A religious building along Bayonne’s Avenue that has sat unused for about two decades will be undergoing a zoning overhaul as a residential proposal has already emerged at the properties.
During their September 20 meeting, Bayonne City Council officially adopted a “Non-condemnation Area in Need of Redevelopment Study” for several lots at 1012-1022 Avenue C. The properties are home to the former Ohab Sholem Synagogue and multipurpose hall and office, which is also known locally as the “uptown synagogue.”
The current structures have existed at the site since 1925 but have fallen into disrepair since the synagogue closed in 2003. An inspection report from Bayonne officials revealed roof leaks, damaged and un-waterproofed masonry foundation walls, rotted structural floors at the ground floor level, unsafe stairs and egress arrangements, and outdated electrical systems.
Those realities led to the redevelopment designation move by the City Council, which officially authorizes Bayonne’s Planning Board to prepare a Redevelopment Plan for the land. The lots themselves are owned by a company simply named 1012-1022 Holdings LLC that is registered out of an apartment along Palisade Avenue in Jersey City.
An advertisement that previously appeared on LoopNet suggested a 30-45 residential project could be built at the property, but the redevelopment documentation from the City Council does not specify any unit allowance or suggestion that could emerge during the rezoning of the parcels.
The Planning Board will now draw up a redevelopment plan for the lots, which will need further approvals before any formal construction begins at the former synagogue.
