JERSEY CITY, NJ —
August 28, 2026 |
By DailyHudson Staff
Planning Board greenlights mixed-income plan with new library, retail, and no resident displacement.
Jersey City’s Planning Board approved a sweeping redevelopment plan for the Holland Gardens public housing complex on July 28, paving the way for 753 new homes, retail space, and a new library branch. The 3.3-acre site at 235 16th Street will transform the aging 1944-built complex into a mixed-income community without displacing any current residents.
This approval marks a major milestone in one of the nation’s most ambitious public housing revitalization efforts. The project aims to replace all 192 existing units while adding hundreds of new market-rate and affordable homes, a significant boost to Jersey City’s housing stock and community amenities.
The plan, developed by the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA) and WinnDevelopment, splits the lot into two parcels. The northern parcel will feature a 24-story building with three towers connected by a base containing 621 rental units and 24,000 square feet of commercial space.
The southern parcel will include an eight-story building housing a new Jersey City Free Public Library branch, JCHA offices, and 132 dwelling units, including affordable condos. The plan also includes 385 parking spaces and 380 bike spots.
The breakdown of units was determined after over 20 community meetings with current residents of Holland Gardens to assess the needs of existing tenants, JCHA officials said.
Impact: All current Holland Gardens residents will be able to return under the JCHA’s Right of Return policy, with a one-for-one replacement of all existing units. The development will provide over 41% affordable housing, a rare percentage in any market.
What Happens Next: The JCHA has not yet announced a timeline for demolition or construction. The project received 12 zoning variances, including for the north building’s height, and will now move toward final design and funding phases.
As the project moves forward, residents and city officials will watch closely for construction timelines and further community updates.
Source: Jersey Digs
