An effort to redevelop a surface parking lot just two blocks from the Hudson River in Jersey City has taken a step forward as the first green light was given for a possible new tower in Exchange Place.
During their February 7 meeting, Jersey City’s Planning Board voted to recommend approval of zoning changes for the Battery View Senior Complex. The age-restricted housing development, situated on about half an acre at Greene and Montgomery Streets, includes a sizeable parking lot.
Jersey City’s Council declared the property an area in need of redevelopment back in June 2022 and KRE Group petitioned to enact new regulations to facilitate a high-rise on the parking lot portion. The current residents of the 15-story Battery View would stay put under the proposed changes, which would create a new Block 11606 Redevelopment Plan.
The plan would be split into two sections, with the West District portion allowing for the continuation of the senior citizen affordable housing building. The East District is where the new mixed-use building would rise, which could rise up to 600 feet as measured from the base flood elevation.
The residences at any potential tower would be required to consist of 85% market-rate units and 15% affordable housing. As many as 600 units would be allowed under the Block 11606 Redevelopment Plan.
As part of any redevelopment deal, an open space plaza would need to be constructed on the corner of Greene Street and Columbus Drive measuring at least 3,500 square feet in area. The West District home to Battery View would also get a makeover, as 11,500 square feet of open space would be added along Columbus Drive including a new dog run.
The advanced redevelopment plan dictates that the tower portion includes ground-floor commercial space, a parking garage, and a private driveway. Parking requirements under the plan dictate 0.5 spaces for every residential unit and one space for every 1,000 square feet of retail, commercial, or school space in the development.
The plan also states that “any new parking garage shall provide a minimum of 61 spaces up to a maximum of 85 spaces for the use of residents of Battery View Tower.” The maximum building coverage allowed under the plan comes in at 80%, with full lot coverage being allowed under the proposal.
The Block 11606 Redevelopment Plan now heads to the City Council for consideration, who would need to approve the regulations before KRE can submit formal plans for the property.
