Council to ask planning board to study seven properties for redevelopment, including condemnation authority

Matt Ward, the city planning representative, told the caucus he was seeking council authorization to send a study to the Planning Board that would determine whether seven specified parcels should be designated an “area in need of redevelopment” with the statutory power of condemnation.

“This is a resolution of the city council of the City of Jersey City authorizing the planning board to investigate property for determination that area need a redevelopment with the power of condemnation pursuant to local redevelopment and housing law,” Ward said. He noted two properties were removed from the list since the prior presentation and that annotated tax maps and preview images accompany the submission.

Ward explained the process: the Planning Board studies the parcels and issues a recommendation; if the board recommends designation with condemnation power, the council would consider a follow‑up resolution to declare the area as in need of redevelopment and to create or amend a redevelopment plan. Ward emphasized that designation “doesn’t necessarily mean that these properties will, in fact, be condemned” but that the designation is the only one that authorizes condemnation under state law.

Councilmembers pressed the administration on timing, criteria and housing outcomes. One member asked that the administration keep affordability as a focal point if the process moves forward, saying, “I don’t want to see any of these properties… developed for all luxury dwellings.” Ward and other staff said there would be additional time for study and public input and that the designation is the start of a process that could include multiple plan amendments.

No formal decision to exercise condemnation was made at caucus; the council voted only to introduce the study authorization for further processing.