Demolition begins at abandoned General Dynamics site in Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE - Years in the planning, the redevelopment of 27-acres of polluted property in Avenel began in earnest Friday as crews began the demolition of the building complex that once housed a General Dynamics industrial plant.

"Today is a great day for Avenel," Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac said. The plant, which has sat unused since 2000, will be replaced with a mixed-use building complex that township officials hope will draw new residents to Avenel and raise property values.

The plan calls for developer Atlantic Realty Development Corporation to construct an "artists' village" consisting of 500 apartments, 25,000 square feet of retail and a 10,000-square-foot arts center at the site.

The General Dynamics site is not the only Woodbridge landmark slated for change.

"We're looking to this project to bring Avenel together and bring art and culture to the community," said Michele Charmello, third ward councilwoman. The redevelopment of the site has been in the works since Charmello wassworn in as councilwoman in 2010.

As the demolition began, Howard Welsh and his wife Terry watched along with a handful of township officials.

"It's a little sad," Welsh said. For 24 years, Welsh worked at the plant as a machinist and foreman. It's where he and Terry met in 1976.

Each year, the couple has lunch with other former General Dynamics employees from the area to catch up and reminisce.

"There were bomb scares, and strikes and environmentalists down from Conneticut who protest," said Terry Welsh. "But there's a lot of good things, too."

In conjunction with the deal, the Township Council approved giving the new owner a 30-year tax break on property taxes.

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Demolition begins at abandoned General Dynamics site in Woodbridge