Zucker: Redevelopment Requires Patience, Grit, Flexibility

Ralph Zucker comments on redevelopment projects around NJ.

New Buyer for Alcatel-Lucent Property Steps Forward

Former 472-acre Bell Labs property is eyed by a new developer as an athletic center, say township officials.

Editor's Note: Mayor Patrick Impreveduto's statements about dormitories on the Lucent campus were clarified from an earlier version of this story, to make clear the proposed dorms would stand separately from the existing building.] Alcatel-Lucent is in talks with a new buyer for its valuable property on Crawfords Corner Road, say township officials. After working with contract-buyer Somerset Development for the past three years on a mixed use development plan, Alcatel-Lucent is now talking with a potential buyer who wants to purchase the 472-acre property and turn it into a sports center, said Mayor Patrick Impreveduto. Impreveduto confirmed the development, as reported in the November issue of the Holmdel Journal. The Journal quotes an …

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Jennifer

6:08 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011

;-) well, I didn't say it. But thanks for the reminder - with all this " a week before the election talk, I forgot to vote! Heading out right now, thanks all.   more ›

Somerset Development's Concept of "A Great Public Place"

Somerset Development's Ralph Zucker describes their vision for the interior of the legendary Bell Labs building.

Ralph Zucker, president of the Somerset Development, described his vision for a vibrant public space, alive with people, in the glass enclosed areas of the vacant Bell Labs building.  He spoke before a large audience of residents who attended a presentation on June 15 at the Community Center.  "This is going to be our town square," he said. He described the potential of creating a "Main Street" kind of feeling with limited number of retail stores, a hospitality center, cafes, medical uses, and education.  The building's "story" is medical uses, such as health, wellness, fitness and a surgi-center.  "A place for living," Zucker said.  Zucker said the top floor of the building will feature, if the market allows, 1800-square foot, loft-style …

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Dean D'Ambrosi

7:25 am on Monday, June 20, 2011

Open space it great! How do we buy the property, pay for the building tear down, fund the ongoing property maintenance and not increase our property taxes to the highest in the state? Other than that I say go for it...sounds like a great plan!   more ›

Lucent Development Plan Presentation Draws 125 People

Watch the video to hear Somerset Development's plans for structures on the 475-acre tract.

Ralph Zucker of Somerset Development, the man who would like to turn the vacant Alcatel-Lucent building into an animated space filled with medical-related offices, a few retail shops, apartments and cafes received a respectful reception from a crowd of more than 125 people last night at the Community Center.   In a half-hour long presentation with slides, Zucker outlined his plan for the historic Eero Saarinen-designed building, a health club or data center, and 30 homes on one-acre lots, a plan that has been in the works for three and a half years. New tonight was mention of his intention to employ the energy efficiencies of solar panels (lots of them) for the site. After a suggestion by a resident, he said he'd like to look into creating…

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VIDEO: Anxious Questions about Lucent Redevelopment Plans

At the Township Committee meeting Thursday, officials said it was not too late to suggest ideas.

Questions about what exactly is being discussed behind closed doors for the redevelopment of nearly 500-acres of Alcatel Lucent property were brought up by two residents at a Township Committee meeting on Feb. 17.   Mayor Patrick Impreveduto and Committeeman Eric Hinds, the two elected members who serve on the Lucent subcommittee, were not present. So it was up to Deputy Mayor Serena DiMaso, Committeeman Larry Fink, and Township Attorney Duane Davidson to assure members of the public that they will be informed and involved in public meetings as the talks unfold and wind their way through Planning and Zoning board meetings. Committeeman Rocco Pascucci was also present, though not shown in this video.  Questions were asked by residents …

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