On March 5, 2021, the North End Redevelopment Plan for Hoboken, New Jersey was officially adopted by the Hoboken City Council.
The North End Redevelopment Plan is designed to revitalize 30 acres of land in the historically industrial northwest area of Hoboken. The plan includes a proposal for a new Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station at 15th Street, public open space to connect to a City-wide green circuit, a balanced mix of new commercial and residential uses, affordable housing, pedestrian-oriented retail corridor along 15th Street, and the raising of streets to accommodate underground flood infrastructure.
“I’m pleased that the revitalization of Hoboken’s industrial North End took a major step forward thanks to the adoption of the redevelopment plan last night,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla.
“My administration is committed to preserving the right balance of residential and commercial development that maintains the charm and character of our City, while also prioritizing critical community benefits such as a new light rail station at 15th Street, public open space, building on our city-wide green circuit, greater affordable housing options, and more. I thank the City Council for their support and look forward to moving this plan forward with the continued input of the public,” he added.
The North End Redevelopment Plan was originally introduced to the Hoboken City Council for consideration on January 27, 2021. After input from residents, the plan was amended to include a protected bike lane on 15th Street, a requirement for the linear park in the plan to be open 24 hours a day without barriers to access, incorporation of Vision Zero improvements on Park Avenue and Willow Avenues within the North End, greater pedestrian connectivity between Hoboken and Weehawken, a requirement that utilities be built underground, and more.
“We are excited to move forward with plans to revitalize an area of town that will provide a number of community benefits to our City,” Bhalla said at the time of the plan’s initial introduction. “Once adopted, I look forward to continuing our discussion with New Jersey Transit for the installation of a new light rail station at 15th Street, that will provide a critical mass transit connectivity for our current and future residents, and transportation hubs.”
The planning process to adopt the plan included two community workshops that were facilitated by WRT on March 14, 2019 and September 24, 2019; stakeholder meetings with NJ TRANSIT, North Hudson Sewage Authority and area landowners, and frequent meetings with the City Council North Subcommittee and City staff. Prior opportunities for public participation, including a community survey and additional workshops, had been conducted by DMR Architects, the consultant working on the project from 2015-2017, prior to the City’s engagement of the WRT team in 2018.
“The City Council is proud to play a key role in moving the North End Redevelopment Plan forward, and this final product reflects several years of hard work and collaboration with the community,” said Councilwoman Jen Giattino. “I look forward to a North End that includes new businesses, commercial corridors, without overdevelopment that would threaten the charm and character of our City. Thank you to my current and past Council colleagues for their input into this well-developed plan.”
Now that the Redevelopment Plan is adopted, any property located within the North End Redevelopment Plan Area will need to submit an application to the City to be designated as a Redeveloper, and a Redevelopment Agreement will need to be negotiated with the City.
“The North End Redevelopment Plan represents an important step forward in the transformation of Hoboken’s industrial northwest into a holistic part of our present-day community,” said Councilman Phil Cohen. “I look forward to moving on this well-conceived plan for a resilient neighborhood, integrating 30 acres of our City in the 5th Ward in a way that reflects and serves our special, vibrant community – a place for families, commerce, the arts and parks – at one with Hoboken’s growing community.”
The Redevelopment Plan’s updates are consistent with the City’s vision to avoid tall buildings, overdevelopment and develop a plan consistent with the pre-existing height and scale of buildings in the rest of the City. The plan was developed in a manner to allow Hoboken to permit development in a manner that does not adversely impact neighboring municipalities, ensuring that buildings do not exceed the height of the Palisades Cliffs.
Renderings courtesy of WRT.