As revitalization projects continue in the Downtown Newark area, developers are beginning to look at the city’s North Ward as a new place to build in.
A new seven-story building has been proposed for 161 Bellair Place, a lot at the end of a dead end street off of Verona Avenue. According to a legal notice from the Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment, should the proposal be approved, the building will contain 90 units above two floors of parking. Jombal, LLC, which is registered out of the same Hillside address as Rosa Agency, a local real estate firm, is the property owner and project developer.
Currently, the property sits vacant and wooded. It borders the former Boonton Line train tracks, which are still owned by Norfolk Southern. The surrounding area has changed significantly in the past 10 years. The area is historically industrial, and although some industrial facilities remain, like Keystone Folding Box Company, the cookie factory of Joey’s Fine Foods, and Ozer International, it’s beginning to transition towards residential. Dozens of three-family homes have been built on previously industrial lots in the neighborhood as part of the Enchanted Victorian Village at Forest Hill and other developments. Also, Park Elementary School opened six years ago just down the street from the site. Branch Brook Park, the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, and Belleville Park are all around the corner from the property.
In addition, a new condominium complex is planned for the North Ward. A building with 18 units has been proposed for 73-87 4th Avenue, between Broadway and Summer Avenue, according to a legal notice. Hoboken’s NJ Equity Investors, LLC is planning for the development to be located at the site of the abandoned North End Nursery and parking lot. The company bought the property for $440,000 from the City of Newark last year, according to NJ Parcels.
The Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment will hear the proposals at 7:00pm on Thursday, November 10 at the City Hall Municipal Council Chambers.
