Oceanport Village Center Construction Progressing

By Christopher Sheldon

The construction of Oceanport's newest shopping center is progressing.

The Oceanport Village Center is a shopping center that will be located at the corner of Port Au Peck Avenue and East Main Street.

It will consist of two buildings with commercial space on the first floor and residential space on the second floor and half story above.

Oceanport Mayor Michael Mahon said a bank at the far-end of the building closest to the existing Oceanport Plaza, and a restaurant will be the major anchors of the shopping center. Mahon said he did not know what other stores will occupy the retail component of the center at this time.

The property was purchased from the state nearly seven years ago for development. Developer Victor Gourkanti has said he purchased the 4.7 acre site through auction from the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority in October 2006 but the sluggish economy slowed progress and produced "lack of interest from lenders."

Mahon said the construction of the Oceanport Village Center is the latest step to the revitalization of the borough's downtown area.

Mahon said the initial phase was the construction of the Jockey Clubs, an age-restricted adult community of single family homes built between Oceanport Avenue and East Main Street.

The second phase was the enhancement of East Main Street heading toward the Oceanport Post Office.

Mahon said he hopes the Oceanport Village Center will tie into new projects being undertaken by Monmouth Park which include a boardwalk pavilion, an open festival area, a hotel and a waterpark.

"It's really about growth," Mahon said. "We are not replacing anything, we are just adding to the existing buildings and properties."