Over the last decade, the area in the vicinity of Orange’s main train station has seen a noteworthy increase in development, with some projects completed and several others in the works. This can especially be seen on Lincoln Avenue, where the east side of the street has seen a parking lot around Tony Galento Plaza replaced with the apartments and condominiums that make up the Linc at Orange Station complex. Now, a sizable project could come to the west side of Lincoln Avenue, just across the street from the stairs leading up to the westbound platform.
Russo Acquisitions, LLC, a firm associated with Carlstadt-based Russo Development, is scheduled to go before the Orange Planning Board during a virtual meeting this week to seek approval for a mid-rise development with 201 apartments. The company’s application covers five parcels, including 33, 43, 51, and 53 Lincoln Avenue along with 60 Scotland Road.
Although the project is described as “transit orientated” in a notice, there would be around 350 covered parking spaces on two parking levels in the building. Other amenities would include a pool, club room, bicycle storage room, and outdoor terrace, according to the notice.
The development application lists Lance Blake as the project architect. Renderings for a project at this location can be found on the website of Blake’s company, Livingston-based Rotwein+Blake, though it is not clear if they are current. A Russo spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.
The properties have largely been used by automotive businesses over the years, with a sign on the premises referring to at least part of the site as Politi Plaza and the home of Al’s Auto Parts since 1967.
The application notes that other businesses there include Bank’s Media, Greg David Salon, Greg’s Service Station, Ismael and Son Auto Repair, John’s Transmissions, Liv Motorsports, Lucky 13 Auto and Truck Repair, and PuroClean Property Paramedics, but site plans posted by Orange’s municipal government indicate that “all buildings and improvements shall be demolished and removed.”
If news of a project involving Russo Development in this neighborhood seems familiar, it is likely because as Jersey Digs reported last month, the developer is in the process of building a 209-unit complex called Vermella at Orange Station at 377 Crane Street on the south side of the train tracks.
The Orange Planning Board’s meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Note to readers: The dates that applications are scheduled to be heard by the Orange Planning Board and other commissions are subject to change.
