A nearly 100-foot-tall water tower near the Harrison, NJ train station is scheduled to come crashing down this morning, as work proceeds on a massive development in the Hudson County town.

Mayor Raymond J. McDonough and Tom DeGise, the county executive, are expected to attend a gathering at 9:30 a.m. before workers cut through the metal legs of the tower and bring it down at about 10:15 a.m.

The water tower demolition is part of the first phase in the construction of Harrison Commons, which is expected to include 477 rental apartments above 35,000 square feet of shops, eateries and a five-story parking garage by late 2009. By the time it is complete in seven to eight years, the 27-acre development is expected to include 3,000 residences and 90,000 square feet of retail space, along with waterfront parks and improved streets. It is being built by the Pegasus Group, Applied Development Company and the Canyon Johnson Urban Fund.

The town expects dozens of industrial, manufacturing and enclosed parking structures will be razed to make way for the homes and businesses.