New Police Station Is Latest Development For This Belleville Neighborhood

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The wheels of development continue to spin in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Belleville.

Township administrators recently announced plans to open a permanent substation for emergency responders at 191 Belmont Avenue, near the NJ Transit light rail station.

The site currently houses a former construction office. Roughly $2 million in repairs and modernization are needed, officials said.

The site would primarily host the Belleville Police Department, but would also provide services from the public works department, health department and other key municipal operations such as code enforcement.

Police Chief Mark Minichini said the substation will focus on local “quality-of-life issues,” such as burglaries, graffiti and other petty crimes. Other goals include beefing up code enforcement in the Silver Lake neighborhood.

Belleville Police Capt. John McAloon said the substation will help to support daytime walking posts, bicycle patrols and targeted vehicle patrols.

“We will also work to get all the Silver Lake businesses registered with the township so we have the latest information in case of an emergency or to provide timely updates,” McAloon said. “We want to let the business owners know how we can assist them, as well as ensure what we expect of them as good neighbors.”

“This permanent substation is a major undertaking and we are up for the challenge,” Minichini said.

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said that a lot at the site is currently being used for metered municipal parking – which could help to defray the cost of repairs. He also said the building will also include storage space, saving the township money on outside rental facilities.

“We are all pleased to clean up a blighted property in Silver Lake and convert it into a very positive use for the community,” Melham said.

The announcement also got a thumbs-up from Melham’s mayoral opponent in the 2026 municipal election, town council member Frank Vélez.

“The significance of this substation cannot be overstated,” Vélez said. “This will be a substantial improvement for the Silver Lake section of Belleville, giving our families there needed attention and support.”

A community fair with games, music, children’s activities and free popcorn will take place at 191 Belmont Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. The event is free and open to the public.

POLICE IN SILVER LAKE

In late March, the Belleville Police Department launched its “Silver Lake Community Care Initiative.”

As part of the campaign, Belleville police officers hit the streets and visited several local stores and shops to get them registered with the department.

“This registration helps us maintain immediate access to emergency contact information and other important details that can make a critical difference when responding to incidents,” police explained in a social media post.

“It’s all about strengthening communication, building relationships, and keeping our community safe,” police said.

“We’re proud to connect directly with the businesses that make Silver Lake such a vital part of Belleville – and this is just the beginning,” police said. “You’ll also start to see a more consistent police presence throughout the Silver Lake area. If you see one of our officers, don’t hesitate to stop, say hello, and introduce yourself—we’re here for you.”

$80M REAL ESTATE SALE IN SILVER LAKE

Earlier this year, developers announced that apartment complex on Belmont Avenue sold for $80 million.

SilverLake Apartments, located at 155 and 165 Belmont Avenue, was built in 2021. The property – which spans two, five-story buildings – includes 232 housing units and 17,024 square feet of commercial space.

The property benefits from a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement with 27 years remaining, developers said.

According to JLL Capital Markets, the new owner – boutique real estate investment firm Sym Investments – purchased the property for $80 million from the seller, Baltimore-based Klein Enterprises.

The new owner has also secured $56 million in acquisition financing through a five-year, fixed-rate loan via Freddie Mac.

• Related: Belleville Apartment Complex Sells For $80 Million

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