The Bayonne City Council approved two 25-year tax abatements and three development plans on Wednesday, much to the dismay of many in attendance whose concerns—mostly over the potential for decreased parking—fell on the wrong ears. At issue are two sites on the East Side, one on Avenue F that allows for building up to six stories and 180 residential units, and another near Prospect Avenue and 32nd Street, which allows for up to 90 feet, or eight stories, with 160 residential units. Business Administrator Joe DeMarco reminded the public that concerns over building plans and design are better placed at Planning Board Meetings, which are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Council Chambers.
The process
DeMarco summed up the process for all who get confused about how development works, which is mostly everyone who does not work in the industry. “The whole process starts with the council referring something to the planning board to study,” he said. “They do [the study], they take testimony, and they come up with a redevelopment plan…Then they send it back here for the council’s approval.” It’s during the public-comment portion of Planning Board meetings that residents should voice concerns, but that does not invalidate the feelings of many East Side residents who say they feel neglected, marginalized, and disregarded.
When Joe Wisniewski walked up to the podium to address the council, he was clearly troubled by development in his East Side neighborhood. “We’ve been fighting the entire situation on the East Side because we’re very concerned,” he said. “All the people in the town, we want to feel like you’re on our side, and we’re protected and say,‘listen guys, these people have lived here all their lives and they really don’t want major development.’”
At every council meeting, residents’ biggest concerns are over parking availability. When people hear that a high-rise is in the works, it’s natural to be concerned over cities’ most limited resource—space, whether it’s parking space or open space. The higher the density, the more space longtime residents feel they will have to share, and lose.
“All the people in the town, we want to feel like you’re on our side, and we’re protected and say,‘listen guys, these people have lived here all their lives, and they really don’t want major development.’” –Joe Wisniewski
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The losing game
Many Bayonne residents who take time to participate in their local government go out of their way to attend council meetings. These residents play a vital role in local government. Wisniewski and residents like him say they feel powerless. In fact, they usually are because city councils, planning boards, and zoning boards, do not need the approval of residents to allow for new construction.
Cities function much like businesses—revenue is king. Revenue comes from property taxes. Expensive properties bring people with money, which leads to more revenue. Which means that Wisniewski and other dissatisfied East Side residents will have to stand aside and let developers decide how their neighborhood will look.
Still, Wisniewski said people in his neighborhood are concerned with density because “there’s just not enough room for all this development.”
Rory Pasquariello may be reached at roryp@hudsonreporter.com.