A development firm that is planning to bring a major new mixed-use development to a group of properties in Essex County is expected to seek approval from the Belleville Planning Board this week.
An application for Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval with variances related to facade design, building materials, outdoor seating, and sidewalks was filed in connection with the plans for 74-102 Washington Avenue and neighboring 75-77 William Street, according to a legal notice. A firm registered out of Englewood Cliffs in 2015 known as 78-102 Washington Ave Urban Renewal, LLC is seeking to construct a five-story building at the site. If approved and built as currently planned, the project would feature 158 residential units, three commercial spaces, and 178 parking spots.
Minutes from an October 2019 meeting of the Belleville Municipal Council show that a resolution was passed at the time approving a long-term tax exemption for the developer.
Located along a busy thoroughfare a few blocks north of Newark’s North Ward and just south of a business district, most of the properties currently sit vacant. Much of the site previously contained Pioneer Auto Group, which closed several years ago. A three-story building can be found at 74 Washington Avenue while 75-77 William Street used to contain The Tile Store.
The website of Englewood Cliffs-based Premier Developers features a rendering of a proposed development called the “Washington Ave. Apartments” on the premises, but describes the project as an 80-unit complex. 74 Washington Avenue was bought in December 2019 for $600,000 by 78-102 Washington Ave Residence, LLC, a firm using the same address in Englewood Cliffs as Premier Developers, according to NJ Parcels. 78-102 Washington Ave Residence, LLC reportedly acquired 78-102 Washington Avenue back in 2016 and paid $810,000 in July 2019 for 75-77 William Street.
The Belleville Planning Board is scheduled to hear the application this Thursday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m. at the township’s municipal building, located at nearby 152 Washington Avenue. The agenda for Thursday’s meeting shows that the Belleville Planning Board also is expected to memorialize resolutions involving applications for a 20-unit mixed-use building at 588 and 590-594 Washington Avenue along with a 15-unit mixed-use development at 30 Washington Avenue.
Note to readers: The dates that applications are scheduled to be heard by the Belleville Planning Board and other commissions are subject to change.
