Continuing the discussion from JERSEY CITY | The Waterfront Redevelopment:
Over objections, City Council OKs zoning change to allow residential tower in Jersey City
By Julie Kayzerman/ The Jersey Journal
on June 28, 2014 at 9:00 AM, updated June 28, 2014 at 9:08 AM
(KRE Group)
Residents of Jersey City’s Hamilton Park neighborhood were visibly angry that a city ordinance that allows zoning changes that will severely increase the maximum permitted height and density on a lot just west of Newport Centre Mall was approved Wednesday night.
Despite about an hour of public hearing, in which a group of residents addressed their concerns over the zoning changes, the City Council approved the ordinance by a vote of 7-1, with only Councilman Michael Yun voting against it. Councilwoman Candice Osborne was not in attendance due to her son’s graduation.
Several residents were present with signs reading “Bigger isn’t better,” “Lower height and density” and “Max 140 ft., 250 units.” This protest was led by Ninth Street resident Kirsten Greene in hopes of persuading the council to vote against the ordinance.
The ordinance will allow a residential tower, behind the 140-foot Unico Towers, to rise 50 feet more than the maximum height allowed in the area, 190 feet. The maximum density of 66 units per acre would also increase over four times at 300 units per acre.
Developer KRE Group is behind the three-tower project and plans to construct a 400-unit residential development called Marin Residences.
