Category: News

Quite the evening, board members joining from their cars while driving, our case delayed until sufficient board members were attending, then a dramatic finish where the proposed development was denied by a 6 to 1 majority. However, after a closed session was called, the meeting resumed. Because the developer’s attorney was not given the chance to make his closing remarks the decision was declared void.This resulted in a new proposal for a two-family home which was ultimately approved without the local residents being allowed to speak.

Perhaps this was the game plan from the beginning, it was truly a window into how local Newark policies are decided. At best the efforts of the community to get their voice heard resulted in a two family home instead of a four family.It was sad to se that the system allowed the developer to propose updated plans and documents without them being made available to the public.

We look forward to viewing the archived video of the meeting when it is published. We also wonder what was finally approved since there are no plans for the proposed two family unit. Perhaps they will provide parking?

We did get a fair response from the local community: A total of 38 locals participated and made their voice heard. Only one of those was in support of the development.

The parking survey showed that over a ten-day period there were no empty spots along the streets boarding the development and that most night the semi-legal and illegal spots were often taken. This s a change from ten years ago when the same informal study was undertaken. Back then there were typically 2-3 spots open during the week with only occasional days where all spots were filled.

We wonder how new developments like this will continue to affect local parking and the safe navigation of the busy N 6^th Street.

Finally, a thanks to all those who got involved, I hope we can continue to see your involvement in our local community.

The next meeting to discuss the 740-742 N 6th Street proposed development is almost upon us. Its scheduled for Thursday September 26th 6pm. Join via Zoom of in person on the porch of 7451/2 N 6th Street. 

The last meeting was postponed to give the developer time to react to a late report. That report was probably the city surveyor’s report which is available for download on the Zoning Boards portal. This report concluded in recommending that the Zoning Board reject the development as presently submitted without further review and clarification. There have not been any further documents posted on the portal.

We have to assume that the developer will continue to ask for the variances necessary to build the new property. 

It was encouraging that the Surveyor called out parking as being a known issue and factor in not approving the current plan. Local residents have participated in a Parking Survey making their feeling about parking known, also we have been taking a count of available parking at about 10pm for the last couple of weeks. This information clearly shows the level of frustration by local residents trying to find parking. This case will become stronger as we gather more contributions to the survey. 

Residents, please complete the on-line parking survey. Your Voice Matters!

We are trying to determine the procedure for getting the parking survey discussed at the next zoning meeting and will have it available for the meeting. We hope as many residents as possible will take part in the call, the higher the numbers the more lily our concerns will be taken seriously.

So, join Zoom Call, take the online parking survey. This will ensure your voice is heard!

Link to Zoom Call Details

Online Form to record your opinion

Link to Application Portal

Or join other residents on the porch of 745 1/2 N 6th Street at 6pm Thursday.

The anticipated hearing today was a washout! The developer’s council requested an postponement because of a new report he received today so didn’t have sufficient time to prepare before today’s meeting.

An new date of September 26^th has been agreed and the applicant agreed to update the public message board outside the property and send out normal mail messages to all those within 200 feet of the development.

Clearly there are going to be changes to the proposal, but we will have to wait to find out what.

We thank the many people who turned out either online or at the public Zoom meeting outside 745 N 6^th Street. We also appreciate the many comments and forms completed by local residents. We hope to see you all again in September.

Many of you might not have realized our street was re-zoned recently and is now zoned

C1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) ZONE

Click the link above for what I believe are the intended uses.

Table for Off-Street Parking Requirements (See note about proximity to a Light Rail Station)

Other Useful Links available here

Remember Your Voice Matters.

The proposal is to build a new four family dwelling on the current parking lot of the two family house know as 740-742 N 6th Street. The new building will be three stories and will NOT HAVE ANY PARKING. This is because current zoning laws do not require onsite parking for the new building close to the Light Rail Station. However, they do require some easements of current zoning rules. Specifically: “D1” Variance Approval for use, “D2” Variance Approval for expansion of non-conforming use (lot 31.01) and “C” Variances Approval for insufficient lot size, insufficient lot width, exceeding max impervious lot coverage x2, insufficient rear and side yard setbacks and any and all required variances and or waiver that may be necessary. The upcoming hearing will give residents affected by this construction an opportunity to share their views. The Zoning Board of Adjustment is obligated to balance the needs of local residents, the developers and the needs of the city. Parking is likely to be impacted the most. A new four family unit and the loss of the current off-street parking will significantly impact on those who have to park in the street.

How Can You Make Your Voice Heard

Attend the hearing on July 25th, It is an on-line video or voice conference. Details on how to join are posted on the board outside the development site. Attending the live ZOOM call to be held on the porch of 745 ½ N 6th Street starting at 6pm. Visit the www.745N6thStreet.com website (use the Q Code bottom left) and complete the online form to register your views (we cannot confirm this will be accepted by the board but it will give us some numbers for those in favor or those against) Please pass details to anybody you think might be affected. Our Voice Matters!

There will be a Zoning Board meeting open to the public on July 25th 2024 at 6pm EST. Details have been sent to all property owners with 200 feet of the proposal.

The links in the letter are difficult to type so they have been included as clickable links in the document below.

Agenda and Application Documents

22/7/24 6pm Zoom Call Link

Details about the developer Eric Guevara

The folders now contain the full plans and construction details.

Feel free to use the contact us link to contact this sites editor.

The official invite said:

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF HEARING TO PROPERTY OWNERS

Calendar # ZBA-24-14 Filed: February 28, 2024 Date: July 10, 2024

Please take notice that the undersigned has appealed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the City of Newark for Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Minor Subdivision Approval “D” Variances Approval and “C” Variances Approval from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance so as to permit on premises located at 740-742 North 6^th Street, Newark, New Jersey, Block 695; Lots 31 & 32:

In a C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District proposed subdivision of lots 31 and 32 to be subdivided into two new lots 31.01 and 32.01. Construction of new 3-story four-family dwelling is proposed on new lot 32.01. existing 21/2-story two-family dwelling to remain on lot 31.01. Seeking Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Minor Subdivision Approval, “D1” Variance Approval for use, “D2” Variance Approval for expansion of non-conforming use(lot 31.01) and “C” Variances Approval for insufficient lot size, insufficient lot width, exceeding max impervious lot coverage x2,insufficient rear and sideyard setbacks and any and all required variances and or waiver that may be necessary, which is within 200 feet of property owned or resided by you. Any person or persons affected by this application may have an opportunity to be heard at the Virtual Public Hearing on July 25,2024, at 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time(US and Canada), in Zoom Meeting via the following link and the instructions below, and thereafter on such other dates as such hearing may be continued, at which time you may appear either in person, by agent or by attorney and present any objections which you may have to granting this Variance.

Topic: Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular hearing

On July25thyou may use the link below to join the webinar:

https://NewarkNJ.zoom.us/j/89116149013

Or dial any of the following numbers to join by phone and enter the meeting id followed by# when asked (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

• 669 900 9128
• 646 558 8656
• 386 347 5053
• 305 224 1968
• 253 205 0468
• 507 473 4847

WebinarID:89116149013

International numbers available: https://NewarkNJ.zoom.us/u/kl8uQGNa

The public my view documents relating to this hearing by visiting the following web address:
City of Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment Information Page – introduction and list of meetings, click on the 07/25/24 meeting for agenda
Meeting on 22/7/24 Meeting Agenda and Documents – List of submissions and supporting information

For more information and any questions on how to access virtual meetings, participate, provide public comment, and review agendas, digital plans and application materials or to schedule an in office visit please contact the Secretary by electronic mail at

mejia-armillas@ci.newark.nj.us

or by telephone at (973)733-6219 Monday through Friday between 8:30 am to4:30pm.

Respectfully

Applicant Eric R. Guevara