The Garfield Avenue redevelopment project was central to the meeting’s discussions. Jennifer Bogdansky, representing the applicant, laid out a plan that includes two residential buildings and an open space park. Building A is designed to have six stories with 215 residential units and retail space, while Building B will have ten stories and 293 units. The project proposes 280 parking spaces, exceeding local requirements, and includes provisions for electric vehicle charging stations. The infrastructure improvements, such as road widening and bike lane additions, aim to enhance connectivity and pedestrian access.

Several board members and community participants expressed environmental concerns due to the site’s history of hexavalent chromium contamination. Residents, including Joyce Willis, voiced apprehensions about potential health risks from construction activities. A representative from PPG, involved in the site’s remediation, assured attendees that soil contaminated with hexavalent chromium had been removed and air quality would be monitored throughout the construction process. This assurance did little to quell the skepticism from residents who had previously experienced health issues related to past contamination.

The board also discussed the implications of utility placements, particularly PSEG’s requirements for gas meters, which raised procedural concerns. The applicant’s representative suggested that the site plan could be approved with the utility placements as proposed, leaving room for amendments if PSEG required changes. Despite concerns, there was consensus to move forward with the understanding that any necessary amendments would be addressed in future meetings.

In a related discussion, the board addressed the integration and distribution of affordable housing units within the project. Several members stressed the importance of ensuring that affordable units are spread throughout both buildings and finished to the same standards as market-rate units. The applicant confirmed that affordable units would not be relegated to interior-facing locations, aligning with the board’s emphasis on community integration and consistent quality across all units.

The meeting delved into the architectural and functional aspects of the development. The project features a semi-automated parking system, designed to comply with local regulations and maximize efficiency. The architectural design includes a high-quality brick masonry facade on the ground floor, with upper levels featuring lighter metal panels. The design also incorporates corner bay windows.

In addition to the Garfield Avenue project, the board reviewed a proposal for a six-story residential development on Van Horn Street. This project, which retains much of its previous approval with minor height adjustments, involves constructing 170 units with 21% designated as affordable housing. The board approved the project unanimously, noting its compliance with the redevelopment plan and its potential benefits for community connectivity and emergency vehicle access.