Broad St. West Update: Summit Council Plans To Downsize Subdistrict 3

SUMMIT, NJ — After reviewing comments made at public meetings since February, Summit Common Council has adjusted the timeline for the Broad Street West redevelopment project.

According to a news release from the city, the council decided that "community priorities" will drive project planning and influence in the next steps of the process.

The council also stated that the "scale and density of the building must conform to Master Plan goals, align with the approved redevelopment plan and fit with the character of Summit."

The large size of the proposed development is the main issue that residents have taken issue with at previous meetings. Read more: 800+ Summit Residents Sign Petition Against Broad St. West Development

Here are some of the city's plans to downsize the development and stay true to the Master Plan:

• "In subdistrict 3, the project plan should propose a smaller building or possibly two buildings that follow density parameters.
• The building height should be limited to four stories and the overall length of the Broad Street frontage should be reduced.
• Building designs should incorporate high quality materials and design elements consistent with the established character of Summit
• Amendments to the redevelopment plan should be minimized and, if made, clearly advance the goals of the Master Plan."

The proposed height of the building was previously capped at five stories.

City officials also stated that municipal financial and public benefits will be clearly communicated, and the sale price of the land should reflect the current real estate market in Summit.

"As much affordable housing as possible should be included," city officials stated.

Financial analysis of new options will be used to drive designs about what will be built, according to the announcement, and the city has requested that redevelopers consider a mix of residential, retail and office space to "determine the greatest financial benefit for the city."

Another goal is to provide sufficient parking for the new development and ensure replacement public parking is easily accessible.

Lack of parking is also a major issue that residents previously took issue with.

Read more: How Will Broad St. West Impact Traffic In Summit? Experts Explain

Specifically, the city stated that parking along Morris Avenue frontage should be avoided, and onsite parking should "fully meet tenant needs and include sufficient on-site parking options on Broad Street for retail business customers."

Lastly, the council plans to provide "transparent and predictable information on the entire Broad Street West redevelopment area to facilitate understanding of the project along with continued opportunities for public input."

The city outlined how it plans to utilize public input in the redevelopment process:

• "Council will ask citizen-experts to consult on key financial/real estate areas. They will consider a resolution at the Tuesday, September 6 meeting that will establish a legal framework for the creation of a financial/real estate advisory committee.
• The Office of the City Clerk will accept applications to join the financial/real estate advisory committee beginning on Wednesday, September 7. Applications will be available on the city website.
• Council will obtain feedback on proposed project plans from the expert financial/technical real estate committee, Economic Development Advisory Committee, Historic Preservation Commission, Environmental Commission, Affordable Housing Committee, Housing Authority Board, Summit Parking Advisory Committee and members of the Summit Downtown Inc. board.
• The Communications Office is mailing a postcard to all 07901 residences and businesses with project information and should be received by the third week of August."

Notifications will also be sent to subscribers each time the Broad Street West page on the city website is updated. These updates will be shared on social media, as well.

Citizens without online access should contact the Communications Office at 908-277-9418 to obtain information and assistance.

A community meeting will be held in the fall after input from citizen experts and the advisory working group is incorporated into new project plans, the city stated.

More information on the Broad Street West Redevelopment project is available on the city website at cityofsummit.org/bsw. Questions or comments can be emailed to bsw@cityofsummit.org or contact the Communications Office at 908-277-9418.

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.