The Jersey City Planning Board approved a 55-story skyscraper with 894 units, with 10 percent affordable housing, in Journal Square near the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre at last night’s meeting.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Attorney Donald Pepe explained he was there on behalf of Kennedy Blvd Acquisitions LLC with their proposal for 2859-2873 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
“We met with the neighborhood stakeholders … We need to give them priority,” Pepe said, noting they have met with the Journal Square Community Association (JSQCA) and working with the Loew’s as well.
He added that there will be a supermarket on the bottom floor of the building, which Jersey Digs previously reported will be Whole Foods.
Pepe also highlighted that the company will donate $5 million to the city’s Open Space Trust Fund if the project is approved.
Engineer Bryan Waisnor noted the city’s planned Art Walk separates it from the Loew’s Theater, point out that there is a two-story building with a billboard there currently.
“There will be no auto parking at this project,” Waisnor stated, noting that it’s not required, as well as the close proximity to the Journal Square PATH station.
Waisnor continued that they will retain stormwater in a tank to prevent flooding during storms. There will also be a green roof, which will absorb rain.
Architect Gary Handel explained that there will be 578,684 square feet of residential space and 48,687 square feet of commercial space overall.
“The rooftop amenity area is slightly bigger than 10.5 percent, so we’re considering that an additional story,” he clarified, with a fourth floor amenity area including a pool and outdoor seating.
Handel further explained that the building will have 198 studio units with eight affordable, 417 one-bedrooms with eight that are affordable, 191 two-bedroom units with 51 affordable, and 34 three-bedroom apartments with 17 affordable for a total of 840 units and 84 affordable.
“There’s a lot of glare coming off that metal,” Board Chair Christopher Langston said.
Handel said there would be a matte finish, so there wouldn’t be much glare.
“ … We’re on a main thoroughfare. I don’t want a situation where a glare … blinds drivers,” Langston said.
“I don’t believe there will be a lot of glare. But we’ll check that,” Handel replied.
“We would add that as a conditional of approval,” Langston said, to which Handel agreed.
Commissioner Vidya Gangadin then asked if united would be distributed through the building.
“They want the units distributed on all sides of the building,” Handel answered.
“Will the buildout of that supermarket happen during the construction of the towers?” Langston asked.
“We would like to get them open as early as possible,” Handel said.
Hudson County Council Building Trades Council President Pat Kelleher endorsed the project during the public comment period, with Langston noting he’s in the same union.
“We haven’t discussed this project. Pat, can you confirm that’s the case?” Langston asked.
“Absolutely. The Trades are here to build the building. Continue your due diligence,” Kelleher noted.
“I’d like to object to primarily the variance on street trees … The Loew’s has removed trees without notifying residents … The art walk will have no green space whatsoever,” Magnolia Terrace Condo Association President Evan Fader stated, noting that an urban grove was initially planned.
He argued that anyone sitting there will be “dodging trucks,” rather than enjoying the scenery at benches and tables.
Supervising Planner Matt Ward said the assessment was accurate, though he wasn’t sure how to address that, reiterating the affordable housing component before being clear that the staff recommends approval.
“Counsel, do you want to address the comments by Mr. Fader?” Langston asked.
“This is not a final condition. Once the art walk is finally defined, I understood it would be a third-party developer … retouching the entire Art Walk,” Pepe responded.
“A final design for that hasn’t been approved yet,” Ward said, adding that the Loew’s does need loading dock space.
Several commissioners were complimentary of the project during the vote.
“I like the project here. I haven’t seen a 3D model in a while. I would have loved more trees, but I understand the problem that we have,” Vice Chair Dr. Orlando Gonzalez noted.
“This is a very detailed presentation, and I love it. It will definitely change Journal Square’s outlook,” Gangadin said, also praising the planned affordable two- and three-bedroom units.
Langston noted the discussion of a long-term vision for Journal Square.
“It’s still a work in progress. This is just the next piece of the puzzle. It’s starting to come together,” he explained.
The plan was then approved unanimously (7-0).
