Site of approved development: Bergen-Lafayette, Jersey City. Image via Google Maps.
A large, long-vacant parcel near one of Jersey City’s newer green spaces has another revitalization plan after a previously approved development failed to get off the ground.
During a recent meeting, Jersey City’s Planning Board signed off on a new application for 87 Van Horne Street. A previous proposal called Parkview Apartments was approved for the property and even scheduled a groundbreaking for March 2020, right before COVID-19 hit, which effectively derailed the project.
Brooklyn-based Wallabout Realty acquired all the properties for $4.6 million in 2016 and still owns the land, which abuts the 17-acre Berry Lane Park. The development is situated within the Morris Canal Redevelopment Plan and is slated to rise six stories, topping out at 81 feet.
A six-story building is slated to rise on the long-vacant property at 87 Van Horne Street. Rendering by MHS Architecture.
Designed by MHS Architecture, the approved complex includes 170 dwelling units breaking down as 75 studios, 35 one-bedroom, 55 two-bedrooms, and five three-bedrooms. The ground level of the development includes a garage with 109 vehicle parking spaces, including 48 stacked spaces, and a bike room with 85 spots.
The project will include 18 on-site moderate-income affordable units, with the developers slated to make a separate cash contribution to the Jersey City Redevelopment Authority of $306,000 to create another 17 affordable units elsewhere.
Rendering by MHA Architecture.
Perks at the future complex include an amenity roof deck and a green roof, a 2,200-square-foot first-floor lounge for residents, a 1,200-square-foot gym facility, and a 500-square-foot dog grooming area.
84 Van Horne will feature a light gray brick veneer exterior and white composite metal panels. The development of the project will additionally dedicate a portion of the land to Jersey City to provide on-street parking, public utility relocations, and a new public road that will create 25 on-street parking spaces.
Jersey City’s Planning Board granted three variances to the development during approval, including deviations related to maximum building coverage, minimum building setback along a new street, and minimum building setback for residential stories along a railroad right-of-way. A possible construction timeline for the project has not been announced.