March 4, 2021

Mayor Bhalla applauds adoption of North End Redevelopment Plan to revitalize 30 acres of industrial land

Below is a statement from Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla on the adoption of the North End Redevelopment Plan:

“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 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.”

The amended North End Redevelopment Plan was adopted on second reading by the Hoboken City Council on Wednesday night by an 8-0-1 vote, with Councilman Mike DeFusco abstaining from voting.

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.   

The full, amended North End Redevelopment Plan adopted by the City Council can be found on the project website by clicking here.   

Original press release from January 13, 2021:

HOBOKEN RELEASES DRAFT NORTH END REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, PUBLIC INVITED TO PROVIDE COMMENT

The City of Hoboken today released a proposed North End Redevelopment Plan 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.

Members of the community are invited to provide input and comment on the plan after a public presentation at a special City Council meeting on Wednesday, January 27 at 7:00 pm. The meeting will take place virtually and will be broadcasted on the City of Hoboken’s Facebook page.

The Draft Redevelopment Plan sets the permitted uses and development standards for the North End Rehabilitation Area properties. The Plan also includes guidelines for establishing a multi-modal circulation network, shared parking, new parks and open space, sustainable land use and development, and new public infrastructure. The Draft Plan was prepared by a consulting team hired by the City, WRT, and guided by the City Council North Subcommittee and Community Development staff.

“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,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “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 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.”  

“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 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.

Once 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 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.