Paterson zoning board rejects 9-story building on former Egg Platter Diner property
PATERSON — The city zoning board recently voted down plans for an 85-unit, nine-story apartment building that critics say would have towered over surrounding houses in South Paterson and worsened traffic problems at Crooks and Getty avenues.
The building would have risen along the border with Clifton on the property where the Egg Platter Diner once stood. The plans included retail space at street level, a three-story garage area with 238 parking spots, five stories of one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a rooftop gathering area for tenants.
Mayor Andre Sayegh has expressed his support for the project. The mayor said Wednesday that he still thinks the plans are viable.
“It will enhance the vibrance in the area,” Sayegh said.
Tarek Jebara, one of the project's developers, said Wednesday that his group has not decided what it will do next. The developers bought the property in 2017 for $3.55 million and later demolished the diner. The land has been vacant since then.
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The zoning board rejected the project at its meeting on Dec. 2. During that session, Paterson’s planner, Gary Paparozzi, noted that other homes in the area are no higher than three stories. He said one of the goals of the city’s master plan was for neighborhoods to have uniform housing types.
Board members expressed concerns about the height and density of the plans.
“Why make it so tall?” asked board member Mayra Torres-Arenas.
“We feel that something grand like this will really benefit the area,” responded Jebara. “You’re talking about the gateway to Paterson. It will be an iconic building.”
The city of Clifton sent one of its attorneys, Jamie Placek, to express its opposition to the project. Placek told the zoning board “a smaller structure would be more appropriate.”
Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press.
Email: editor@patersonpress.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ Egg Platter Diner site: Apartment tower rejected
