The 660 Grove Street development, a two-phase project, plans to build a 17-story structure, surpassing the permitted 14 stories and 160 feet height limit. The building will house 1,000 residential units, with 150 designated as affordable housing, and feature a ground floor with retail space, parking amenities, and a landscaped area set aside for future construction. The proposal also seeks deviations for front yard setbacks and street tree spacing, where the design plans include a 68-foot separation, exceeding the required 30 feet, and a total of 15 street trees, short of the required 23.

The Planning Board engaged with the applicant’s representatives, addressing community impacts and deviations from existing zoning laws. The development will include a parking facility with 346 spaces, meeting the residential requirement of 2.5 spaces per unit and one space per 1,000 square feet of retail, and provisions for electric vehicle charging and bicycle storage. A raised bike path along 18th Street is also part of the project, aligning with the city’s transportation initiatives.

The board scrutinized the request for a ten-year protection period for preliminary approval, expressing skepticism given the standard three-year term. The developers argued that extended protection would ensure project stability amid economic fluctuations and financing complexities for affordable housing. While some board members understood the rationale, consensus favored the traditional three-year period, with a possibility of extensions, to ensure timely project completion.

Public comments highlighted concerns about environmental impacts, urging the board to require a comprehensive urban forestry plan. The transportation aspect of the project was also discussed, with support for the bike path but concerns about potential traffic congestion due to the parking garage. The developer’s team reiterated their commitment to sustainability through design elements like green roofs and stormwater management.

Another noteworthy topic was the Hackensack River Greenway overlay proposal, which aims to establish a multi-use trail and linear park along the waterfront. The board discussed the initiative’s alignment with the city’s master plan to enhance public access and connectivity, recommending the proposal be forwarded to the city council for adoption.

The meeting also covered the approval of a signage proposal for 10 Exchange Place, part of the Exchange Place redevelopment area. The proposal includes a comprehensive sign program with various sign types to enhance tenant visibility while maintaining aesthetic coherence. Discussions arose about the design and placement of monument signs, with differing opinions on their aesthetic impact.

Additionally, the board reviewed a minor site plan application for a multi-phase development on Grand Street. This project includes a six-story mixed-use building with 60 units in initial phases and 115 units in the final phase. The proposal involves design waivers and variances related to loading space depth and landscape buffers, with a focus on streetscape improvements and stormwater management.