What Is Broad Street East? Summit Officials Address Rumors

SUMMIT, NJ — Most Summit residents are aware of Broad Street West — the controversial redevelopment project that has been hotly debated for the past year. But have you heard about Broad Street East?

Concerns about a new development, called Broad Street East, began circulating on the Residents for Summit Facebook page last week after a member shared a link to a proposal created by Mountain View Developments.

Mayor Nora Radest and Council President Greg Vartan addressed rumors surrounding Broad Street East in a Facebook Q&A that was posted on Tuesday.

Radest said, like many residents, she is concerned about overdevelopment but "has no idea what the Broad Street East proposal is about."

In early 2020, Radest said two developers had a 30 minute meeting with her and former Council President Marjorie Fox, saying they wanted to purchase various parcels on the corner of Summit Avenue and Broad Street.

The developers asked the city if they would deem the area as "in need of redevelopment."

"We told them absolutely not," Radest. "We are not going to do that, we have no interest; none whatsoever."

According to Mountain View Developments, the Broad Street East proposal involves multiple five-story residential and mixed-use buildings, as well as assigned and street parking.

For context, the area that Mountain View is suggesting for redevelopment is where the Conoco gas station and CrossFit Veracity building is located off of Broad Street.

Radest explained that if a private individual or entity wants to buy up property, they need to go through the zoning and planning process.

She added that she has not heard a word from the developers since the initial meeting in 2020 and no plans have been submitted.

"It's not something I'm in favor of at all," Radest said. "... For the Mountain View folks to put this out without talking to us, it's like amateur hour development."

As Council President, Vartan said he has the power to approve what items go on the agenda. He said he will not approve anything to do with Broad Street East to come onto the agenda.

In terms of the status of Broad Street West, the project remains on hold while the city waits for developers come up with a new proposal. Pushback from residents on the size and scale of building, as well as numerous other complaints, convinced the council to take a step back on the project.

Read more: Broad St. West Redevelopment Process Stalled By Summit City Council

The city announced in August that a new plan would propose a smaller building, or possibly two buildings, that follow density parameters and the height will be limited to four stories.

A financial advisory committee was also formed in October. The purpose of the committee is to provide advice to the council on the financials of any potential deal as it pertains to Broad Street West.

Read more: Broad St. West Financial Advisory Committee Chosen By Summit Council

You can watch the full Facebook Live with Radest and Vartan below:

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