The Bayonne Planning Board on Dec. 1 approved a proposal by the Hudson County Improvement Authority to build a consumer-choice, appointment-based food pantry at 685–689 Broadway.

Robert Kavanaugh, counsel for the HCIA, told the board the pantry responds to an economic-development study identifying a food-access gap in the city. "This is a use that's needed pursuant to an economic development study...the food pantry is needed in the city," he said.

Architect Harry "Ted" Osborne described the single building as roughly 13,000 square feet total with 11 parking spaces, a loading dock, walk-in freezers and refrigerators, staff lockers and offices, and a fully licensed training kitchen. "This is a consumer choice food pantry, which means it's by appointment. You're not gonna get a lot of people walking in off the street," Osborne said, explaining the layout and the client-choice model.

Chanel Adams Griffin, administrator for Hudson County's Office of Food and Health Equity, said the county prepared the operating statement and will partner with HCIA on staffing and services. She told the board the county will prioritize Bayonne residents through the appointment system while serving Hudson County more broadly: "While it is open to Hudson County residents, we do prioritize residents of Bayonne with the appointment based system." Griffin said the county relied on USDA data (the Feed the America "Map the Meal Gap" report) showing approximately 14.9% of Hudson County — roughly 105,000 people — experiencing food insecurity, a rationale for the pantry's county-level service model.

On program delivery and timing, Griffin said the county expects construction to be completed by mid‑2026 and operations to begin as early as January 2027, pending contractor selection and final approvals. She said the pantry team is exploring use of the second floor for supportive services — for example, county staff assisting residents with benefits enrollment in real time — and is in early conversations about dedicated veteran services for the top floor.

Public commenters praised the plan and asked about outreach and veteran services. Local resident Mike Resigno asked whether the site was vacant; presenters confirmed the site is currently being prepped for development. Resident Gene Perry asked whether veteran assistance had been considered for the second floor; county staff said discussions had started.

Following questions from commissioners about hours and capacity, the board voted to approve the HCIA application. Several commissioners expressed strong support, calling the pantry "much needed" and praising the consumer-choice model.

Next steps: site plan and NJ review processes remain. Kavanaugh asked the board to proceed with required municipal reviews under NJSA 40:55D; the project will return to any site-plan or building-permit review stages and to City Council as required by local procedure.

Votes and documentation: The board’s vote to approve the HCIA application was recorded on the public record during the Dec. 1 meeting.