Although few details have been released, plans are in the works to bring a major new mixed-use development to a site on the outskirts of Downtown Jersey City.
Records from the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency show that a project consisting of around 870 residential rental units as well as retail space on the ground floor of the new structures could be constructed on several properties in the Bates Street Redevelopment Plan area in the northeastern corner of Ward F. The development is being proposed by Bates Redevelopment, LLC, which reportedly consists of Sanford Weiss and Alex Wright. Weiss is the principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Hoboken-based Manhattan Building Company, which is responsible for several Jersey City buildings including the Cast Iron Lofts and the Sugar House Condominiums.
According to the JCRA, Weiss and Wright made a presentation regarding their proposal before the agency’s Board of Commissioners during its meeting on November 21st. During the meeting, it was discussed that buildings in the development will be designed “to complement the Van Vorst Park Historic District,” and that the base will consist of “three-story brownstones that will replicate the brownstones seen in Van Vorst Park.” Plus, the developers discussed that an “extensive reconstruction of infrastructure” ranging from roads to sewer lines will likely be needed. Following the presentation, all present members of the Board voted in favor of designating Bates Redevelopment, LLC as the redeveloper of multiple properties within five blocks, though the exact street addresses are not listed.
The company is responsible for all costs associated with the project now that it has received this designation, including maintenance and environmental expenses. It also is expected to negotiate a redevelopment agreement with the JCRA.
The area in question is situated just west of the Old Colony Square shopping center and just east of Interstate 78. This small neighborhood consists of a mixture of homes, industrial properties, and vacant lots.
Jersey Digs reached out to the Manhattan Building Company for comment and this story will be updated should any additional information regarding the project be released.
Update: The attorney for Bates Redevelopment, LLC confirmed that the company is a subsidiary of the Manhattan Building Company, but declined to provide additional information regarding the project at this time.
