GN Management, a property developer in Jersey City, is proposing to build a 10 story apartment building with 51 luxury units for people 55 years old and up on a small lot at 214-216 Palisade Ave. The lot is part of the medical zone that encompasses Carepoint/Christ Hospital. The developer is seeking a site variance relating to the amount of space between their building and the building next door.  

The Sgt, Anthony Park Neighborhood Association opposes this building. Market rate luxury housing for 55 year olds is a non-traditional use in a medical zone and is not in keeping with existing senior housing throughout Jersey City. Senior housing in Jersey City is traditionally built for low or moderate income people 62 years and older and for younger disabled residents--not for wealthy, able-bodied 55 year olds seeking a rooftop gym and proximity to Manhattan.

Additionally, we interpret senior housing in a medical zone to mean housing that meets the needs of seniors with medical issues. Seniors coping with dialysis, cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes, or those with disabilities will benefit from living in a medical zone where medical offices, diagnostic centers, and rehabilitation centers are nearby.

If market rate housing is permitted in a medical zone, buildings used for medical facilities might be replaced by luxury housing. This subverts and undermines the intention of the medical zone.

Market rate housing for people 55 years old does not belong in a medical zone. Allowing this project to go forward sets a precedent that might unintentionally cause the failure of the medical zone. GN Management is subverting both the intent of a medical zone and of senior housing with this proposed project.

We urge the Jersey City Planning Board to see this project for what it is: an attempt to take advantage of medical zoning in order to build 51 luxury apartments in a 10 story building with views and a quick commute to New York City.