NJ Transit Hoboken Development Plan

It was only a couple years ago that New Jersey Transit proposed a redevelopment project for the Hoboken Terminal and rail yards which included residential buildings as tall as 45 strories along with a 70 story commercial tower.  This project would definately change the landscape of Hoboken real estate.

Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer insisted that the plan was totally out of whack and threatened to change the character of Hoboken.  Sure, Hoboken has a bunch of unique character, but wouldn’t luxury buildings be nicer to look at than the rail yards?  I asked a Hoboken condo owner at Jefferson and Newark and she said that the view from her unit would be skewed.  The view into Manhattan would diminish drastically.  What would that do for her value?  It’s not like you get crazy unobstructive Manhattan views from this building, but they are still there, and looking at the current terminal is part of the character that exists.

“It is important for the City of Hoboken to have authority over the planning process to ensure balanced development for our community,” added Mayor Zimmer.

In order to ensure an independent design process, Mayor Zimmer is recommending that the City of Hoboken pay for the planning process itself so that the planner is clearly dedicated to Hoboken’s best interests.

“We must have balanced development that reflects the vision of our community, so my Administration is facilitating a public meeting for NJ Transit to present their plans to Hoboken residents,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “I hope the public will join me for this meeting, where I look forward to learning about NJ Transit’s proposal at the same time as everyone else.”

NJ Transit has led Zimmer to believe that there is a prospective tenant that is interested in commercial space for their personal offices.  The prospective tenant is currently in the region and is looking to relocate.  According to NJ Transit, if the tenant were to relocate, they would bring 1,500 commercial office workers.

The community meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 27th from 7pm to 9pm at the Waiting Room in the Hoboken Terminal.  Are you going to be one of the attendees with Mayor Zimmer?

What are your thoughts on the new proposed plan?  Do you think it would create a negative aura around Hoboken’s urban feel?