Have you been to McGinley Square in Jersey City? It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. The problem is that, being a very old neighborhood, it needs a spruce-up. Well, it looks like that is exactly what it will get with the McGinley Square East Redevelopment plan.
The proposed project, which required a zoning change, includes a 22 story building for St. Peter’s University. This building will have residential units, possibly dormitories, classrooms and even child-care facilities. There will also be retail units and a movie theater.
Originally, the developer had proposed the installation of large video panels on several sides of the building. This part of the project was rejected by City Council, however, when it received negative reactions from the local citizens. The council decided that they did not fit in with the character of the neighborhood.
One issue yet to be addressed is whether or not to leave the rezoning ordinance as is, or to limit it to the one St. Peter’s University building. The council is considering this carefully. A trend in taller buildings could completely change the intimate, neighborhood feel of the area, and might attract builders who, instead of wanting to contribute to the neighborhood, might simply build, then flip their property.
It’s a pretty sure bet that this won’t happen with the St. Peter’s building. Besides being a permanent part of the neighborhood, they have included a park as a give-back part of their proposed project.
What are your thoughts on the proposed project and its various aspects?
Edward