Proposals that have requested variances from the local zoning ordinances and have submitted their plans to Sgt Anthony Park Association for review and response can be found here.
Sgt Anthony Park Neighborhood Development Position:
The Sgt. Anthony Park Association believes that ongoing development can be a force for community and economic good in The Heights and across Jersey City—and we believe that this is best done by respecting our already-assigned zoning ordinances (R1 & Medical).
The current ordinances are sufficient for development projects in the Sgt. Anthony Neighborhood, so variances should be requested sparingly and carefully.
In most cases, variances that attempt to simply increase the size and unit number beyond existing zoning regulations, without highlighting obvious need or benefit to the community, should not be considered. Hardship will not be acknowledged as an acceptable reason for granting variances.
While many streets and buildings in the neighborhood need substantial investment, the neighborhood should maintain its historic architectural value. To that end, we encourage new developments that are respectful of this history.
The Sgt Anthony Park Association will support:
(a) developments that have a considerable conservation, restoration and preservation approach
(b) new designs that are sustainable and exceed their short-term environmental and aesthetic impact
(c) innovative design of agreed architectural value that responds to and is considerate of the existing housing and historic neighborhood vernacular.
(d) developments that contribute additional community value to the street or neighborhood. (eg, low income housing, green spaces)
(e) developments that include sustainable transportation plans
(f) developments that contribute to neighborhood safety, sidewalk maintenance, and tree planting.
Unless the project is extraordinary in nature, the Sgt Anthony Park Neighborhood will not support developers who:
(a) overrun the allotted size allocation (3 stories and 60% lot coverage)
(b) increase the unit above the Zone 1 allocation (1 family home or 2 units)
(c) do not consider the historic vernacular Heights neighborhood character in their design
(d) do not allocate adequate parking per household
(e) do not adhere to planting and green space requirements (X + Y ≥ 35 feet, where X = the required front yard setback and Y = the required rear yard setback; 50% increase for lots over 100ft.)
(f) do not match the most frequently occurring setback on the block.
(f) request new curb cuts.
In conclusion, the Sgt Anthony Park Neighborhood supports the Jersey City Planning Department, and we look forward to working closely with them to guide a vision for the future of the community as we consider developments in our neighborhood as well as the Heights and Jersey City in general.