Pier Village Expansion Could Begin Next Year

in Long Branch has added a year-round destination for tourists and residents alike, and its expansion could begin as early as next year.

Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley said the third phase of Pier Village will be handled by Ironstate Development, based in Hoboken, the same company that built the first two phases of Pier Village.

"There is planning board approval through for them for a 72-unit hotel, about 50,000 sq. feet of retail, another approximate 300 dwelling units and a load of parking," Woolley said.

The new construction would be located south of Pier Village, between Morris Avenue and Melrose Terrace. An empty lot that is sometimes used for parking currently occupies the area.

The project will be done in stages, according to Woolley.

"First they are going to build the hotel, retail and a small amount of residential, with flat parking," Woolley said.  "Then, in the second phase, they will build more residential buildings and structured parking."

He said there will also be road improvements on Morris Avenue and Ocean Avenue and that the boardwalk will also be widened in that area.

"They are looking to start some site improvements, roadways, and the widening of the boardwalk this season between Labor Day and Memorial Day and then do more construction between Labor Day 2013 and Memorial Day 2014," Woolley said.

The council has scheduled an executive session meeting to discuss contract negotiations with Ironstate on Pier Village Phase 3 on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. Woolley said he could not comment on the excact nature of the meeting because it is contract negotiation and is not open to the public.