Cretella’s proposal for 12 apartments and a restaurant in the former Miron’s furniture warehouse received preliminary site plan approval. That project, dubbed Gavett Place Properties LLC, is complementary to redevelopment of the former Romond’s Jeep building for 20 apartments and retail uses as well as an entertainment venue. The proposed new five-story structure, with a stage facing the main train station, is called Arts Loft I LLC. Cretella told planners he sees the two projects as “bookends” on Gavett Place.
Originally proposed with retail space on the ground floor, Gavett Place properties will now have a restaurant that will extend into an open air space outside the building. Parking will be offsite.
The apartments are one- or two-bedroom units, although space requirements for an elevator may reduce the configuration. Among nine comments in a planning report, the developer was asked to increase the size of one-bedroom units so they were at least 150 Correction: 750 square feet. Cretella said the units may have to be reduced from 12 to nine to make up for the elevator requirements.
Planners also requested that restaurant deliveries be made between 9 and 11 a.m. to prevent conflicts with commuter traffic. Plans call for occasional closing of Gavett Place for events such as a farmers’ market or entertainment once both sides are developed. For refuse collection, the developer plans a refrigerated trash room in the building, as outdoor storage is limited.
Councilman Cory Storch, the governing body’s liaison to the board, raised the question of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. Cretella said he is aiming for the silver level of LEED standards, although he will not seek formal certification because of the cost.
The back of the building has no windows, something that concerned Planning Board member William Toth, as it can be seen from the train tracks. But Cretella said eventually there will be a new building to the rear.
The developer will have to return to the Planning Board for final site plan approval. Plans will be available in the Planning Division office and the public may speak before the board votes on the application.
--Bernice Paglia
Bernice - Do you have a typo in the article? a 150 square foot apartment is only 10x15'. Maybe that is the size of the bedroom?
ReplyDeleteMy only problem with the idea of "luxury condos" on 2nd and Gavett, is that it's not a luxury area and who wants to pay a lot for such a lower class area. Like the other "luxury" condos in Plainfield, what's the chance they can be sold? At least this time the citizens of Plainfield aren't footing the bill. Don't the make regular condos any more or is the "luxury" brand just a way of ripping off buyers, which there aren't many our there.
ReplyDeleteBernice - Is this a typo? "...the developer was asked to increase the size of one-bedroom units so they were at least 150 square feet."
ReplyDeleteSeriously? There were units proposed that were less that 150 sq ft.?? That's only 10x15! This isn't NYC.
That's what I had in my notes. I will check with the Planning Division on Monday. Mr. Cretella said the inclusion of the elevator "messed up" the configuration.
ReplyDeleteIt was very hard to hear things due to the noise of the air conditioner.
OK, I just looked up requirements for bedrooms. There must be 750 square feet for a one-bedroom unit and 900 square feet for a two-bedroom unit. The proposed one-bedrooms were 657 square feet, about 100s.f. short.
ReplyDelete(I'm blaming heat debilitation for this lapse.)
Im still concerned about the parking. People will have cars and the garage is not yet built. I would like to see angled street parking for the residents. Gavett is wide enough to allow for it.
ReplyDeleteHave to give props to Jeff @ 3:15PM...innovative thinking! It's common sense thinking like this that is missing from the city of Plainfield government!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to see how the citizens of our town are often so quick to find something to fault in development and so quick to question when none is done. I say either provide suggestions, such as Jeff or stay quiet with position thoughts of encouragement. Bob, luxury is something that must evolve and maybe this is a step in the direction to progress this area. You seem to have a problem with a lot of things attempting to evolve our city to a better light. It's this type of judgment that can hinder or caution developers not to take a chance on a City full of opportunity for improvement. If folks took such a stance on New Brunswick it would not have evolved. Give positive change a chance.
ReplyDeleteWith New Brunswick the development was driven by Johnson & Johnson here in Plainfield no such corporation exists just look at the track record here thats why residents are so skepical.
ReplyDeleteI hope this is not "affordable" housing, and we get some people with money and who want to get involved in making the city better.
ReplyDeleteAnd a word to all the naysayers above, if we, as Plainfielders don't talk about how great the city is, why would anyone want to come if we who live here have nothing good to say about it.
What's so good about Plainfield, you ask? We have a community of people here who are friendly and diverse. We have wonderful housing stock in every area of the city. We need people to realize that and make sure they, as well as their neighbors take care of their property. And we need to make sure the landlords take care of their property also.
Let's face it, we get what we expect, and it sounds to me that many expect nothing. The bad news is that is what we get, and deserve. Fortunately there are more and more of us who demand better, and will get it - so you naysayers better get with our program or get out!