Historic Preservation Commission Debates Design Changes and Parking Concerns in Jersey City Projects
- Meeting Overview:
The Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission meeting on February 10, 2025, primarily revolved around discussions on design changes for a new residential building in the West Bergen East Lincoln Park historic district, as well as parking issues related to a proposed mixed-use development in Paulus Hook. Both projects sparked discussions around maintaining historical integrity while accommodating modern needs.
0:00A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to examining the proposed design changes for a four-story residential building on John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The application, presented by Benjamin Wine on behalf of Jersey City 3 Deals LLC, had undergone several revisions to address concerns raised in previous meetings. Martin Moreno, the project manager, outlined substantial changes to the building’s exterior, including a shift from red to beige or light brown brick, and the introduction of green siding to complement the neighborhood’s aesthetic. These modifications aimed to align the building with the visual character of the surrounding historic properties.
18:47The commission scrutinized the revised design, particularly the building’s height and facade elements. Concerns about the building’s height were voiced, given its floor-to-ceiling heights of 9 feet, which exceeded the typical height of neighboring structures. The commission discussed the potential impacts of reducing the building’s height on its architectural integrity and accessibility standards. Additionally, the design team responded to critiques about the extensive use of white cladding, agreeing to explore alternatives that would better integrate with the historic district’s character.
35:57Public comments highlighted the project’s visual significance at the northern boundary of the historic district, with recommendations for decreasing the unit count to mitigate concerns about bulk and density. Suggestions also included the construction of a masonry wall to maintain continuity with neighboring homes and the relocation of rain leaders from columns to the building itself to enhance aesthetic appeal.
1:13:58Another focal point of the meeting was the proposed mixed-use development on Morris Street in the Paulus Hook historic district. Presented by architect Nelson Benavides, the project called for a four-story building with 13 residential units and commercial spaces, including a restaurant. The design aimed to blend new construction with the existing Greek Revival building, requiring several variances for height, building coverage, and parking.
0:00Parking emerged as a contentious issue, with community members expressing concerns over the loss of parking spaces and the project’s impact on street parking. The commission acknowledged the challenges of balancing development needs with preserving the neighborhood’s character, emphasizing the importance of integrating new structures without compromising the integrity of historic areas.
The discussion also touched on the proposed building’s architectural elements, such as the color and material choices for the facade. The design team sought to differentiate the new structure from the existing building by using darker brick tones and textured materials. The commission underscored the need for the project to harmonize with the historic context while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
2:13:12In addressing the proposed partial demolition of the historic building, the commission debated the feasibility of preserving the original structure’s envelope while accommodating the new construction. An engineering report highlighted the poor condition of the existing building, necessitating substantial reconstruction to meet safety standards. The commission agreed on the importance of a stabilization plan to ensure the preservation of the historic structure.
Steven M. Fulop
Historic Preservation Commission Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Historic Preservation Commission
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/10/2025
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Recording Published:
02/13/2025
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Duration:
154 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Hudson County
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Towns:
Jersey City
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