One of N.J.’s wealthiest towns to get first luxury apartment complex amid controversy

Hundreds of rental units are coming to Colts Neck — one of New Jersey’s wealthiest communities — where developers have already broken ground on the township’s first apartment complex.

A total of 360 luxury apartments will be available in the 15-building complex along Route 537 in the township, according to the project’s developers, Kushner Companies, a New York-based real estate firm.

The 30-acre property, named Livana Colts Neck, broke ground last month despite some opposition from neighbors and environmentalists.

In the years leading up to the groundbreaking of the complex, previously named Colts Neck Manor, Kushner Companies sued Freehold Township in 2020, seeking access to the township’s water and sewer lines for the apartments.

Freehold, which borders the development, countersued Kushner, alleging that the company was forcing the township to pay millions to accommodate the large-scale housing project.

Kushner then revised its plans to include an underground, onsite wastewater treatment and disposal system — a change that has sparked controversy.

A petition against the development was started by residents last year. Local environmentalists have also expressed concerns about the system, including the NJ Sierra Club who passed a resolution opposing the project.

The groups allege that the wastewater system could pump thousands of gallons of wastewater daily into local wells that supply residents with drinking water.

However, despite these concerns, last month the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection granted developers a permit to build the wastewater treatment facility, according to state documents.

Township officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The apartment complex, which will feature amenities such as a fitness center, yoga studio, pools and work-from-home spaces, is the first of its kind to come to the affluent Monmouth County community.

Along with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, it will also include 72 units designated for affordable housing, according to Kushner officials. Construction is expected to be completed by February 2027, officials said.

Colts Neck Township has a median household income of $187,969, one of the highest in New Jersey and nearly double the state’s median. The average residential property value in the Monmouth County township is more than $1 million.

Celebrities such as Jon Stewart, Queen Latifah and Bruce Springsteen have called the township home. And, Trump National Golf Club’s Colts Neck location is about 2 miles from the new development.

“We are incredibly excited to develop the first ever luxury rental apartments in Colts Neck,” Michael Sommer, Kushner’s chief development officer, said in a statement. “Our team has developed a plan that respects the character of the area while delivering essential housing and an upscale lifestyle that aligns with the beauty of this location.

“We are committed to ensuring that this project enhances the community and provides lasting value for current and future residents.”

Kushner is also the real estate company behind the $500 million Monmouth Mall redevelopment project in Eatontown. The firm plans to transform the mall into a town center with 1,000 residential units.