A long-vacant parcel at 87 Van Horne Street in Jersey City is finally getting a fresh start. The Planning Board just approved a new revitalization plan for the site.
The project will transform the lot, right next to Berry Lane Park and inside the Morris Canal Redevelopment Plan, into a six-story residential building. It’ll bring in generous amenities and some affordable housing, too.
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This blog post digs into what’s approved, what’s coming, and what this could mean for Jersey City and its neighborhoods.
Project scope and design
The proposed building will reach 81 feet and stand six stories tall. It’s set to offer 170 residential units—that’s 75 studios, 35 one-bedrooms, 55 two-bedrooms, and 5 three-bedroom homes.
The ground floor will include a garage with 109 parking spaces, and 48 of those will be stacked spots. Cyclists get a bike room for 85 bikes, which is a nice touch in this part of town.
There will be 18 moderate-income affordable units on-site. The developer’s also contributing $306,000 to the Jersey City Redevelopment Authority so the city can fund 17 more affordable units elsewhere.
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Residents can expect a solid list of amenities. There’s a rooftop deck and a green roof, a 2,200-square-foot lounge on the first floor, a 1,200-square-foot gym, and a 500-square-foot dog grooming area.
The building’s exterior will feature a light gray brick veneer with white composite metal panels. It’s a contemporary look that should mesh with Berry Lane Park’s open vibe.
The project will also give part of the site to the city for on-street parking and utility relocations. They’re planning a new public road, which adds 25 more on-street parking spaces.
This mix of private and public improvements should help local access and, hopefully, support neighborhood growth.
- 170 residential units—studios to three-bedrooms
- 109 parking spaces on the ground floor, including 48 stacked
- 85-bike room for cyclists
- 18 affordable units on-site and $306,000 for 17 more elsewhere
- Rooftop deck and green roof for outdoor space and sustainability
- 2,200 sq ft lounge and 1,200 sq ft gym for resident wellness
- 500 sq ft dog grooming area—pet owners, rejoice
- Public road and extra on-street spaces for better circulation
- Three variances for building coverage and setbacks along the new street and railroad right-of-way
The team hasn’t announced a construction start date yet. The plan is meant to fit in with the surrounding city and the Morris Canal Redevelopment Plan, which guides several districts in Jersey City’s ongoing revitalization.
Planning board actions and implications
The Planning Board granted three variances related to maximum building coverage and setbacks along the new street and the nearby railroad right-of-way. These variances clear some key hurdles, but officials say they haven’t nailed down a construction timeline yet. Permits and design tweaks still hang in the balance.
The approvals mark a big step toward turning this long-vacant parcel into a mixed-income, transit-accessible housing hub. Community advocates say the project fits Jersey City’s push for more affordable housing while still keeping the neighborhood’s feel intact.
Structured parking, amenities, and a new public road show the developer’s willing to give up some private space for better city infrastructure and mobility. Local leaders plan to keep an eye on traffic, flood resilience, and how the project meshes with Berry Lane Park’s green space. They want to make sure the development adds to the park and the area, not compete with it.
For anyone exploring Jersey City, this spot should boost access to downtown jobs, the PATH network, and the waterfront. It’s one more piece in the city’s vibrant urban puzzle.
If you’re planning a visit, looking at all your options can help you find what fits your plans and budget. Jersey City hotels nearby might make for an easy stay if you want to check out the new development or Berry Lane Park.
Curious about where to stay in Jersey City? There’s a mix of lodging options, and plenty to do—think parks, great food, and walks along the waterfront. Getting here’s pretty simple with PATH and NJ Transit. Jersey City’s neighborhoods keep changing, and honestly, it’s a pretty interesting place to add to your regional itinerary.
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Here is the source article for this story: Jersey City Approves New 170-Unit Development Near Berry Lane Park