Lease Approximately Six Acres of Floodway Land and Flood Plain Land

The Borough of Raritan is soliciting proposals for the lease of approximately six acres of floodway and flood plain land, identified as Block 116.02, Lot 11, situated East of Busky Lane and South of Orlando Drive. This property, approximately 300 feet deep and 900 feet long, is intended for development and operation as a golf range and batting cages. The successful lessee will be responsible for all aspects of development, including obtaining all necessary federal, state, and local approvals from Borough Boards and Departments, particularly those required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), entirely at their own expense. The lessee must also reimburse the Borough for any expenses incurred during the approval process. A map of the premises is available for review at the Borough Clerk's office. The lease term is specified for two years, commencing on January 1, 2013, with proposals required to state the specific annual rent offered for each year. Prospective lessees must be prepared to meet stringent operational and financial requirements. A critical condition mandates that the lessee provide comprehensive liability insurance, naming the Borough of Raritan as a specifically insured party, with a minimum coverage of $5,000,000.00. Furthermore, the lessee is obligated to hold the Borough harmless from any and all claims arising from the use of the premises and to indemnify the Borough for all related expenses. The Borough advises that informal advice suggests re-installation of existing or similar improvements may not be permitted by NJDEP if existing structures are removed, though the Borough disclaims knowledge of the accuracy of this advice. Maintenance of the premises in a safe and aesthetically appropriate manner is the sole responsibility of the lessee, with the Borough reserving the right to terminate the lease with 120 days' notice if maintenance standards are not met or for any other reason. All proposals must be submitted on or before December 24, 2013, at 10:00 A.M. prevailing local time. Submissions are to be delivered to the Borough offices located at 22 First Street, Raritan, New Jersey 08869. The minimum acceptable annual rent is set at $16,000.00, payable in three equal installments on April 15, June 15, and October 15 of each lease year. A late fee of 10% will be assessed for any rent payment more than ten days overdue. In addition to annual rent, the lessee is responsible for paying property taxes based on the assessed value of the premises and improvements. Within ten days of the lease award, the successful proposer must pay the Borough 10% of the awarded annual rent, which will be applied to the first year's rent and is non-refundable if the lessee fails to secure the required governmental approvals. Contact for the RFP is Karin Kneafsey, QPA.