BERKELEY, May 12, 2013 (Asbury Park Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Redevelopment of the vacant Beachwood Plaza along Route 9 may become more than a faded dream should the Township Council vote to allow Lennar Corporation and M&M Realty to become the new developer of record.

The appointment would be step one in revitalizing the long-empty strip mall that was further depreciated when superstorm Sandy sparked an uncontrollable blaze.

"Prior to Sandy, this was a main focus of the town," Council President James J. Byrnes said. "After Sandy, this is kind of like a rebirth."

The Town Center Redevelopment idea was born in 2002 and grew into the 2009 proposed pedestrian-friendly plan that included a mix of homes, business and office space, as well as a place for recreation, culture and entertainment, according to plans.

Things finally seemed to be on track when, in July, the State Planning Commission gave its stamp of approval.

But then superstorm Sandy hit. It sparked a fire during the height of its hurricane strength winds and Township Fire Official Jack Wiegartner subsequently deemed the structure unsafe.

Property owner Priscilla Oughton of Florida soon was facing $40,000 a day in fines for violations that included a collapsed roof, sinkholes and hazardous electrical conditions. A hearing is scheduled for June 20 before the Ocean County Construction Board of Appeals.

In December, the previous developer formally canceled association with the plans and the Town Center Redevelopment seemed to be slipping away.

"The entryway into our town should be vibrant, attracting home buyers and promoting shopping within our region and yet, when visitors come into our town, they are welcomed by a large dilapidated building, causing one to believe they are entering a run-down town," Mayor Carmen Amato said. "I do not want (Berkeley's) reputation to be based on this."

With Lennar and M&M's interest, the project could move forward, Amato said. If the Township Council votes to make them the developer of record, they can begin reviewing old site plans and investigate remediation needs for the adjacent defunct asphalt site.

Company Vice President Richard Fernicola said in-house capabilities to remediate the adjacent asphalt site would help expedite the necessary environmental cleanup.

Amato said the pending appeal would not interfere with moving the project forward.

Michelle Gladden: 732-682-9546; mgladden@njpressmedia.com

mgladden@njpressmedia.com

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