The multi-unit project for 94 State Street has resurfaced again, that the east side of State Street generally near Warren.
Previously it had been approved for about 90 units, and 8 stories. It was to be concrete construction. The project was widely touted as being something very positive for downtown Hackensack, and would have replaced a vacant lot, an AAMCO, and a building that is no longer a drop-in homeless shelter. It was approved several years ago, during the real estate heyday, but was never built. Probably because of the economy and the credit crunch, and that banks became tougher on financing housing developments.
The application is back on the Planning Board docket for the September 9th meeting. It was the only application on the docket, so chances are it was either approved or well under way.
Based on the requirement for 179 parking spaces, it looks like the project is 85 units. It is now a 5-story building. Based on the variances requested, I think the building is the same size as what was approved, just shorter and with less landscaping around it. It's not as aesthetically pleasing, but it is a lot more economical to build this way. The changes means that only the parking structure will be concrete and i-beam construction, and all the residential units will be wood-frame "stick". Similar to 310 Prospect Ave, which is between 300 Prospect Ave and 3rd Street, or the infamous Avalon Condominiums in Edgewater.
What is unknown is if this applicant will actually build the project, or just wants the variances approved to flip it to someone with deep pockets who will actually build it.
I think another project is planned across the street, where the Salvation Army used to be. Don't know the status of that one.