The Jersey City Planning Board reviewed a Caven Point redevelopment plan that proposes a controversial new phase of Port Liberte to be built by Pulte Homes at yesterday’s meeting that went for over five hours.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Their Liberty Watch development is the newest proposed phase. It would include 168 townhouses in 19 buildings, four stories tall.
Commissioner Patrick Stamato recused himself before public comment began with Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2). He noted that Port Liberte was an issue when he was a councilman in the 1980s, when time-restricted redevelopment plan was put in place.
“That redevelopment plan no longer exists … The venue to create zoning for that is different than this one. It was always contemplated that all phases would … contribute because all residents in the area benefit,” O’Dea he expressed.
He added that would include contributing to walkways.
“Which walkways are under consideration?” Commissioner Eleana Little, also the Ward E councilwoman, asked.
O’Dea said Pulte Homes should contribute to the waterfront walkway and Chappell Road’s maintenance.
“Is contributing to a fund for the waterfront walkways a condition you would be willing to consider?” Commissioner Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little asked Pulte Homes Attorney James McCann.
McCann said they would not because they are mandated to do so.
“ … I respectfully request that you leave the Condominium Association Homeowners Association dispute to the courts,” he added.
Port Liberte Condo Association I attorney Cynthia Hadjiyannis took umbrage with the fact that the Master Plan amendment and specific project seemed to be considered simultaneously.
She contended Pulte Homes is mandated to contribute to the Hudson River walkway. She cited a permit from the original plan in 1984.
Alampi asked if she had shown the document to McCann, who said he hadn’t seen it.
“ … Nobody is prepared to address the document. Mr. McCann?” Alampi asked.
McCann then asked the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for their opinion on permits.
“The waterfront development permit … is not required,” he said, quoting the NJDEP, which is why he didn’t believe they need to contribute to the walkway.
“We’re gonna mark both documents … We have a difference of opinion,” Alampi asked.
Port Liberte HOA Inc. attorney Martin Cabalar called expert Planner Michael Pessolano, who said the new Pulte Homes homeowners could access amenities they wouldn’t be paying for by trespassing, to testify.
Pessolano was also concerned about stormwater and traffic on Chappell Road and the development. In addition, he said views of the harbor would be obstructed.
“What is your opinion on the readiness for approval?” Cabalar asked.
“I think we need to go back to the drawing board,” Pessolano declared.
Cabalar then called Engineer Nancy Wang, who argued the proposed site is too low in the event of a once-in-a-100-year storm.
“It’s going to increase flooding on the Port Liberte site,” she testified.
Wang noted they want to raise the land, tut that could still lead to runoff water going into existing homes.
“You haven’t done any study?” McCann asked Wang when cross-examining her.
“We didn’t,” Wang said.
McCann also wanted to know why Wang thought Pulte Homes was mandated to do a study of storm conditions, to which she cited NJDEP regulations.
“There’s nothing in this regulation that requires the analysis and the modeling that you told the board that should be done,” McCann argued.
Hadjiyannis then called Planner Carlos Rodriguez to give expert testimony.
“Is this proposal in front of the right body? And is this proposed amendment even legal?” Rodriguez asked.
He noted the redevelopment area plan was adopted by the City Council via ordinance in 1984.
“Only the governing body can amend a plan it has adopted by ordinance. The whole thing might be subject to challenge,” Rodriguez replied.
Hadjiyannis then called Port Liberte Condo Association I Secretary Lee Anne Callahan Longo as a factual witness.
“Did you live in Port Liberte during Super Storm Sandy or Hurricane Ida?” Hadjiyannis asked.
“ … A lot of the water surge ran into the lowlands … and now the intention is to build it up even more,” Callahan Longo responded.
“Objection! She is not an expert as to where the stormwater is going to go,” McCann declared.
Callahan Longo also lamented traffic on Chappell Avenue into Port Liberte as well.
McCann then called Engineer Bryan Waisnor, who explained that a four-foot fence would be built to prevent trespassing.
Waisnor also said they have been in touch with the NJDEP on potential flooding, and they were fine with their precautions.
Later, planner Sean Moronoski was then called by McCann, who said they met space requirements.
In addition, McCann noted they don’t have to preserve the view of Port Liberte homeowners, according to Moronoski’s analysis.
Alampi noted that many wanted to speak during public comment, which began at 10 p.m.
Port Liberte resident Alexandra Cameron noted the area was badly flooded by Hurricane Sandy.
“Adding 168 new townhomes … will dramatically increase runoff,” she said, arguing that the area is already congested as it is.
“The people who live with these consequences of development have been treated as an afterthought … Port Liberte deserves better” Port Liberte resident Aparna Srinivasan declared.
She also said severe flooding could ruin the area and decimate property values.
Further, Michael Ehrman explained that the boardwalk has to be replaced every 10 to 20 years and costs millions, which is why they wanted Pulte Homes residents to contribute.
Board Chair Vidya Gangadin said they want to hold a special virtual meeting on June 16th, before the matter was adjourned around 10:20 p.m.
The previous three phases of Port Liberte development led to three homeowners associations (HOAs) forming and they have all retained counsel to oppose the new development.
The issue has been ongoing since September 2025, when now-Mayor James Solomon was among those against the new proposal.
