As Downtown Jersey City continues its northbound building boom toward the Hoboken border, one of the most prominent waterfront developers is set to construct a new park on a vacant lot that has some of the best New York City views around.
Back in March, we exclusively reported on LeFrak’s plans to bring greenery and open space to a property at 15 Park Lane South. The land is directly east of the company’s Ellipse development and is mostly a pier that juts out along the Hudson River.
Construction work stabilizing the pier has been ongoing for months and a formal plan for the 3.47-acre parcel could be finalized next week. Referred to as Newport Pier Park in documents submitted to the city, the plan would construct a private area in the center of the property along with several public sections sporting new amenities.
Designed by New York-based Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects with engineering work from Jersey City-based Dresdner Robin, the public portion of the scheme calls for a 2,000 square foot dog run along the western portion of the land. Just south, an overlook featuring a wood deck, tree pits, movable tables and chairs, and a “bar” complete with stools would face south along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.
Speaking of that walkway, the new park will add sections to it along the perimeter of the space. Lighted benches and two telescopes are included in the plans, as are chaise lounges along the eastern portion for locals to take in the view. A 14,000 square foot “art plaza” will adorn the northeast portion of the park and will feature a sculpture surrounded by seating.
The private section, which looks like it will only be accessible for tenants at LeFrak’s buildings, will be accessed via a metal wall on the north side of the space. That portion includes walkways, open space, benches, hammocks, and picnic tables.
LeFrak has been busy both publicly and privately as of late. They’ve topped off construction at their upcoming The Beach development at 700 Washington Street and recently submitted plans to city officials looking to build five high rises totaling almost 2,000 units along another pier they own on 6th Street. No official announcement has been made about any of the behind the scenes plans, but some formal confirmation could be coming soon.
Jersey City’s planning board is slated to hear LeFrak’s application for the Newport Pier Park during their June 23 meeting, which will take place virtually. The company is not asking for any variances to move the project forward and it’s unclear when construction could begin if the plans are approved.
