October 9, 2007

We are deeply concerned with the recent proposed changes to the remaining Powerhouse Arts District redevelopment plan by Toll Brothers for the historic Manishewitz Building, as this proposal would represent a dramatic, wholesale change to the existing PAD redevelopment plan.

Prior to considering the proposed changes, we request that City Planning perform a needs analysis to determine if these changes are warranted and what, if any, community benefits would result. Further, any evaluation of the changes must be done under the assumption of the completed PAD plan, not current conditions.

We also believe that it is necessary to evaluate the impact of the proposed changes on the study area, also to be performed under the assumption that the rest of the plan is fully built-out, as designed, including previous (and significant) increases in density at 110 and 111 First Street. Included in this impact assessment should be the loss of light and air, and congestion, factoring in the PATH system’s already maxed-out rush-hour capacity and the recently completed Regional Waterfront Access and Downtown Circulation Study, which concluded that the local street system is overburdened and will soon fail.

Lastly, we request that Planning Board commissioners acknowledge any conflicts of interest that they may have on this issue and summarily, properly recuse themselves from the proceedings, if so conflicted.

The public needs to see conclusive evidence that any approval of the proposed changes is not a subjective and arbitrary dismantling of the historic warehouse district and thoroughly researched Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan.

Civic JC is a non-partisan, community-based initiative, designed to promote good government practices and a comprehensive, positive vision for the future of Jersey City as a “World Class City.” We can be found on the web at civicjc.org.

Sincerely,

Daniel Levin, president
Civic JC
PO Box 248
Jersey City, NJ 07303
www.civicjc.org