Construction Starts On $13M Lion Gate Complex In Bloomfield

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Ground has officially been broken on one of the largest infrastructure projects in Bloomfield's recent history.

Last week, officials and stakeholders held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Lion Gate Municipal Complex project, which will repurpose the 18.2-acre site of the former Scientific Glass Factory into a soccer field (with an underground water draining system), a children’s park and walking paths along Third River.

According to a news release from the township, the creation of the complex will be one of the “largest infrastructure projects in Bloomfield in decades,” costing about $13.3 million.

Partial funding for the project will come from a $1.7 million Freshwater Wetlands Mitigation Council grant and a $3 million New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection grant. Funding also came from Green Acres and the Passaic River Natural Resources Restoration grants, municipal officials said.

• See related article: Bloomfield Awarded $1M For Lion Gate Park Project

According to officials:

“Phase One of the project, which includes the wetland construction and plantings, will be completed by September 1, 2019. A maintenance building, concession stand and Environmental Center are planned as part of Phase Two. Over 500 trees and shrubs will be planted in the new wetland with additional trees and shrubs being planted along Lion Gate Drive and in existing woodlands.”

During a March 15 ceremony, Mayor Michael Venezia said the project will have “tremendous public benefits,” such as providing much-needed open space and lowering flood insurance rates for nearby residents and businesses.

“By taking an underutilized parcel of land and turning it into beautiful park and waterfront space to be enjoyed by the public, we are fulfilling our commitment to preserving and enhancing open space,” Venezia said.

“We would not have accomplished this without the efforts of Councilman Nick Joanow, who has advocated for this park for many years, Township Administrator Matthew Watkins, our excellent contractors and environmental experts, and I would like to thank them all,” Venezia said. “I also want to thank the Department of Environmental Protection and Freshwater Wetlands Mitigation Council for their important grant assistance to help us jump start this complex which will enrich the lives of Bloomfield residents for decades to come.”

Elected officials at the March 15 ceremony included State Senators Ron Rice and Teresa Ruiz, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., Essex County Freeholder and former Bloomfield Councilman Carlos Pomares, and the entire Bloomfield Council.

DiVincenzo said the project will transform a brownsfield site that was “unused and an eyesore” into open space and recreation facilities.

“Parks are the lungs of our county and municipalities and creating attractions like this contribute to the physical and social health of our residents, enhance our property values and make our communities more livable,” DiVincenzo said.

Gregory Remaud, CEO of the New York/New Jersey Baykeeper, called Lion Gate the “next generation of green infrastructure projects.”

“This is the real deal and it’s a project that rose up from the community and will now benefit all the residents of Bloomfield for years to come,” Remaud said.

• See related article: N.J. Court Strikes Down $10M Bloomfield Bond Ordinance
• See related article: Residents Concerned About Overcrowding, Flooding At Lion Gate
• See related article: Bloomfield Awarded $1M For Lion Gate Park Project

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