A developer with a controversial history has been given the green light to construct a new building at several Downtown Jersey City parcels just steps away from the Newark Avenue retail corridor.
During their August 9 meeting, Jersey City’s planning board approved an application from Village Townhouse Estates to develop four properties they own at 303-311 First Street. Owned by local developer Peter Mocco and totaling just over 7,000 square feet, the current surface parking lot runs to the corner of Coles Street.
Jersey Digs first broke the news about plans to develop the property last summer, although the final version was altered a bit. Drawn up by Alabama-based firm Christian Rogers Architect, the approved edition will consist of smaller residences that break down as 20 studios, and 23 one-bedrooms.
No affordable housing is included in the proposed project, which will feature 11 off-street parking spaces in the building’s cellar alongside 20 bicycle storage spots. An underground stormwater detention vault is built into the plans, as is a 720-square foot common roof terrace for future residents.
The building’s exterior will consist of ivory brick on the first floor, with an entry canopy sporting a dark metal material. The higher stories of the building will feature cast stone, with a cornice demarcating the top floor.
Peter Mocco, who has developed much of the Liberty Harbor neighborhood, has run into trouble with the city in recent years. His company’s 245 Newark Avenue project deviated from site plans back in 2018 by rising taller than approved plans allowed while also utilizing façade materials that are not permitted by city code.
Mocco found himself in a similar situation the following year when his 333 Grand Street project was built with an extra unapproved floor and again used an exterior insulation and finish system that was banned under regulations.
His companies were fined $582,000 by the city over those violations, although Mocco’s most recent development, the 32-story 88 Regent Street, has thus far not created any issues as leasing has begun.
Jersey City’s planning board granted the 303 First Street project a single variance related to the building’s rear yard setback deviations. Village Townhouse Estates has not announced any construction timeline for their latest development.
