A virtual hearing this month could determine whether a mixed-use building will be allowed to be constructed on a Jersey City corner.
The Jersey City Planning Board is scheduled to discuss a proposal for 656 and 658 Grand Street during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, August 11 at 5:30 p.m. Marin Boulevard-based Mecca Realty Properties II, Inc., which owns the two properties at the corner of Grand and State Streets, is planning a five-story building on the premises.
The developer’s application shows that 16 residential units and 1,989 square feet of retail space are envisioned. A dozen units would contain one bedroom while the remaining four would include two bedrooms. Two of the units would be considered “affordable housing,” according to the application.
Site plans from Architectura also show that 284 square feet of “garden/outdoor amenity” space could come to the ground floor while 2,244 square feet would come to the roof.
Mecca Realty Properties II, Inc.’s proposal does not include parking. The site is half a mile away from the nearest light rail station, though the 81 bus to Exchange Place and Bayonne stops a few yards away.
The property at 656 Grand Street has contained a social club called Abre Latas over the years. The application describes the site’s use as “warehouse/garage” and notes that demolition is proposed. The neighboring lot of 658 Grand Street is an undeveloped parcel that has been used for parking.
Both parcels lie in the shadow of the old warehouse at 660 Grand Street, which has included a venue for local artists and has been the subject of two development proposals over the last three years.
Note to readers: The dates that applications are scheduled to be heard by the Jersey City Planning Board and other commissions are subject to change.
