05/20/2026
MAJOR UPDATE FOR SALEM'S WATERFRONT GLASS FACTORY REDEVELOPMENT MOVES FORWARD
SALEM CITY — A massive step toward revitalizing the Salem City waterfront is drawing nearer. On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the City Council of the City of Salem is expected to review and potentially approve a monumental Redevelopment Agreement related to the demolition and future development of the former glass factory site (formerly known as: Anchor Hocking, Ardagh, etc.).
For those of us who have driven past the site for decades, we know how much this transformation is needed. Here is a breakdown of what the proposed agreement entails, the timeline, and what it means for the future of Salem City.
PHASE 1: DEMOLITION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP
Parts of the 28 acre site** have sat vacant and undeveloped for over 20 years with the plant officially ceasing operations under Ardagh in 2014. Because of the complexity of the site, the City and the designated redeveloper—Salem City Industrial Investments, LLC (operating as Perdomo Worldwide and led by principal Orlando Perdomo)—are tackling this project in phases.
- The Immediate Goal: Phase 1 is strictly dedicated to the demolition of the dilapidated structures and comprehensive environmental remediation to safely prepare the site for future use.
- Projected Timeline: Once permits are secured (6-9 months projected), the heavy demolition and remediation work is projected to take between 24 and 48 months.
- The Financials: To help jumpstart this massive cleanup, the City will contribute $400,000 "toward the Remediation Activities on the Property", which will be sourced specifically from available state and federal environmental remediation grants.
- Tax Agreement: Recognizing that the current site is completely uninhabitable, the City has agreed to a tax abeyance that caps the property's annual taxes at $12,000 for up to three years (with two 1-year extensions if necessary) while the demolition and cleanup are actively underway.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: BROWNFIELD SUCCESS STORIES
Transforming contaminated, abandoned industrial sites (known as brownfields) is a tough challenge, but it is entirely possible. The proposed agreement aligns with broader state redevelopment objectives, and New Jersey has recently seen some incredible success stories:
- Phoenix Park, Camden: Once an abandoned, post-industrial waterfront property, this site was successfully transformed into a stunning 5.3-acre public green space that restored the local watershed and created a vibrant recreation area for the community.
- Bergen County: Backed by the Economic Recovery Act (ERA), the NJEDA has approved large-scale financial awards to turn aging, vacant industrial spaces into active, productive manufacturing and commercial hubs.
Redevelopment of this long-vacant property has the immense potential to support new investment, create jobs, improve our local environment, and breathe productive life back into a key piece of Salem City's waterfront.
TRANSPARENCY AND CITY LEADERSHIP
As part of the City’s commitment to transparency and public awareness, a draft of this proposed agreement is being shared publicly in advance of the May 26 meeting. The agreement was negotiated in good faith to reflect a balanced framework of responsibilities between the City of Salem and Perdomo Worldwide. Also, quarterly "Progress Meetings" with the City as requested will be held with the redeveloper (Salem City Industrial Investments, LLC).
The City extends its deep appreciation to the law firm Maley Givens for their thorough review and preparation of the agreement. Special recognition also goes to Mayor Dr. Jody Veler for her continued leadership, feedback, and tough oversight throughout this process, as well as to Council President Tim Gregory and Commerce Chairwoman Sharen Cline for helping lead a thoughtful and deliberate review of this critical redevelopment initiative.
Make your voice heard and stay informed, Salem County!
This is a defining moment for our community's economic and environmental future. Be sure to check out the draft agreement on the city's website (link in the comments), and drop your thoughts on this upcoming project in the comments.
**Updated: 10:26am from the entire site vacant for 20 years to parts of the site and further details.
