Finding vacant properties in and around Journal Square in Jersey City is becoming more difficult as the number of proposals for new residential and mixed-use development continues to increase in the neighborhood. For the last few years, developers have been buying tracts throughout this part of the city in preparation for redeveloping them and this trend appears to be continuing into the new year. Now, a couple of adjacent 9,916 square foot properties at the edge of Journal Square are the latest on a long list of lots slated for new construction.
Currently, 51, 55, 57 Newkirk Street, between Summit and Baldwin Avenues in Ward C, are largely vacant lots with grass growing from the pavement. Surrounded by barbed wire fencing and no trespassing signs, these properties have been in this condition for over a decade. However, those days should soon be over since a developer was just granted approval by the Jersey City Planning Board to bring a multifamily residential building to the site. A legal notice states that Ash Street, LLC, of Hackensack, Bergen County has proposed constructing a six-story development with 42 units. The proposal was heard by the Board on January 23rd. Ash Street, LLC filed an ‘as of right’ application, according to the notice, meaning that no deviations were requested.
Part of 51 Newkirk Street currently contains a two-family house, but it is not clear if that building would be removed as part of the project plans.
The properties, which are within the Journal Square 2060 Redevelopment Plan Area, are surrounded by older apartment buildings and multifamily houses. The site is within a half-mile walk of the Journal Square Transportation Center, local bus service, and dozens of small businesses. NJ Parcels records show that Ash Street, LLC acquired at least part of the tracts in 2016 for just under $1 million.
