Despite Davis Call For A Pause On Development, Carroll and Perez Vote To Approve 325 Residential Units In First Ward At Caschem Site
Ashe Nadrowski Votes No On Redevelopment Plan That Would Allow 16 Story Warehouse In Residential Neighborhood
Last night, at the Bayonne Council Meeting, the revised Caschem Redevelopment Plan was finally voted on. It would permit the construction of two, six story residential buildings on the east side of Avenue A and a 16-story warehouse on the west side of Avenue A. The original Planning Board-approved plan that would limit the buildings to three stories on the east side and townhomes on the west side was not voted on by the Council after the Davis- backed Councilmen would not allow the ordinance for that plan to be discussed or voted upon at a public hearing in February.
The redevelopment area was then up zoned to increase density and permit an additional 325 residential units. “This is just another example where Team Davis says one thing and does another,” stated Ashe Nadrowski. “Since Davis announced a pause, over 2,900 residential units have made their way through the development process. Maybe Team Davis should visit the library and look up what pause means.”
Several residents spoke against the Cashchem project, citing the mayor’s claim that the city would study the impact of development on neighborhoods, roads and schools before projects get approved.
First Ward Councilman Carroll switched his vote and voted in favor of the redevelopment plan saying that “it was a holdover project” not subject to the pause. “I find the double standard of do what I say but not as I do to be offensive,” stated First Ward Council candidate Julie Sanchez Lynch. “It’s amazing how Team Davis is willing to disregard the residents of Bayonne to support a major political donor.”
Carroll provided the key vote, after Third Ward Councilman Gary LaPelusa announced he had a conflict and would not vote. The final vote was Carroll, Perez, and Gullace in favor and Ashe Nadrowski opposed. “We need a Mayor who is willing to stand up for us and fight against developers who just want to profit off Bayonne.” added Ashe Nadrowski.