Jersey City Advances Educational Development with New School Plans

Overview: At a recent Jersey City Planning Board meeting, the focal point of discussions revolved around education and community development, with major highlights including the approval of a new charter school on Bergen Avenue and the advancement of a STEAM center for University Academy Charter High School. The board approved both educational projects as consistent with the master plan and redevelopment plans.

Jersey City Temple’s Security and Preservation Efforts Take Center Stage

Overview: The Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission’s recent meeting was notably centered on the security and preservation measures proposed for Temple Beth-El, a historic property within the community. The discussions were predominantly focused on two applications: one for the installation of security fencing and the other for the addition of canopies intended to divert water and protect the building from flood damage.

Jersey City Zoning Board Approves Project Extensions Amid COVID Delays

Overview: At a recent Jersey City Zoning Board meeting, the board approved a series of one-year extensions for a development project, citing COVID-19 related delays as the primary reason for the postponement. The project, initially approved in 2020 with an additional unit added to the original six-unit plan, has been granted extensions through April 2025.

Jersey City Council Confronts Rent Control Violations and Traffic Safety

Overview: At the latest Jersey City Council meeting, one notable issue revolved around numerous allegations of rent control violations by Equity Residential at the Portside Towers. Residents provided detailed accounts of illegal rent increases and the failure to inform new tenants of the previous rent, which is a requirement under the city’s rent control laws. The speakers, armed with evidence of rent increases exceeding legal limits and lacking proper authority, voiced their frustrations over the perceived inaction by the Rent Leveling Bureau despite evidence submitted since April 2023. They called on the council to take decisive action against the landlord, with some tenants demanding justice and promising not to rest until the matter is resolved. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the potential consequences of inaction, including public campaigns to hold officials accountable.

Jersey City Rent Board Debates Improvement Costs at Magnolia Avenue Property

Overview: The Jersey City Rent Leveling Board recently convened to address a Vacancy Capital Improvement appeal for a property on Magnolia Avenue, where the calculation of construction costs for unit improvements became the central issue. The board appointed its chair and vice chair before delving into the contentious matter, which involved the applicant’s representative, Yoli Ring, challenging the board’s cost-per-square-foot calculation method. The board’s inspector, Tom, defended the existing process, citing the National Home Improvement estimator and itemized invoices as the basis for their decision.