Hudson Reporter Archive

Towering controversy

A controversial, possible 10- or 12-story residential development with a parking garage will be discussed at the July 22 City Council meeting, one which a councilman and an area resident say is getting a fast track to approval.
The plan also calls for ground-floor retail space.
The Lance Lucarelli-sponsored project on 46th and Broadway, at the longtime Resnick’s Hardware store location, has uptown residents buzzing, with complaints about the building’s proposed height, parking problems they think it will create, and what they say is the flouting of open-space requirements.
Mayor James Davis’s administration is solidly behind the project.
“I think it’s an excellent project. I think it’s a great project for Bayonne, especially for upper Broadway,” said Municipal Services Director Robert Wondolowski, Davis’s point man on development in the city.
Business Administrator Joseph DeMarco has touted the development as one of three important ones on Broadway, creating “epicenters” that the mayor and administration believe will be the impetus for increased development up and down the avenue.
Administration officials say that once built, multi-story projects on 5th, 23rd to 24th, and 46th streets will be magnets for future developments between those sites. The 5th Street project also calls for several stories of residential space. The medical office project between 23rd and 24th, west to Del Monte Drive, and further is on track for a fall groundbreaking, sources say.

Letter to area residents

In a letter to the editor published in the July 15 issue of the Bayonne Community News, reader Jill Pustorino urged residents to attend the July 22 council meeting.
Pustorino said that the plan supersedes the city’s master plan by changing zoning from four stories to 120 feet, the equivalent of a 12-story building. She also feels the structure will change the character of the neighborhood, set a precedent for other taller buildings, and alleges that its builder may circumvent open-space requirements.
Pustorino also is concerned with what she said was the “very fast” approval process, and that if approved by the council, the plan will not go to the zoning board for approval.

Council representation

Third Ward Councilman Gary La Pelusa said the process for this proposal is being handled differently than others. He agreed with Pustorino that the 120 feet, whether it be 12 stories, or 10 stories with a clubhouse as well as antennae or other equipment, would be in violation of what the city currently allows.

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“Several people do have problems with a building of that size on Broadway.” – Gary La Pelusa

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La Pelusa says buildings on Broadway are allowed commercial space only on the ground floor and four units of residential space above it.
The development plan also calls for a two-deck parking garage behind the building.
“Several people do have problems with a building of that size on Broadway,” La Pelusa said. “This is a very sore point with a lot of people, and they’re kind of surprised that the city’s going to entertain this.”
La Pelusa also feels that a 10- or 12-story building will change the integrity of the neighborhood.
He lives less than two blocks west on 46th Street and has gotten a lot of feedback from area residents not pleased with the plan.
La Pelusa said that he and others are concerned that required open space around the project will not be implemented by the city.
He said he may not be able to support the project unless some kind of agreement is made.
“I represent the people uptown, so obviously I’m going to vote with the people who I represent,” he said. “We’re looking for middle ground. Maybe he’ll cut it way down. Maybe there’s a compromise there.”
Multiple calls were made to Lucarelli, which were not returned.

Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.

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