The city Planning Board unanimously approved a plan for 26 North Street, LLC to construct a 22-story, 244-foot, mixed-use building next to the Eighth Street Light Rail station – which would become the city’s tallest building – at its meeting on Aug. 12.
The “yes” vote on this project came at a time when other city residents were fighting a proposed development of less than half that height, 9 to 10 stories, on 46th Street and Broadway at the Resnick’s Hardware site. The City Council vote on that project is Aug. 19.
Though there is some opposition to the North Street site, some observers believe that it was approved because it is a more appropriate place for such a high-rise, next to the transportation center and on the grounds of a long-vacant lot.
Others attributed the North Street project passage to area residents possibly ignoring the certified letters sent to homes in close proximity to the site. In the case of Resnick’s, Councilman Gary La Pelusa galvanized 46th and 47th Street residents by informing them of the project prior to its public hearing.
John Cali and Lance Lucarelli are the developers of the North Street property. Lucarelli is the developer behind the Resnick’s project.
The 22-story tower is part of the larger City of Bayonne Eighth Street Station Rehabilitation Area Plan. A major focus of that plan revolves around the redevelopment of the empty lot on North Street, which used to house a supermarket, where the 22-story structure will be built.
The project will include ground-floor retail, a multi-level parking garage with up to 230 spaces, and 170 residential units in its first phase. A sister tower could be developed later on.
Cali and Lucarelli are also working on a residential project uptown on Kennedy Boulevard.
“The Lucarellis and I share a vision for Bayonne,” Cali said at that meeting. That vision includes better retail outlets and younger residents with more disposable income, both of which they feel would benefit the city.
Cali said the downtown project would create a visual landmark at the terminus of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail as well as raise Bayonne’s profile as a place to do business.
The rental development will include a pool, meeting and gathering rooms, and other amenities that “millennials demand.”
Architect Bruce Stieve said the development’s plan lessens the need for cars and promotes an interest in local shopping.
The plans for the development came following a series of meetings with the city, neighborhood residents, and the state Department of Community Affairs, City Planner Sue Mack said.
Stieve said that the 22-story height is allowed for this project because of bonus provisions related to 10 beautification items for the area. These include the addition of trees and street lighting on 8th Street, a bus shelter at 8th Street and Avenue C, improvements to nearby Edward Clark Park, and the addition of public parking spots.
Speaking out against
About 20 people attended the meeting. Only five residents spoke against the proposal.
Among them was attorney Matt Kopko, a candidate for the New Jersey Assembly’s 31st District, which encompasses Bayonne and a portion of Jersey City. Kopko asked about the identities of those financially backing the project. But the Planning Board counsel said Kopko’s inquiry was not relevant to the land use application that was being considered.
During the public hearing portion of the meeting, residents cited concerns about more traffic and noise, and less privacy and sunlight due to the footprint of the tall building.
One North Street resident asked that the commissioners vote against the project.
“I feel it will disrupt my life,” she said.
A Linden Street resident echoed her concerns.
“All of this will greatly impact our quality of life,” said Megan McNally. “We’re already impacted by the Light Rail and the Bayonne Bridge [construction].”
In favor of development
The board’s 9-0 yes vote came three and half hours after the meeting’s 6 p.m. start. Two other agenda items preceded the hearing on the North Street application, which also featured experts from the legal, engineering, planning, and traffic fields.
“I think there’s a lot of good with a project of this magnitude.” – Karen Fiermonte
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Before casting their votes, each of the nine commissioners explained why they thought the project was good for the area and for the city as a whole.
“I’m in favor of it,” said Vice Chair Karen Fiermonte. “I think there’s a lot of good with a project of this magnitude.”
Commissioner Laura Marsella, who referred to family roots in Bayonne dating back to the 1920s, said the city should seize opportunities such as this one to halt an ongoing decline.
“If you walk through Jersey City and Hoboken, it’s incredible,” she said. “Those cities were reborn.”
Commissioner Terrence Malloy, Bayonne’s chief financial officer, believes projects like this will be a shot in the arm for the city and its shopping district.
“With these people coming in, we will see a revitalization in Bayonne,” Malloy said.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.To comment on this story online visit www.hudsonreporter.com.