Jersey City Planning Board Meeting – January 28, 2026

The Jersey City Planning Board convened on January 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. (with a notice of January 27, 2026, per the transcript) to consider several applications. The meeting included approvals for a major redevelopment at 880-900 Garfield Avenue, a minor site plan at 391 Fairmont Avenue, a subdivision at 99 Arlington Avenue, and a site plan at 87 Van Horn Street. Public comments focused on environmental concerns at the Garfield Avenue site. All items were approved with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• No separate consent calendar was presented. Routine approvals were handled individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 880-900 Garfield Avenue: Multiple residents expressed concerns about hexavalent chromium contamination from the former PPG site. Joyce Willis (191 Randolph Ave) asked about protections during construction, air monitoring, and the water filtration system. Sunita Davis (139 Stevens Ave) supported the project but noted prior safety measures. Christopher Perez (69 Union St) asked about piling methods, barrier integrity, and the step-back requirement. Felicia Collis (189 Clerk St) emphasized the history of the contamination and the need for ongoing monitoring. In response, PPG’s attorney Dorothy Laguza stated that soil remediation was complete, DEP issued a compliance judgment, groundwater remediation continues, and air monitors will remain during construction. The board’s attorney noted that the cleanup is under a court order with a site administrator.
• 99 Arlington Avenue: Christopher Perez raised concerns about the historic status of the existing building and the Palisade rock wall. The applicant agreed to consult the historic preservation officer the next day.

Discussion Items

• 198 Academy Street Extension (P2025-0249): Applicant Charles Harrington requested a one-year extension under NJSA 40:55D-52E for a project with over 100 units. The extension was needed because the approval expires March 9, 2026, and the developer is focused on another project; also, potential redevelopment plan amendments may require affordable housing. The board approved the extension unanimously.
• 880-900 Garfield Avenue (P2024-0171): Preliminary and final major site plan with C variances for two residential buildings (Building A: 6 stories, 215 units; Building B: 10 stories, 293 units) with 20% affordable units (exceeding the 9% requirement). The project includes new streets, a canal way greenway, and a park. Variances were requested for curb cut width, step-back setbacks, glazing percentages, and minimum elevation of residential floors. The board discussed last-minute changes to gas meter locations and roof amenity size, which were not submitted beforehand. The board decided to proceed with the original submitted plans and require the applicant to return for an amendment if PSE&G dictates changes. The board also required that affordable units be mixed throughout the buildings and built to the same finish. The project was approved with conditions, including a traffic signal at Carteret and Garfield.
• 391 Fairmont Avenue (P2025-0134): Minor site plan for a four-unit building (all 3-bedroom) on an oversized lot. No variances sought. The existing single-family home will be renovated and expanded. Approved unanimously.
• 99 Arlington Avenue (P2023-010): Preliminary and final major subdivision of a 50’x100’ lot into five townhouse lots (each ~20’x50’). Two variances for lot area: total lot 4,988 sq ft (required 5,000) and one lot 988 sq ft (required 1,000). The planner testified the variances are de minimis and the lots are buildable. Approved unanimously.
• 87 Van Horn Street (P2025-0039): Preliminary and final major site plan with C variances for a six-story, 170-unit building (down from eight stories previously approved). Includes 21% affordable units (18 on-site, remainder via contribution). Variances for setbacks (0.3 ft vs. 5 ft on new street, step-back of 0.2 ft vs. 5 ft along light rail) and impervious coverage (72.2% vs. 70%). The board noted the benefits of new road connectivity, stormwater improvements, and affordable housing. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Case P2025-0249 (198 Academy Street): Approved with conditions (unanimous).
• Case P2024-0171 (880-900 Garfield Avenue): Approved with conditions, including mixing of affordable units, same finish, and traffic signal at Carteret/Garfield (unanimous).
• Case P2025-0134 (391 Fairmont Avenue): Approved with staff conditions (unanimous).
• Case P2023-010 (99 Arlington Avenue): Approved with staff conditions (unanimous).
• Case P2025-0039 (87 Van Horn Street): Approved with staff conditions (unanimous).
• Resolutions: Several previously approved resolutions were memorialized (unanimous).
• Carry-overs: Several items were carried to February 10, 2026, or February 24, 2026, with preservation of notice.