Local Politics
  1. Home
  2. US
  3. New Jersey
  4. Jersey City
  5. Issues

Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan amendment (Ord. 26-079)

At a glance

  • What: Ordinance 26-079 amends the Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan to approve site plan modifications for 127 Morgan Street, a deviation from Planning Board recommendation.
  • Where it stands: Tabled at October 7 meeting (Ord. 26-079 second reading); Ordinance 26-615 (reasons for amendment) approved 9-0 on September 23. Amendment to the Plan itself (Ord. 26-079) already passed first reading September 10.
  • Controversial decision overriding Planning Board objection.

Status

  • First reading: September 10, 2026 (introduced 7-0).
  • Second reading with public hearing: October 7, 2026 (tabled).
  • Related: Ordinance 26-615 (adoption of reasons, approving non-conformance with Planning Board recommendation) passed September 23, 2026, 9-0.

Key details

The ordinance adopts an amendment to the Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan. Council President indicated approval of the amendment despite Planning Board recommendation against the proposed changes to the 127 Morgan Street site. The approval of reasons (Ord. 26-615) in September 23 council affirmed Council's intent to proceed with the amendment.

Sources

  • Ordinance 26-079: First reading September 10, 2026 (introduced 7-0); second reading with hearing October 7, 2026 (tabled).
  • Ordinance 26-615: "Adopting reasons for amendment to the Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan"; passed September 23, 2026, 9-0.
  • September 10 and October 7 Municipal Council minutes.

Log

2026-11-12 - Municipal Council

Ordinance 26-079 remains on the deferred or tabled list (item 11.5).

2026-10-07 - Municipal Council

Ordinance 26-079 (second reading/public hearing) tabled before the hearing on a motion by Little, who said tweaks were needed and it would return as a first reading. A public speaker criticized the 127 Morgan proposal's bulk and lack of setbacks.

2026-09-23 - Municipal Council

Ordinance 26-615 (reasons for amendment, not consistent with Planning Board recommendation) approved 9-0.

2026-09-10 - Municipal Council

Ordinance 26-070 (amendment to Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan) withdrawn. Related Ordinance 26-079 introduced 7-0.

2026-09-23 - Municipal Council

Ordinance 26-079 introduced 9-0 for 127 Morgan Street: 20 stories with 15% affordable or 27 stories with 20%, plus arts space. Commenters asked to keep the ninth-floor setback and raised school capacity.