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Council withdraws proposal to reopen Morris Canal redevelopment plan after community objections
Summary
After hours of public comment and council debate, Jersey City councilors voted to withdraw a resolution that would have directed a study to amend the Morris Canal redevelopment plan, following community concerns that the change could strip promised retail and community benefits.
A contentious effort to reopen and amend the Morris Canal redevelopment plan stalled May 6 after councilors faced persistent community resistance and questions about developer motives.
Deputy Mayor Keshan Podar told the council the study would reopen planning-board review of a vacant, contaminated lot adjacent to Berry Lane Park to see whether a less-dense alternative could still deliver community benefits. Supporters argued reopening the plan would allow the city and a new contract purchaser to negotiate changes — potentially reducing height while preserving retail and affordable units. Opponents said the redevelopment plan reflected years of public input and warned that a developer-driven amendment risked removing promised retail or a community center.
After extended debate on the council floor and a string of public comments, including from neighborhood leaders who said the community fought for the plan’s original mix of retail, park space and community benefits, council members moved to withdraw the resolution directing a study. The motion to withdraw carried; council members voting against withdrawal said they preferred to explore options that could lead to a feasible project on the long-vacant property.
The withdrawal means the existing redevelopment plan remains in place; any future change will require renewed public process and a council vote.
