Despite the recent Zoning Board approval of a developer’s application to build a 22-story building at 57th and Park Avenue in West New York, some residents say they’ll keep fighting it.
For months, residents have attended Zoning Board of Adjustment meetings to give their opinions about the proposed building proposed by Park Terrace LLC. Those opposed complained that granting the requested variances might set a precedent leading to more tall buildings, and additional noise, traffic, and parking issues.
The application for the project was approved at a special meeting on April 5. Ken Blane, board chairperson, said that now that the vote is complete, the final resolution will be adopted at their next meeting April 22.
“I’m just totally incensed at the way this process goes.” – Humberto Ortega
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Among the benefits to the town, Blane listed the creation of parking, landscaping, increase in housing stock, and adding a valuable tax ratable.
“There was testimony that the land is [currently] paying $10,000 to $20,000 in taxes,” he said. “Once the building goes up, it will be closer to $1 million.”
That means that it should lessen the tax burden on other residents.
Blane said he hopes the project will be constructed as soon as possible so the town can reap the benefits.
“Whenever the board approves new construction, in my opinion, I would like to see it done as soon as possible,” he said. “I don’t like the idea of someone getting an approval and holding that approval and passing it along to another developer.”
In Hudson County, in the past, some developers have sold or “flipped” their properties for more money once the properties got approvals, but Blane said he does not expect that will happen with this project.
Fought until the end
Humberto Ortega, a nearby resident and activist, attended the special meeting on April 5 where the vote was approved 7-0.
“I’m extremely frustrated and disappointed,” said Ortega.
Ortega put together an extensive study on the shadows that will be cast by the 22-story building, and also created a detailed presentation of community concerns that he sent to the board the week prior to their final decision.
Among them, he expressed concerns about the developer’s track record.
“You know, I’m really not that affected by the building,” said Ortega, who lives on the 28th floor of a nearby building. “I’m just totally incensed at the way this process goes.”
Ortega said he got involved in the matter out of concern for his fellow residents.
Some units in his building are already overshadowed by the nearby Overlook building. He said that with the new building, they will be in the shadows even longer.
He added that if the project hadn’t needed all the variances and would have been more user-friendly, he probably wouldn’t have objected so much.
“I really put my heart in this,” he said.
Representatives for the developer, James Canino, did not return several phone calls.
Still time for appeal
Chris LoPinto, who did not attend the April 5 meeting, has been an avid critic of the planned building and helped rally his neighbors to be aware of their role in community planning.
Though dismayed by the outcome, he said he wasn’t surprised.
“I knew what the result was going to be,” said LoPinto. “I think this whole thing was decided a year ago.”
LoPinto said the few residents who came out in support of the project were swayed by political affiliations and some only supported the project because they are residents of nearby Overlook Terrace, which was also developed by Canino.
He added that there were many others afraid to come out against the project for fear of backlash from the city.
But LoPinto hopes that residents won’t be discouraged by the experience and outcome.
“Residents have 45 days to file an appeal,” he said. “And I think they need to do it.”
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.