The City Council has voted to change a redevelopment plan to allow a 15 story building near the historic Paulus Hook district of the city. Nearly 20 residents from the area spoke at the public hearing on Oct. 8, but not all were opposed to the development, including members of the Paulus Hook Association, who said the change was a compromise that would help restore Paulus Hook Park and provide additional givebacks to the community.
The ordinance would change the tidewater Basic Redevelopment Plan to allow for construction of the building on what is currently vacant land in an area near Van Vorst Street south of Sussex Street.
The ordinance adopted would loosen redevelopment height restrictions. Under the redevelopment plan, which defines the area as a buffer zone, building height is restricted to 7-stories. But city officials noted that this conflicts with the city’s master plan, which allows up to 16-stories.
Residents opposed to the project said the givebacks by the developer won’t offset the negative impact of the building on the area. Under the agreement with the city, Fields Development would upgrade the existing waterfront walkway, provide an easement for a sorely needed water main, and would donate to the restoration of the historic Paulus Hook Park.
“If I wanted to live in Newport, I would have bought a place there.” – Michael Zatapano
____________
Don’t change our neighborhood
Many of the residents complained that allowing the larger building would set a precedent for future development.
“People move into a historic neighborhoods, and then get a 15-story building,” said George Miller.
Michael Zatapano, who lives in the nearby Gull’s Cove development, said he also felt cheated.
“If I wanted to live in Newport, I would have bought a place there,” he said, saying that the city is changing the rules of the game.
Elena Putilina said the project will change the neighborhood.
Peng Sang said he had moved in the area with certain expectations only to find the city changing the area.
“We planned for our future and our lives and we were told we were moving into a historic area when we bought,” Sang said. “This will change the feel of Paulus Hook. We moved in because we like the village feeling of the area.”
Nilsaka Addo called Paulus Hook an oasis among tall buildings.
Raylie Dunkel said there has been no traffic study, and no study of the impact that bringing commercial development in would cause.
Sean Connolly said this part of Jersey City cannot continue to handle the tall structures.
But defenders of the change said that 15 stories is far lower than the larger structures bordering the east side of Paulus Hook, some of which go up as high as 40 stories. They also pointed out that the improvements to the current walkway would make the area safer and the increased people on the street would prevent crime.
The agreement also provides funding that will allow the Paulus Hook Park to be rebuilt, something the local historic association has been trying to do since 2006.
“This may be a little closer than anybody wants,” said Kiane Kaese, president of the Paulus Hook Association. “But this developer is very responsible and they have presented their plans honestly.”
‘Compromises were made’
Other members of the association said the developer agreed to a number of recommendations that would minimize the impact on the historic district, such as recessing the upper floors so that only six stories border the historic district side.
Gerry Bakiregi, an architect, who is also a member of the Paulus Hook Association, said the project also provides a large plaza that will be open to the general public.
James McCann, representing Fields Development, said the developer worked a very long time with city officials and the local community.
“A lot of compromises were made,” he said.
He said the area was largely abandoned and that this would help bolster the area.
Councilmembers Richard Boggiano, Michael Yun and Candice Osborne voted against the change.
Osborne said she lived close to the project, but understood how divided the community was about it. She said he was concerned about the height although the developer did a good job with setbacks. “I’m voting no, because I do not think the givebacks to the community are enough,” she said.
Councilwoman Diane Coleman supported the project, saying that many of the area’s residential developments didn’t exist 25 years ago, and that she has trust in the city planning department.
“We have created great neighborhoods,” she said.
Council President Rolando Lavarro voted for the project as well, saying that he was satisfied with the benefits the developer was providing.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.