Secaucus, NJ – The Mori tract, a 128-acre parcel of land abutting Park Plaza Drive and Paterson Plank Road, is being cleared for development. The tract, which is owned by Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc., is the largest remaining open space in Secaucus.
Hartz Mountain is working with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) on plans for a large warehouse. If approved, Hartz will work with the Town on construction approvals. Details about the timeline or potential tenants are not known.
The Mori Tract falls under the jurisdiction of the NJSEA, which is the primary planning and zoning authority for the Hackensack Meadowlands District. During the formulating of the NJSEA Master Plan, Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Town Council ensured that the Mori Tract was zoned for commercial development and not residential use.
If the zoning designation had not been approved, the Mori Tract could have been developed into one of the largest residential communities in Secaucus.
While Mayor Gonnelli and the Town Council cannot stop privately owned land from being developed, they are committed to preserving as much open space as possible for recreational use by residents. They also work with the NJSEA, which has zoning authority on 88% of the land in Secaucus, to promote development that works best for the Town and its residents.
The Mayor and Council are pleased that the Mori Tract is not being developed for residential purposes, as such a development would have impacted the school system and other municipal services.