Although within the past year, more development in Jersey City has been focused on sections of the city that are further inland, such as Bergen-Lafayette and The Village, the construction boom close to the Hudson River waterfront is still far from finished. More residential and mixed-use projects are continuing to rise in this section of Ward E, and now plans are starting to advance for another such building.
Records from the Jersey City Planning Board show that a large mixed-use development is planned for part of the property at 430 Marin Boulevard by Metro Plaza and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail tracks.
GS FC Jersey City PEP 2, LLC, which is registered out of the Terminal Tower in Cleveland, Ohio, is listed as the project developer. The company is seeking Preliminary Amendment and Final Major Site Plan approval from the Jersey City Planning Board.
Similar to the Phase 1 tower, now known as VYV, the second tower will rise 35 stories and is slated to contain 8,400 square feet of retail space, 432 residential units, and parking. Plus, the developer is seeking to extend Warren Street as part of the plans and make improvements to both that block and nearby 4th Street, according to the case description.
This project is labeled as ‘Phase 2’ in the application, and appears to be part of Cleveland-based Forest City Realty Trust’s Hudson Exchange West development within the Harsimus Cove Station Redevelopment Plan Area. Construction is currently underway on the 35-story mixed-use Phase I building, and 20% of the units inside will be designated as affordable.
According to the project website, when completed, “the combination of open space, transportation access, retail amenities, and affordable housing will make this project attractive to everyone.” The complex is slated to include seven buildings in total, according to a rendering, all of which will include retail space and will surround a park. “Forest City also pledges to do everything in their power to keep ShopRite within the development,” the website states.
Forest City recently redesigned the plan for Hudson Exchange West after gathering feedback from the community. “The new plan will create a more accessible and unique environment. […] Recreating historic street connections will open up surrounding neighborhoods; as a result, the entire area will realize increased pedestrian activity and an enhanced urban vibrancy. We have embraced the Mayor’s vision for increased green space and will create centralized park that will anchor the residential towers and retail experience creating opportunities for outdoor eating and recreation activities.” reads the project’s website.
However, neighboring community organizations are questioning the revised plan. Specifically, Kathryn Moore, President of the Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association (PADNA) states “PADNA questions the amendment because it is not sticking to the only two-year old RDP. […] It would be better if phase one and phase two towers were designed and approved together – before building phase one. Further, all designs and changes should be in perspective of entire RDP, not treating this as a solo lot but thinking about the other towers that will be on the neighboring blocks.”
The Jersey City Planning Board was originally set to hear the plans during its meeting on July 18th, but it is being carried to the meeting on August 15th at City Hall.
