'Pino Site' in West Hoboken Could Become Park under New Proposal

A one-acre site at Sixth and Jackson Streets — commonly referred to as the "Pino Site" — could become the city's next park.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer announced that local developer Larry Bijou is proposing a redevelopment agreement in which he "would donate to the City a one acre property ... as part of an agreement to continue the redevelopment of the Monroe Center site."

It's not the first time the now-barren former tow lot is discussed as a potential park.

Larry Bijou, the owner of Bijou Properties, is in the process of acquiring the rights to build on the Pino site, which has been approved for 68 units. If acquired, Bijou has proposed to move those 68 units — plus 14 additional units and 90 automated parking spaces — to the adjoining site at 700 Monroe St.

In order to make that happen, he has proposed donating the Pino site for park use in return.

Before entering into such an agreement with Bijou, the city will have to complete a study to determine the feasibility of the proposal, both financially and environmentally.

Bijou would pay for the cost for the City to vet the feasibility of his proposal, Spokesman Juan Melli said on Thursday afternoon. That interim cost agreement will first have to be approved by the city council.  

"Any necessary environmental cleanup would take place and a community process would begin to design the new park," the city's announcement stated.

The redevelopment agreement will need approval from the city council.