WWW.SOUTHRIVERNJ.ORG SOUTH RIVER NEW JERSEY FROM STAGNATION TO VISION
SOUTH RIVER, NJ FROM STAG TO VISION AT A GLANCE SOUTH RIVER, NEW JERSEY WHAT: A dynamic riverside community with business growth and civic engagement priorities WHERE: New Jersey, USA WEBSITE: www.southrivernj.org HOW THE MAYOR IS REIMAGINING THIS THE FUTURE OF THIS VIBRANT NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
GNATION Mayor Peter Guindi has a strong and clear message for South River, New Jersey: the days of complacency is over. With a bold vision of redevelopment, infrastructure reform, and community revitalization, he is leading it professionally by a small borough into a future that’s anything but tiny. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
A TOWN AT A CROSSROADS Once viewed as a quiet and outdated borough tucked within New Jersey’s bustling region, South River is now undergoing a transformation. “The fact is, we became stagnant,” admitted Mayor Peter Guindi. “We hadn’t overgrown the way other towns around us have.” After serving 12 years on the borough council, Guindi finally took the leap into the mayoral seat, wanting to do more than maintain the status quo. Drawing from his background as a business owner, father, firefighter, and lifelong resident, he managed to approach governance with both discipline and diligence. His philosophy is a simple yet powerful one: progress requires vision, and vision demands action. REDEVELOPMENT AS A CATALYST FOR GROWTH From the outset, Guindi made redevelopment his administration’s peak priority. “When I took office, we had virtually no new business on Main Street,” he recalled.“Now, we have approached three major redevelopment projects and are working on more.” What made this development truly transformative is the reassessment of the iconic, long- abandoned PNC Bank building, one of the most recognizable architects in the South River. It is slated to be replaced with a striking new structure housing 45 residential units and two commercial spaces. Just down Main Street, a specialty grocery mart called Seabra Foods has been approved.The project involves a wine room and cafe, and is part of a broader plans that bring new restaurants, lounges, and various commercial developments to life. “I want Main Street to feel alive,” said Guindi.“Imagine people walking late at night, dining outside, visiting shops, enjoying life. That’s the vision I see.” UNLOCKING THE WATERFRONT’S POTENTIAL For a town that’s associated and connected with a river, South River lacked a real waterfront presence. That’s something Guindi is determined to change, in ways that we haven’t thought of before. “Currently, I’m working with several state and federal agencies to dredge the river and bring it back to life,” he shared. The goal is to establish a ferry hub, dining that has waterfront, spaces that are ready for occupancy, trails that are ready to walk, and piers that are open to the public.“I want locals and visitors to 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 SOUTH RIVER, NJ
come here, dock their boats, walk into a restaurant or cafe while enjoying the best view they can get.” A nine-acre waterfront has already drawn interest from various developers, with proposals for a riverwalk and mixed-use commercial space. “This isn’t just a beautification project,” Guindi noted. “It’s a pure economic development, and it’s going to make the South River a beautiful destination.” INFRASTRUCTURE: REPLACING WHAT TIME WORE DOWN For Guindi, infrastructure isn’t a glamorous topic, but it’s foundational. “Our water lines are more than a hundred years old. That doesn’t justify the expiry of the lines, but it’s dangerous,” he said. Since the time he took charge, he has been working endlessly to secure approximately 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
$80 million in funding to replace the town’s aging water infrastructure. “Everyone knew it had to be done. And I’m the one who’s going to do it,” he relays. What many are unaware of is that South River has its very own electricity grid station, giving it an advantage in today’s highly volatile energy market. Thanks to a recently made battery project, the borough has managed to avoid the utility rate that left a major damp on the rest of the state in 2024. “We are ahead of the curve, and we intend to stay that way.” CUTTING RED TAPE: REFORMING LOCAL GOVERNANCE Beyond redevelopment and infrastructure, Guindi has diverted his attention towards the slow, bureaucratic processes that have stifled growth for decades. “Previously,it took three or four months for a developer to get certain approvals. That’s unacceptable,” he said. In response, he led a referendum to merge the zoning and planning boards into a single Land Use Board. “Now it’s a one-stop solution. You present us with your plan, and get an answer right away. That’s how we encourage investment.” The Mayor points out that one of the major aspects he is focusing his efforts on, is ways to add to the housing stock as part of the overall housing vision he has in mind for his community. Not just because South River needs more housing, but because its current stock is restrained, and even in some cases, it’s unsafe. “There’s an illegal multi-family housing compound taking place because we aren’t provided with the right legal options,” he explains. “We certainly need more units, senior housing, commuter apartments, 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 SOUTH RIVER, NJ
CDM Smith is collaborating with the Borough of South River on a 4-inch and 6-inch Water Main Replacement project, marking the most significant undertaking in the past 50 years.This essential infrastructure initiative is designed with a clear focus on the well-being and quality of life for South River residents, providing a reliable and safe water supply for generations to come. By replacing approximately 160,500 linear feet of outdated water mains with modern 8-inch ductile iron pipes, we are directly addressing long-standing concerns like limited capacity and water discoloration. The result will be cleaner, better-tasting water and a system that can meet the demands of a growing, thriving community. With a local team deeply familiar with South River’s needs and a proven track record of successful water system projects, we prioritize minimizing disruptions to daily life. Our carefully planned timeline and construction methods are designed to keep neighborhoods accessible and utilities functioning smoothly throughout the process. Ultimately, this water main replacement sets the foundation for a healthier, safer, and more resilient South River, benefiting residents and businesses both now and into the next 50 years. cdmsmith.com/NEXTisNOW CDM Smith is collaborating with the Borough of South River on a 4-inch and 6-inch Water Main Replacement project, marking the most significant undertaking in the past 50 years. This essential infrastructure initiative is designed with a clear focus on the well-being and quality of life for South River residents, providing a reliable and safe water supply for generations to come. CDM Smith is assisting the Borough of South River in replacing aging water mains which will bring benefits for 50 years. WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
and workforce housing. We need to extend our doors.” Under his supervision, the South River has proven itself to be a fast-tracked senior living facility with approved developments, providing state-of-the-art amenities, for more modern housing standards as per the day. RECREATION, YOUTH, AND SAFETY For Guindi, revitalization isn’t just meant for bricks and mortar; it is about rebuilding a civic sense and a sense of community. “I’m a father, I see what kids these days are missing,” he pointed out.“Most of them prefer to stay indoors, not having enough positive and recreational places to spend some quality time.” That’s why he is eager to push for a new community recreation center, all set up with indoor courts, gaming arenas, and even a swimming pool. He’s also focused on restoring the town’s first responder services, such as increasing the number of police officers and firefighters. Public safety is as important as anything else right now.You can’t expect a town to grow if people don’t feel secure about it.” A CULTURAL SHIFT IN CIVIC PRIDE Not all Guindi initiatives are rooted in spreadsheets and grant proposals. Some stem from cultural vision. 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 SOUTH RIVER, NJ
Last year,he invited the entire crew of American Horror Stories to film on Main Street, an unconventional move that drew attention from curious crowds and filled the locals with pride. It even inspired local youth to explore careers in media and the film industry. “We now see kids working in the film industry because of that one project,” said Guindi.“That’s what leadership is all about, opening doors of opportunity people didn’t even know existed.” LEADING WITH A COACH’S MINDSET Guindi doesn’t view himself as a traditional politician. He sees himself as a coach, someone who puts the right team first and then guides them to execute and successfully implement winning strategies. “I had a resident once ask me why I was complimenting his Wizards sweatshirt,” Guindi recalled. “I told him it reminded me of Phil Jackson, a coach who won 11 championships by building theright team. That’s what I’m doing here.” He doesn’t shy away from confrontation or criticism, as he said, “People call to complain and I show up at their door, that’s how serious I am about this job.” EYES ON THE FUTURE When he was questioned about his top priorities for Mayor Peter Guindi 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
the next one to two years, he answered thoughtfully, laying out his top priorities moving forward. Guindi decidedly would like to focus on Main Street Redevelopment: Completing its transformation into a vibrant commercial and social hub, infrastructure Overhaul: Replacing water lines and modernizing core services and providing his community with a decidedly customer service culture. He can achieve the last objective, he explains by working to transform Borough Hall into a welcoming, resident-first space. “I turned this part-time job into a full-time profession,” he said. “I’m not only striving on yesterday, I’m building for tomorrow.” A GAME OF CHESS, NOT A RACE It would be fair to say that Mayor Peter Guindi doesn’t see politics through the lens of partnership or via personal triumph. Instead, he sees more of a long, well-planned, and strategic game of chess, not one meant to be won in a single move, but one highly dependent on patience, vision, and innovative collaboration. “Politics isn’t about winning, it’s about succeeding,” Guindi said. “A good game of chess can be played for years and years, it’s not only about beating your opponent, it’s about learning how to move forward altogether.” 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 SOUTH RIVER, NJ
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n CDM Smith www.cdmsmith.com Founded in 1947, CDM Smith provides lasting and integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy, and facilities to public and private clients worldwide. As a full-service consulting, engineering, construction, and operations firm, we deliver exceptional client service, quality results, and enduring value across the entire project lifecycle. “There’s no magic formula,” he added.“Just a team, a shared vision, and the will to execute.” Just like that, we see that an execution is already staggering South River itself, not only by constructing cranes or taking grants, but by something more intangible, something that can be felt. He believes, and with good reason, that this modest, 2.7 square mile borough can be a hub for waterfront leisure, and a supportive place for business growth for years to come. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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