A mostly vacant lot near Christ Hospital in The Heights will soon be transformed into a modern senior housing complex as Jersey City has green-lit a plan for what will be one of the taller buildings along Palisade Avenue.
During their April 30 meeting, Jersey City’s Planning Board approved an application for 216 Palisade Avenue. The 6,640 square foot parcel sits along the east side of Palisade Avenue midblock between Cuneo Place and Hill Street.
The plot, previously home to a two-story building and parking lot, is located in a Medical District. The plan for the property comes courtesy of GN Management, who have worked on a slew of Jersey City projects including the currently under-construction Singh Tower.
Drawn up by MVMK Architecture and Design, the approved 10-story development is set to rise 100 feet tall. The 100% senior housing complex will include 51 age-restricted residential units plus 11 garage parking spaces including one ADA spot on the ground floor.
The unit breakdown will consist of six studio units, 43 one-bedroom residences, and a pair of three-bedroom spaces. The cellar of the building will contain a bike storage room for 27 bikes, while the second floor will house a gym for future residents.
Units at the rear of the building that faces east will have balconies and views of New York City and Downtown Jersey City. A common amenity space and deck is planned for the property’s roof.
The project was granted a variance from the board related to a minimum buffer adjacent to residential uses and zones but otherwise conformed to zoning despite being a bit taller than most buildings along Palisade Avenue. A memo from the city’s planning department stated that the creation of more senior housing justified granting the variance.
Senior housing is defined by the state as “located and designed to meet special needs and accommodate the changing living arrangements of an elderly population, aged 62 and older.” Jersey City does not track senior housing at the local level, as registration and oversight is conducted through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
