One of the most discussions revolved around a major residential development project located at Marin Boulevard, encompassing North and South Towers. The applicant sought approval for several modifications, including increasing the building height, altering the parking arrangement, and addressing street widening requirements. Michael Higgins presented the architectural site plans, which proposed a height increase to 169 feet, 11 inches, deviating from the previously approved 160 feet.

The revised plan includes a total of 613 residential units, with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. The development aims to enhance the living experience by providing two amenity spaces designed to improve views and light in the courtyard. Additionally, the ground floor area was expanded to 11,803 square feet, and the traditional quadruple stack parking system was replaced with a more functional self-parking garage. This adjustment increased the number of parking spaces from 200 to 239 across three floors, eliminating the need for a full-time attendant and improving functionality for residents.

A central issue was the street widening along Marin Boulevard, required by the Redevelopment Plan to expand from 40 feet to 49 feet. This recommendation sparked debate about its practicality and potential impact on surrounding infrastructure. The applicant expressed readiness to comply with Transportation’s suggestions, stating, “we will schedule a meeting with that” to address the highlighted concerns.

The planning discussion also touched on deviations concerning street tree spacing due to existing fixtures and driveways. The proposed development includes 14 street trees, two fewer than initially planned, and aims to provide ample sidewalk space while meeting parking and loading requirements. The applicant committed to funding any shortfall in the number of street trees.

The board evaluated the impact on utilities, including stormwater and sewer infrastructure. The development plan includes a concrete vault to manage stormwater beneath the parking ramp and a single sanitary sewer connection on 16th Street, with a potential second connection if required by the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority.

Following these discussions, the board unanimously approved the modifications, noting that the requested variances did not pose a substantial detriment to the public. The approval was granted with specific conditions related to transportation and safety controls for the parking.

In other matters, the board also reviewed a conditional use application for a cannabis dispensary on Monmouth Street. Represented by attorney David Wallace for Warrior Weed LLC, the project faced scrutiny over its proximity to a nearby school. Wallace addressed these concerns, clarifying that the nearest planned project was a vacant lot that did not pose a conflict. The application included a community impact statement, security plans, and odor mitigation measures. The board temporarily postponed the application due to difficulties in locating the affidavit of publication.

Another application involved Cream of the Pot Inc., presented by Tom Lean. This conditional use application for a cannabis facility included an affidavit uploaded to the portal. Michael Higgins resumed his presentation post-recess, detailing a project covering 1.27 acres with a shift in design to a self-parking garage. This change aimed to enhance building functionality and improve the ground floor space. The project, bordered by Marin Boulevard and 16th and 15th streets, proposed a building height lower than surrounding structures, focusing on compliance with local planning requirements.

The board also deliberated on a proposal to subdivide two lots located on Sussex Street and Grand Street. The planner detailed the properties, noting their historical significance in the Paulus Hook section. The subdivision aimed to rectify irregular lot configurations, creating two conforming lots within the historic district without proposing physical changes to existing structures. The application received unanimous support from the board members present.

In another notable case, the board discussed a conditional use application for a retail cannabis store on Communipaw Avenue. The applicant’s representative acknowledged a prior notice had not been sent out, leading to a rescheduling to August 20th. Another cannabis facility application at the intersection of Grand Street and Communipaw Avenue proceeded, with the architect detailing the design and layout, including security measures and odor mitigation systems.

The final application of the evening concerned a site plan amendment for a project on Newark Avenue, represented by Charles Harrington. The main request was to modify the rooftop amenity space and increase its height from 10 feet to 15 feet to accommodate mechanical, plumbing, and electrical components. The board unanimously approved the amendment, recognizing it would not alter the building’s street presence.