A proposal to build 124 apartments at the former YWCA property drew a large crowd of opponents to Paterson City Hall, but residents never got the hearing they expected after the Planning Board meeting was canceled.
PATERSON, N.J. — More than 100 residents reportedly packed Paterson City Hall this week to voice opposition to a proposal for 124 new apartments at the former YWCA property, only to learn that the scheduled Planning Board meeting had been canceled.
The Aug. 19 meeting was expected to include discussion of the redevelopment proposal, which has generated concern among residents in the surrounding neighborhood. NorthJersey/Paterson Press reported Aug. 21 that city officials canceled the Planning Board meeting following complaints from residents.
Wake Up NJ also shared video and information from the scene, describing a large crowd that had gathered at City Hall to oppose the project.
The property at the center of the dispute is the former YWCA recreation and learning center at 179 Carroll Street in Paterson. Current real-estate listings describe the approximately 15,100-square-foot building, constructed in 1930, as being under contract for $4 million. The property previously contained classrooms, offices, a gym, study and lunch areas, a playground and parking.
The site is located in an R3 residential zone, according to current property listings. (New Jersey Real Estate Network)
Residents Turn Out in Force
The proposed 124-unit development appears to have sparked substantial neighborhood opposition, with more than 100 people reportedly arriving at City Hall for the meeting.
But instead of hearing the proposal and having an opportunity to address the Planning Board, residents found the meeting canceled.
That decision quickly became part of the controversy itself, with some residents questioning why the meeting was called off after such a large turnout.
The exact next step for the apartment proposal — including when it may return before the Planning Board — will be important for residents who had hoped to speak publicly about the development.
The dispute comes as Paterson, like many New Jersey communities, continues to face competing pressures over new housing development, neighborhood density, traffic, parking and the future use of existing properties.
For residents who showed up this week, however, the immediate issue was simpler: they came prepared to be heard about a major development proposed for their neighborhood — and the meeting they expected to attend did not take place.
Sources: NorthJersey/Paterson Press; Wake Up NJ/X; Garden State MLS property listings.
Image: Screenshot from Wake Up NJ/X
By NJ RADAR Team