This is the second major redevelopment project along the NJ Transit train line to start construction in Aberdeen in 2016.
ABERDEEN -- The second major redevelopment project along the NJ Transit train line in Aberdeen is officially underway.
Located just steps from the Aberdeen-Matawan train station, officials broke ground Monday morning on the $50 million, 227-unit development, which will transform an "eyesore" into a bustling "transit village."
The building, situated on 20-acres at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Harrison Street, will feature luxury apartment units atop street-level retail and dining, a fitness center and outdoor pool.
The goal, officials said, is to attract young professionals to Aberdeen Township.
"You roll out of bed, get on the train, go to work -- it doesn't get any better than that," Mayor Fred Tagliarini said at a groundbreaking ceremony.
Tagliarini said the new building will have a "minimal impact" on traffic in the area and the township's schools.
Township resident Mike Diagostino, who was walking in the area after the ceremony, said he believes the development will improve the area.
"I think it's good because the land was going to waste," Diagostino said. "It's good they're doing something with it."
The land was once occupied by an abandoned building, officials said.
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th Dist.) said the idea of a transit village is a "great one" that he hopes will spread to other communities in New Jersey.
"We need to continue to promote, not only in Aberdeen, but this whole idea of a transit village, because it's such a great thing in terms of mass transit, economic revitalization and making a more livable environment for people who live in the area," Pallone said.
The new development, expected to be completed in 2018, is less than two miles from the future site of the Glassworks at Aberdeen project. This project will include 500 townhouses and rental apartments, including 110 affordable-housing units, 75,000 square feet of retail space, a 110-room boutique hotel and possibly a movie theater.
Like the transit village, the Glassworks project is taking a vacant building and converting it into a luxury building that officials say will create a downtown, "Main Street" atmosphere in the township.
Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas Arnone called the transit village project a "home run" for Aberdeen.
"This is what the town needs, and with the retail component, it's going to be such a success," Arnone said.
The project is being developed by BNE Real Estate Group and Highview Homes, in cooperation with officials from NJ Transit and the state's Transit Village Task Force. In order to meet the requirements of a transit village, a municipality must demonstrate certain guidelines set forth by the state.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.