Developers Propose Apartments for Bennett Street School Property

The decaying Bennett Street school building may see new life as a 12-unit apartment complex.

Rob MacGregor of Matrix, LLC and Ben Kirsch of Friendship Inc. met with Freehold Borough residents in the Municipal Court Wednesday evening to discuss their proposal to build nine two-bedroom and three one-bedroom apartments at the location.

The Bennett Street school building is currently owned by Todd Bernstein, though New Jersey Community Bank, which holds the mortgage, is in the process of taking back the property, according to MacGregor.

Kirsch said the development project would maintain the architecture of the current structure and install a new roof and new windows. The developers envision high-end apartments of 600 to 800 square feet for young professionals, Kirsch said.

“We think the size indicates that it’s not meant for large families,” said Gerald Sonnenblick, attorney for the developers.

However, several residents voiced concern that the project might not live up to expectations.

“All of us who have lived in Freehold a long time have [seen] apartment complexes that started out really beautiful. Look at them now,” said Marianne Earle. “I’m very concerned.”

MacGregor acknowledged the validity of that fear but emphasized that 12 units would not be difficult to maintain long term. The development team would also directly manage the building, MacGregor said.

“I think our concerns are that you as business people want to rent high-end. Our concerns are (if that doesn’t happen) that you are going to relax your standards,” said Sharon Shutzer, who noted she was speaking as a resident, not in her capacity as a council member. “Realistically, if we relaxed our standards a little bit, 12 apartments could fill a classroom.”

Kirsch said the developers want to work with borough residents to build an apartment complex that fits into the fabric of the community. He encouraged those in attendance to send names of friends and family members who would be interested in renting before opening up rentals to the general public.

Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina said the developers will make a presentation before the governing body in a future workshop meeting. The application would have to be referred to the Planning Board for a zoning change to allow such a residential use. The Borough Council would then need to approve the project.