Dear Editor:
I am pleased to announce that our new Master Plan will be presented to the Planning Board for formal adoption in early March. This marks the first time in almost two decades that the City will have a comprehensive plan to guide physical and economic development throughout our entire community. The Master Plan was one of the foundations of my platform, when I ran for Mayor in 2001 and I thoroughly embrace all the public input of our residents and the hard work of our planners, Phillips, Preiss & Shapiro, who made this plan a reality.
I have always been an advocate for improving our City’s entrances, or gateways, and this plan addresses this issue. Of particular importance is the redevelopment of our community’s northern gateway at Weehawken. The City is already addressing this concern by initiating the planning phase of a study of the existing conditions of the area. The formal redevelopment process requires a comprehensive approach through the preparation of a development plan.
The Master Plan proposes the Underbridge Economic Development area in the northwestern corner of the City which will “feature a walkable environment offering the type of shopping and uses that residents normally would have to suffer through traffic jams to get to.” In this district, I envision retailers such as Old Navy, Pier 1, Banana Republic, The Gap and other big name small and medium sized stores which will complement the boutiques and restaurants situated on Washington Street. The area would not be compatible for large sized stores like Wal Mart, Lowe’s and other retailers who would desire an entire city block.
I am pleased that the City Council has taken the first step by authorizing the study of this zone and I am hopeful that the Master Plan’s outline for the Underbridge district will be realized. Again, I would like to thank all who have contributed to this effort and look forward to the transformation of our northern gateway.
Mayor David Roberts