M described as “substandard” and “deteriorated.” The two sections are grouped together as they are interlocking, Rodriguez explained.

“I think that the thrust of this whole presentation is that the entrance into Aberdeen is not the most ideal,” said Mayor Fred Tagliarini, suggesting that something should be done to the site to create a beautiful "Gateway to Aberdeen."