While COVID-19 has caused uncertainty over how many college students will be able to return to living on university campuses, an Essex County school has a proposal to possibly develop additional housing at some point down the line.
Seton Hall University has plans for a new complex that could be constructed directly across the street from its main campus in South Orange. A “multi-story student housing facility” is in the works for 519 and 525 South Orange Avenue, according to a legal notice issued earlier this week. The proposed project could potentially include commercial space as well.
It is not yet clear how tall the proposed building would be, how many housing units it would consist of, or what the timeline is for the project.
The notice shows that the matter is expected to be discussed during a public hearing on Monday, April 20 at 10:00 am. The hearing, which will be held over the phone by the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority (NJEFA), is expected to focus on the possible issuance of up to $140 million in revenue bonds.
The proceeds of the bonds would be loaned to Seton Hall University for uses such as undertaking this development, conducting work on renovation projects involving athletic facilities, the University Center, and Boland Hall, and refunding all or portions of previously issued bonds, according to the notice.
“Seton Hall University’s application for bond financing reflects the university’s ongoing strategic planning and identification of various funding sources,” a spokesperson for the school told Jersey Digs in response to our questions about the student housing facility. “At this time, the university has announced that most of our capital projects are on hold as we monitor and respond to the coronavirus pandemic’s effect on our state and region and the rapidly changing situation.”
“Certain buildings” at 519 and 525 South Orange Avenue would be demolished as part of the student housing project, according to the notice. Located between Turrell Avenue and Warren Court not far from the Newark city limits, the properties include a 110-year-old building used by the college’s Department of Public Relations and Marketing and a one-story edifice built in 1920, according to the Montrose Park Historic District Association’s website.
Although Seton Hall University’s main campus includes housing for students, the college also currently operates apartment buildings elsewhere in South Orange. These complexes include Ora Manor on Valley Street and Turrell Manor, which is located next to 525 South Orange Avenue.
Those interested in speaking during the NJEFA’s public hearing must write to the authority at least 24 hours before the meeting is scheduled to begin.
Note to readers: The dates that matters are scheduled to be discussed by the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority and other commissions are subject to change.
