0:13The application for the construction of a new four-story, four-unit residential building on John F. Kennedy Boulevard, located within the West Berg and East Lincoln Park historic district, was the focal point of the meeting. Represented by Benjamin Wine, Esquire, the project had undergone multiple revisions following feedback from both the commission and the public. Wine emphasized that the project had been reduced from six units to four.

Architect Martin Moreno presented an overview of the design changes, highlighting a reduction in the building’s overall height by 18 inches to better fit the neighborhood context. The modifications included a switch from white cladding on the bay windows to green siding, aligning with the building’s primary color and enhancing its visual integration with surrounding structures. The entrance door design was also revamped, moving from a standard steel door to an Anderson wooden door with glass panels.

16:11Community member Charlene Burke appreciated the changes but questioned the four-unit configuration, noting it exceeded the neighborhood’s typical single-family homes. Other speakers echoed these sentiments, acknowledging improvements but pointing out the project’s scale still felt “top-heavy” and out of sync with the district’s character. Suggestions included enhancing architectural details like window casings and considering the historical layout of the lot.

45:38The commission addressed these concerns by emphasizing that new constructions do not have to replicate older buildings but should be compatible regarding size, height, and massing. The proposed building’s design, with its nine-foot side yard spacing and contextual modifications, was deemed appropriate despite its larger size than neighboring homes.

The commission’s decision to approve the certificate of appropriateness came with conditions for further refinement, including adjustments to the front door design and column proportions.

1:00:40Another topic was the proposed two-story addition to a theater, focusing on the integration of an emergency generator and an accompanying screen wall. The screen wall, designed to obscure the generator from view, was crafted from champagne anodized metal with vertical blades, combining functionality with aesthetic considerations. The commission recommended updates to the plan set to ensure compliance with historic preservation standards, approving a memorandum to be sent to the Jersey City planning board.

The meeting also touched on a demolition review for a property on Summit Avenue, which was postponed due to a lack of quorum. Additionally, discussions about the nomination of officers for the commission’s upcoming election were held, although no formal decisions were made.