This is an update on the large tract of land abutting Harmon Meadow Plaza and Paterson Plank Road, which is being cleared for development. Known as the Mori tract, for its former owner Eugene Mori, the parcel is about 128 acres of which approximately 68 acres are buildable. This is the largest open tract left in Town. The parcel is currently owned by Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc., which is clearing the area and carrying out the necessary environmental remediation. Hartz Mountain is working with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (“NJSEA”) on plans for a large warehouse; if approved, Hartz will work with the Town on construction approvals. At this time, details about the timeline or potential tenants are not known.
The Mori tract falls directly under the jurisdiction of the NJSEA, the primary planning and zoning authority of the Hackensack Meadowlands District that includes 14 towns in Hudson and Bergen counties. During the drawing up of the NJSEA Master Plan, Mayor Gonnelli and the Town Council ensured the Mori Tract was zoned for commercial development and not residential use. If this zoning designation was not approved, the Mori tract could have been developed into one of the largest residential communities in Secaucus.
While Mayor Gonnelli and the Town Council cannot stop privately owned land from being developed, they are committed to preserving as much open space as possible for recreational use by residents. They also consistently work with the NJSEA, which has zoning authority on 88% of the land in Secaucus, to promote development that works best for the Town and its residents. The Mayor and Council are pleased this large tract of land is not being developed for residential purposes as such a development would have impacted our school system and other municipal services.