A new residential project from a local developer has just won approvals to increase its unit count and gross floor area, changes that will generate additional funds to renovating a nearby green space in Downtown Jersey City.
Last year, city officials created and approved the Enos Jones Park Redevelopment Plan as part of an effort both to facilitate development along the fringes of The Village neighborhood and help raise money to revitalize the six-acre Enos Jones Park. Following the changes, the first significant project to be pitched in the area was at 400 7th Street.
The plan came from 400 7th Street LLC, a subsidiary of Jersey City-based BGT Enterprises. It called for a 54-unit, eight-story development to be built on a currently vacant lot and was approved by the planning board late last year. Revised plans were then approved last month at the board’s February 5 meeting and while the size and bulk of the building remain the same, the project will now include a total of 62 units.
Designed by Hoboken-based MVMK Architecture, the development will rise 88 feet and feature 11 studios, 23 one bedrooms, and 28 two-bedroom units. While 400 7th Street does not include any on-site parking, it will sport amenities for residents like a rooftop pool complete with grills, fire pits, and an outdoor dining area with a shade trellis.
1,163 square feet of amenity space is also included on the roof, plus a recreational area that wraps around the perimeter of the building. The development pledges to utilize “green building materials” on 27% of the project and will include bioswales, an extensive 1,130 square foot green roof, and a stormwater detention tank that will hold 1,210 gallons of water.
400 7th Street falls within the aforementioned Enos Jones Park Redevelopment Plan’s Mid-Rise Transition Zone, which has “Bonus D” benefits available that the project will be utilizing. Per the plan, all developers seeking the density bonus need to contribute $35,000 for every additional unit beyond the maximum allowable in the zone — funds to be put toward park renovations.
After increasing the residential unit count from 54 to 62 with the new version, BGT Enterprises will now contribute $840,000 toward renovations at Enos Jones Park. They have entered into an agreement with the Jersey City Redevelopment Authority to do so; although, the company’s application does not say if the funds are earmarked for any specific purpose. A groundbreaking for the project has yet to be announced.
