Redevelopment Plan For Orange Memorial Hospital Site Sees Pushback

ORANGE, NJ — A coalition of Essex County residents and community groups are demanding more of a voice as a $350 million plan to redevelop the site of Orange Memorial Hospital takes shape.

Real estate firm Gateway Merchant Banking recently released details about a $350 million redevelopment project at 188 South Essex Avenue. The goal? To construct an apartment complex with affordable housing – while also preserving a historic property and local landmark.

Located in the Central Orange Redevelopment Plan Area, the project will include studios and one, two and three-bedroom residences. Developers said up to 20 percent of the 1,005 apartments will be reserved for affordable housing. There are also plans to bring senior and student housing to the site.

The project has received site plan approval from the City of Orange Township Planning Board. Construction is expected to begin later this year. Read More: $350M Real Estate Project Planned At Orange Memorial Hospital Site

Mayor Dwayne Warren said the project will be a win for the community.

“All eyes are on this transformational project as we anxiously await its revitalization after closing two decades ago,” Warren said.

“Not only was Orange Memorial Hospital an important historical institution in the Orange community, it was also a statewide treasure,” Warren continued. “It was a leader in training opportunities for Black nurses and was the birthplace for leaders in every field.”

“Gateway’s plans for the property demonstrate its understanding of the site’s historical significance and potential for the future,” the mayor added.

CRITICS: ‘DEEP CONCERN ABOUT THE CURRENT PROPOSAL’

On Monday, a coalition of community groups and local leaders issued a statement about the project, sharing several concerns they still have as it moves forward.

Their statement read:

“The coalition expresses deep concern about the current proposal, stating that it fails to address critical community needs. They highlight the lack of meaningful public engagement, despite prior assurances from city officials regarding focus groups, questionnaires, forums, and public meetings. The group also criticizes the current traffic impact assessment as inadequate, particularly its failure to consider future parking and travel demand behaviors and the impact of nearby highways like Route 280, and off-site drainage improvements and pedestrian safety infrastructure along the site’s border of Central Avenue, a critical corridor in the City of Orange.”

According to the coalition, some things to keep in mind about the project include:

Affordable housing options – “The plan must include housing that is accessible to residents of all income levels, including opportunities for home ownership.”

Economic development –“The development should attract businesses that create job opportunities for residents and serve as an economic engine for the city, reducing tax dependency on residents.”

Community-centric urban design – “The design should connect neighborhoods and foster a sense of community, honoring the history of the site while looking towards the future. And, pre-construction keeps the site clean.”

Community benefits – “[The project should be] focused on active transportation, equity, social infrastructure, environmental and climate change resiliency.”

Signatories to this week's statement included: FAITH+WORKS Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Orange, Pastor Rutherford of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Pastor Wilson of St. Matthew AME Church, HANDS Inc., University of Orange, The HUUB Inc., Seven Oaks Society, Friends of Metcalf Park, Laundry Workers Center, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Grid City Planning, LLC d/b/a Black+Urban, Lanbi Center for Civics and Humanities, Black Watts Foundation, RICH IMAGING Inc., South Ward Neighborhood Alliance, North Ward Neighborhood Alliance, 749 Scotland Road Tenants Association, 765 Vose Ave Tenants Association, 740 Vose Ave Tenants Association.

There are two local town hall meetings planned to discuss the project. The first will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at First Shiloh Baptist Church, 424 Main Street. The second will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 at St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, 336 Oakwood Avenue.

The coalition is charging that isn’t enough time, and that the project should be delayed until a new timeline can be laid out with more public input.

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