A new mixed-use building is in the works for the site of a parking lot in Newark’s Fairmount neighborhood, but unlike many other development proposals in the city, this plan does not call for market-rate housing or retail space.
West Market Owners, LLC is planning to construct the six-story structure at the corner of West Market Street and Littleton Avenue in the shadow of the two Georgia King Village towers.
The proposed development would include 78 “affordable residential units” atop an 8,000-square-foot medical facility, according to an October 26 memo from Gerard Haizel of the Nishuane Group to the Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment. Haizel’s memo indicates that there would be 23 studios, 29 one-bedroom units, 20 two-bedroom units, six three-bedroom units, and 20 parking spaces.
The healthcare center would be operated by University Hospital, according to an October 24 public notice and a July letter to Newark’s municipal government from Langan Engineering.
“While the proposed medical use is not permitted in the zone, its inclusion as part of the overall Georgia King Village complex, as well as its proximity to the Rutgers Medical School Campus, in my opinion, make its location on the subject site appropriate,” Haizel wrote, adding that “the proposed medical component of the development will be relatively isolated from the residential component of the building.”
The letter from Langan also states that “of the total 78 units, approximately 16 will be reserved for those requiring supportive services,” with the notice explaining that “these approximately 16 supportive units will be set aside for tenants with a history of homelessness and reliance on the University Hospital’s Emergency Department for primary health care.”
Site plans from Inglese Architecture + Engineering that were released by the City of Newark associate West Market Owners, LLC with the same address in Larchmont, New York that is used by L+M Development Partners. L+M has been involved with Georgia King Village for more than four years.
Jersey Digs first reported in July that development was possible for this site. During a meeting at the time in which the Newark Central Planning Board granted minor subdivision approval for this property, attorney Marsha Moore told board members that a project with residential units and a health facility could be in store.
The Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment is scheduled to hear this application during its meeting over Zoom tonight, Thursday, November 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Note to readers: The dates that applications are scheduled to be heard by the Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment and other commissions are subject to change.
