April 1999

Twin Towers Spark Protest In Hoboken

A proposal to build Hoboken's tallest buildings at 1600 Park Avenue has struck a raw nerve in town. Developer Sanford Weiss submitted before the Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment an application for two 22-story towers containing 351 residential apartments and 22,309 square feet of commercial space. This project set off a storm of protest, led by Carol Marsh, a property owner at the 1200 block of Garden Street. As a result, Mayor Russo, with the encouragement of Councilmen Del Boccio and Cricco, has postponed zoning board consideration of this project and declared that the buildings have to be scaled down.

In the past several years, the City of Hoboken has approved major development projects totaling 3,092 housing units and 1.7 million square feet of commercial space. As construction has begun on a number of these high-rise projects at the north and south ends of town, residents have become alarmed. Increasing traffic congestion at the north and south ends of Hoboken have added fuel to this fire. A town meeting held on February 10th at Saint Matthews Parish Hall heard complaints of over development from residents throughout Hoboken.

Since residential developments and health clubs are not permitted uses for this zoning sub-district, . two use variances are required for 1600 Park Avenue. The zoning ordinance limits buildings to 8 stories in height and 65% lot coverage. As a result, two other major variances are requested, one for the additional 14 stories of height and the other for an additional 17% in lot coverage. This project also requires parking variances since 572 spaces are required but only 383 are provided.

Added to the 3,092 units mentioned above, the Hudson River Club will cause the number of housing units in Hoboken to grow by 20%. The traffic study undertaken for the developer by Michael Maris Associates assumes an annual growth rate of 1%. This study ignored a number of problematic intersections in the vicinity of this project, including two directly north of this project in Weehawken which approach the Lincoln Tunnel: 19th and Park, and 19th and Willow. Nevertheless, three intersections studied by these traffic engineers were found to have "unacceptable" levels of service.

The developer of this project is represented by attorney John O'Donnell, a close associate of Mayor Russo. O'Donnell has represented numerous other developers whose projects have been approved by the Hoboken Planning and Zoning Boards, including the Century Tower (302 units) and the Hoboken Cove (868 units).