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Board approves Paseo development between Rutgers and Nokia projects; parking lease and timing draw questions
Summary
The authority approved an amendment assigning a small Paseo parcel to a DevCo entity for about $5 million in construction; the Nokia developer has up to a year to return with final plans. Commissioners and public raised concerns about parking and how the open Paseo area will be built and integrated.
The board approved an amendment and assignment that allows a developer group to build a landscaped Paseo and small restaurant/cafe area between two large downtown projects — one that will house Rutgers Medical School and the other the Nokia project.
Legal counsel described the Paseo parcel as “a little less than 4 tenths of an acre” and said the Paseo work is expected to cost about $5,000,000 and “will be starting within 30 days after we approve this amendment” with an expected construction timeline of about one year for the Paseo work. Counsel said DevCo (identified in the materials as DEFCO associate New Jersey Innovation Associates) will construct the Paseo restaurants and cafes, while the Nokia developer will return within one year with a final concept plan for the Nokia building.
Why it matters: The Paseo infill is intended to create a public-facing amenity between two major developments in downtown New Brunswick. The amendment permits the immediate Paseo construction while allowing the larger Nokia project time to finalize its plans.
Parking and concerns: Commissioners and members of the public questioned how parking needs will be met for two large office/residential projects. Counsel said a lease for roughly 500 spaces in the Wellness Deck had been negotiated for the Nokia project, although that supply may be reduced over time. A public commenter noted the deck is often full and expressed skepticism about whether the existing public parking system can absorb additional demand.
Vote and procedure: The board moved and approved Resolution 29 to authorize the amendment and assignment. Chairman Wright and other commissioners voted yes; Commissioner Medina Hernandez recused herself. The resolution passed with one recusal.
Next steps: Counsel said the Paseo construction will proceed under the DevCo assignment and the Nokia developer will be required to return with finalized plans and timelines within a year. The authority and city will continue coordination on parking and transit-oriented planning as the projects move forward.
Ending: Counsel and the board framed the Paseo as an early public amenity and said they will monitor parking plans and developer timelines as Nokia returns with its concept plan.
