Council considers Alcoa plant for low-cost housing

Conversion of the old Alcoa rolling mill building on River road and Vreeland Terrace to affordable housing is being considered by the Borough Council.

The council had an informal discussion with the building’s owner, Fred Daibes, at a council work session on Monday, March 7.

Council considers Alcoa plant for low-cost housing

Conversion of the old Alcoa rolling mill building on River road and Vreeland Terrace to affordable housing is being considered by the Borough Council.

The council had an informal discussion with the building’s owner, Fred Daibes, at a council work session on Monday, March 7.

The cavernous building, which fills every inch of property from River Road to Vreeland to the Edgewater Cemetery, contains 60,000 square feet. If a second floor were constructed within the former factory, the building could easily accommodate 100 apartments. And a third story could probably be added without exceeding a 52 foot height restriction.

The only serious impediment to the idea is a no-housing deed restriction that was placed on this facility when Mr. Daibes developed the balance of the former Alcoa property for low-rise housing for what is now Avalon at Edgewater.

The affordable housing idea will be further discussed at an April 4 council work session.

Mr. Daibes at one time hoped to develop the building into a day spa. Other uses had been considered including an indoor ice rink.

Parking for the building, regardless of use, could probably be provided by using a massive two-level basement and sub-basement.

The building used to be considerably larger, extending to Undercliff Avenue, but a portion of the building was removed several years ago when Mr. Daibes created a small park, at Vreeland and Undercliff Avenues, which he donated to the town.

Reprinted from
The Bergen News/Sun Bulletin
March 16, 2005