Several parcels of prime real estate in the Mile Square City could de declared as ripe for possible redevelopment later tonight, which would clear the way for future rezoning of the land.
Earlier this year, Hoboken’s council made moves to potentially create two new rehabilitation areas totaling 4.79 acres near the city’s PATH station. Studies were performed for a pair of zones that include a block of Newark Street between Hudson and Washington Streets and three city-owned garages just a stone’s throw from the Hudson River.
The first zone, dubbed the CVS AIN Rehabilitation Area, encompasses 2.09 acres made up of a parking lot, a CVS, and smaller historic buildings like the Hotel Edwards. Several of the properties include ground floor retail like Green Rock, Starbucks, and the Spa Diner.
A second possible zone for redevelopment consists of 2.7 acres including three municipal garages between Hudson and River streets that are owned by the city. Dubbed the City Garages Rehabilitation Area, the zone excludes residential buildings on the blocks but comprises Garages B, D, and G, all of which were constructed between 1966 and 1979.
Reports on both areas from Bright View Engineering and DGRoberts Planning and Design indicate that each of them have aging sewer and water infrastructure. The companies concluded that rehabilitation at the sites would “incentivize investment” and while no specifics in terms of zoning are suggested, the reports determined the properties could be redeveloped for “multiple uses.”
All the parcels are located within Hoboken’s C-1 Terminal District and the rehabilitation designation aims to support a variety of commercial uses in the zone ranging from office, retail, entertainment, and neighborhood services. Hoboken’s planning board reviewed the proposal during their May 12 meeting and unanimously voted that it conformed to the city’s Master Plan.
The City Council will now vote on two resolutions during their May 20 meeting that would designate both zones as rehabilitation areas. No new zoning would be enacted immediately if the resolutions pass, as redevelopment plans would need to be drawn up and presented to the community before any changes take place.
If history is any indicator, that process could take some time. The City Council designated over 30 acres of land near the Weehawken border as the North End Rehabilitation Area back in December 2013 and while the city has hired DMR Architects to draw up a scheme for the neighborhood, a redevelopment plan has yet to be passed over six years later.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Council’s meeting will be held remotely and starts at 7:00 p.m. The video will be streamed here on Facebook Live and the public can join the meeting on Zoom at this link or by using the meeting ID 819 9428 1334.
