A 470-unit residential development was presented to the Union City Redevelopment Agency at their Feb. 28 board meeting. The new high-rise building is proposed for the squared-off region on 33rd Street and Hudson Avenue better known as the Swiss Townhouse Property. This property, which has been vacant for more than 15 years, was named an area in need of redevelopment at the May 1, 2001 Planning Board Meeting.
“It has been an eyesore for many years,” said Commissioner Tina Yandolino, who sits on the Redevelopment Agency.
A public hearing on this proposal will be held at the board’s March 28 meeting. At that meeting, which is open to the public, the board will vote on whether to designate the developer, Cantello Towers LLC and Urban Renewal Project, as the developer of that site.
“We need new ratables coming in,” said Stack. “While we are cutting back [on spending], we still have to be mindful. People have been very open to development in the city.”The plans
The 24-story development, planned by Galvan and Stojowski architectural firm in Union City, would house a mixture of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and two levels of commercial space.
“The city needs a shot in the arm,” said Dennis Oury, the Redevelopment Agency’s attorney, adding that residential development is ideal for this area because of its proximity to New York City. “How can you not believe in Union City?”
The plans also include a tiered parking garage including 447 residential parking spaces. This number of spaces meets the number of spaces required in the statewide Residential Site Improvement Standards for high rise residential developments.
The plans also include an open 63-space parking lot for the commercial properties. According to the developer, this commercial lot will also be left open for residents living in the area to park their cars at night.
The commercial space is proposed for the first floor, with plans for a fitness center and spa on the second floor.
“This development is going to create jobs, it is going to create ratables. It is a plus all around,” said Anthony Loconte, the developer.
The next step
While the developer already has ownership of approximately 80 percent of the Swiss Townhouse site, there are three lots on the corner of Cantello and Hudson streets with separate owners.
Once they are deemed the redeveloper for the site, the developer will be able to approach the owners of the properties on the corner of Cantello and Hudson streets, currently on the site, said George Campen, the Union City attorney representing the developer.
Two of the residential properties on this site are currently for sale. The third, an office building is not.
If Loconte is named the developer of the site, he will be responsible for relocation of the tenants in the two residences.
Campen said that the developer will have to contact the state Department of Community Affairs to plan for the relocation.
After the developer gains control of the remaining three properties, the developer will have to create site plans that will go before the city’s Planning Board for approval.