As it became evident there would be no approvals Thursday, Scott Bey polled the board on concerns they want addressed when the developer returns. Members said the density was wrong for the location, which architect Noel Musial said was 1,620 feet from the main train station, or "just outside" the transit village ideal distance.
Engineer Edward S. Dec explains the project.
"I just think there's too many units, way too many units," Councilman Cory Storch said.The city's new transit-oriented development zoning calls for the greatest density to be clustered around its two train stations.
The former industrial site was found to be contaminated several years ago and board member Ken Robertson said, "Brownfields remediation really needs to be looked at."
Scott Bey called the development "A lot of project for a very small space."
The proposal originally was for a four-story building,but among the many changes introduced at the March 19 meeting, another floor was added. Among other details questioned by the board, the developer planned only 50 storage units, to be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and provided "green space" in small sections that members said would not meet the definition of open space.
The group will return on May 7 for a third try for preliminary and final site plan approval. The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall Library, 515 Watchung Ave.
--Bernice
Rental Capitol of New Jersey plfd, 2020, this is crazy!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see some responsible planning on building in Plainfield and adequate parking being considered.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the mad dash to get apartments up in Plainfield about? There are so many apartment buildings already. What about the space above existing businesses downtown?
ReplyDeleteWhy do we need more apartments? More transient people? Not community oriented, no true connection to the town or investing in making it better, I thought we would have new ideas once Sharon was gone. Same old, same old,
ReplyDeleteWhy are the only developers interested in Plainfield the ones that invest in economically challenged communities? Is it because they think we are desperate for development and willing to except anything? I think this is the same developer who is putting up a building across from the Netherwood station and is not following his own plans.Shame on him. Shame on us if we are fooled again by him. There is a master plan for a reason - stick to it. As a resident who invested a lot of my own time following and offering input during the transit oriented studies, I hope my town officials can live up to their responsibilities to help improve this city rather than fold from fear of legal suits.
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