Hoboken Council Approves Revised NJ Transit Redevelopment Plan

HOBOKEN, NJ — After years of revisions and discussions, the Hoboken City Council voted 9-0 at their Feb. 19 meeting for a redevelopment plan to build offices and residences on a long stretch of land near the city's train terminal.

The Hoboken Yard Redevelopment Plan, a partnership between the city and NJ Transit, can be read here. It will include one office building of approximately 20 to 30 stories, and another 330-story building that at first was going to be residential, but now may be used for offices instead after the council completes an analysis.

There will also be a flood wall and a third, smaller commercial building on the current site of an NJ Transit maintenance facility.

“I’m pleased that the most updated version of the Hoboken Yard Redevelopment Plan incorporates the extensive community feedback we’ve received over the past several months,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “This plan is a win for Hoboken as it provides the framework to both revitalize our downtown region with an emphasis on commercial development, while substantially reducing the size of the overall project and residential density."

The vote was for an amendment to the 2014 redevelopment plan, to add the flood wall and other changes.

“I am so proud of tonight’s unanimous vote in support of what will be a transforming plan for Hoboken and NJ Transit,” said Council President Jen Giattino. “I’m very much looking forward to continuing our partnership with LCOR and NJ Transit and all other stakeholders to make this plan a reality.”

First Ward Councilman Michael DeFusco, who wants to put a European-type market in the terminal, was excited about features in the plan that will facilitate this use. "Last night the City Council approved a plan to revitalize our train terminal and Warrington Plaza, envisioning the complex as a vibrant mixed use 'Terminal District' in the very first phase of development," he said.

He said, regarding the possible residential tower, that "If, after an analysis is done and it is determined that a commercial-only direction is not economically viable, then any new future residential buildings will be required to designate 20 percent of units as affordable housing, a push I was proud to work on with my colleague Councilwoman Falco."