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2018 Union City Master Plan - ReExamination Report
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Executive Summary
This is a Master Plan Reexamination Report for Union City, as required by the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law. The report evaluates the local Master Plan and Development Regulations periodically to identify necessary updates and revisions. Adopted in March 2018, it serves as an amendment to the previous 2009 Master Plan. Key areas addressed include goals and objectives from the 2009 plan, changes in the City and surrounding areas since 2009, and recommended actions for the City to address land use and zoning issues that have emerged since the prior plan. Public participation was a critical component of the reexamination process, including public meetings held in February 2018.
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--- Document: 2018 Union City Master Plan - ReExamination Report Document ---
CITY OF UNION CITY
HUDSON COUNTY
MASTER PLAN REEXAMINATION REPORT
February 2018
Adopted March 6, 2018
Prepared by
Heyer, Gruel & Associates
Community Planning Consultants
236 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 741-2900
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Union City
Master Plan Reexamination Report 2018
City of Union City
Hudson County, New Jersey
February 2018
Adopted March 6, 2018
Prepared by
Heyer, Gruel & Associates
Community Planning Consultants
236 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 741-2900
The original of this report was signed and
sealed in accordance with N.J.S.A. 45:14A-12
_______________________________________
Susan S. Gruel, P.P. #1955
________________________________________
M. McKinley Mertz, A.I.C.P., P.P. #6368
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 4
PERIODIC REEXAMINATION .............................................................................................................................. 6
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ..................................................................................................................................... 7
SECTION A ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Major Problems and Objectives ................................................................................................................. 8
Implementation Element ........................................................................................................................... 12
SECTION B ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Goal #1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Goal #2 ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Goal #3 ......................................................................................................................................................... 25
Goal #4 ......................................................................................................................................................... 26
SECTION C ......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Changes in Union City ................................................................................................................................ 29
Changes at the County and Regional Level ......................................................................................... 37
Changes at the State Level ....................................................................................................................... 39
SECTION D ......................................................................................................................................................... 43
Changes to Goals and Objectives .......................................................................................................... 43
Specific Recommended Changes to Development Regulations .................................................... 49
SECTION E .......................................................................................................................................................... 54
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INTRODUCTION
This report constitutes a Master Plan Reexamination Report for Union City as defined by the New
Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-89). The purpose of the Reexamination Report is
to review and evaluate the local Master Plan and Development Regulations on a periodic basis
in order to determine the need for updates and revisions. The City adopted its last Master Plan in
April 2009. This Reexamination Report also serves as an amendment to the 2009 Master Plan.
Section A of this report identifies the goals and objectives that were established in the 2009 Master
Plan. Section B and C describe changes that have occurred in the City, the County and the
States since the adoption of the 2009 Master Plan related to City-specific development issues and
general shifts in planning assumptions. Finally, Sections D and E discuss recommended actions to
be addressed by the City.
It is the intent of this Report to consider and provide recommendations concerning land use and
zoning issues in the City that have arisen during the years since the 2009 Master Plan.
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PERIODIC REEXAMINATION
New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-89) requires the Reexamination Report to
contain the following:
A. The major problems and objective relating to land development in the municipality at the time
of the adoption of the last reexamination report.
B. The extent to which such problems and objectives have been reduced or have increased
subsequent to such date.
C. The extent to which there have been significant changes in assumptions, policies and
objectives forming the basis for the master plan or development regulations as last revised with
particular regard to the density and distribution of population and land uses. Housing conditions,
circulation, conservation of natural resources, energy conservation, collection, disposition, and
recycling of designated recyclable materials, and changes in State, county and municipal
policies and objectives.
D. The specific changes recommended for the master plan or development regulations, if any,
including underlying objectives, policies and standards, or whether a new plan or regulations
should be prepared, and
E. The recommendations of the Planning Board concerning the incorporation of redevelopment
plans adopted pursuant to the “Local Redevelopment and Housing Law,” P.L. 1992, c. 79 (C.40A:
12A-1 et seq.) into the land use plan element of the municipal master plan, and recommended
changes, if any, in the local development regulations necessary to effectuate the redevelopment
plans of the municipality.
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Mayor and Board of Commissioners greatly support the notion that public involvement is
critical to a successful and comprehensive planning process. As such, the community was
provided two opportunities to meet with City representatives and consultants to be part of the
Master Plan Reexamination process. On February 14th and 15th the City conducted public
meetings, allowing the community to voice comments and opinions on a wide range of issues
and topics. The following are key issues identified through the public outreach process:
•
Parking availability should be addressed throughout the City, but specifically in the
residential neighborhoods.
•
Improving and creating new parks and open space should continue to be top priorities for
the City.
•
Where possible, residents would like to see the City take steps to reduce traffic and
improve pedestrian mobility.
•
Specific concern was expressed regarding the affordability of housing. Residents would
like the City to continue to pay close attention to housing affordability and take measures
to ensure existing residents do not get priced out.
•
Preservation and adaptive reuse of old and historic buildings should be encouraged as
opposed to demolition and rebuilding.
•
Residents would like to see improved public transit options within the City.
•
Members of the community were interested in maintaining the existing density and scale
of the City as opposed to constructing new high rise developments.
•
The residents want to ensure the family character of the City remains and are interested in
smart growth techniques that promote a healthy quality of life.
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SECTION A
Major Problems and Objectives
Goals and Objectives within a Master Plan are meant to provide a policy framework for the Plan
as well as to guide other activities in the City that have an influence on land development. This
framework is not presented in an order of hierarchy; rather all are important to the future growth
and development within the City of Union City.
In order to derive these Goals & Objectives, the 2009 Master Plan Committee consisting of
community stakeholders provided valuable feedback as to what the Master Plan should seek to
address. Several meetings were held and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
analysis (SWOT) was performed to assess the community through the eyes of the public. While
some of the issues citizens raised were perceptions and perhaps are not reality, a truly open review
of them allows the City to address the public’s comments and concerns through a concerted
planning effort.
Goals and Objectives
The Goals & Objectives were then derived from the SWOT input.
Goal 1:
•
Provide a balance of land uses, and balanced development patterns, in appropriate
locations in order to:
•
Preserve the character of the community;
•
Encourage economic development;
•
Increase park and recreation facilities;
•
Accommodate community facilities;
•
Facilitate local and regional circulation;
•
Protect and preserve the established residential character;
•
Provide a broad range of housing choices;
•
Promote and reinforce the City as a desirable residential location and attractive
shopping/entertainment/recreation destination; and
•
Improve the quality of life of the residents of Union City.
Goal 1 Objectives:
1. Re-classify the zoning districts and revise the zoning ordinance, to be consistent with the
prevailing development patterns while allowing an appropriate mix of building types and uses.
2. Coordinate the City’s Zoning districts to facilitate specific areas where its unique character can
be enhanced or developed by creating more design standards for parks, streetscape programs,
historic neighborhoods, building heights or other aspects of community characteristics.
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3. Encourage mixed-use development in the City’s commercial corridors and redevelopment
plans where appropriate.
4. Continue to foster and facilitate affordable housing in the City through home ownership
programs and housing rehabilitation grants as a method to promote stable neighborhoods and
increase community pride.
5. Eliminate substandard properties in the City through code enforcement efforts, education,
ordinance amendments and community outreach.
6. Preserve and enhance existing parks throughout the City, where appropriate, allow new
development and redevelopment incentives to provide for additional pubic open spaces.
7. Ensure that given the scarcity of land available for development, that adequate parking
provisions are established for residential and commercial areas but without detriment to the
pedestrian environment. Incorporate strong parking design standards into new developments;
and encourage uses with shared parking facilities.
8. Encourage transit-oriented development opportunities near the Light Rail Terminal, with strong
pedestrian and bicycle linkages between the Terminal, the commercial corridors and residential
areas.
9. Continue to work with developers to implement existing redevelopment plans.
10. Review redevelopment plans to ensure consistency among them. Revise and update obsolete
redevelopment plans as necessary.
11. Discourage non-conforming uses in residential, commercial, and industrial areas to ensure
compatibility with all land uses and neighborhoods.
12. Re-evaluate and redefine commercial corridors, including the possibility of including some
commercial corridors and strengthening the existing ones. Encourage neighborhood service-
oriented retail uses only on pre-existing and/or specifically delineated lots in residential
neighborhoods.
13. Continue to strengthen and improve Citywide and neighborhood commercial districts as
centers of employment, shopping, services, entertainment and education.
14. Maintain consistency between the intended land use patterns and: streetscape
improvements; open space planning; historic preservation; traffic and circulation improvements;
and physical improvements in commercial and industrial areas of the City
Goal 2:
•
Capitalize on the City’s proximity to Manhattan, and its ideal location within one of the
largest financial, industrial, and cultural metropolis in the World.
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Goal 2 Objectives:
1. Preserve existing and create new housing opportunities for middle income and working class
families, while also balancing the opportunity to attract all market types.
2. Preserve the views of Manhattan skyline by establishing height regulations in the eastern sections
of the City.
3. Capitalize on the unique cultural diversity that sets Union City apart from other towns and cities
within the metropolis.
4. Establish design standards for new construction that supports the preservation of unique
architectural and historic features while remaining practical.
5. Expand and encourage the Union City CDA façade improvement program to guide and
improve the aesthetics of established commercial corridors through guidance on appropriate
storefront renovations and building maintenance practices that enhance the long-term values of
the structure. The FIP should include practical design standards that work to coordinate signage,
awnings, window displays, and where applicable and permitted, sidewalk cafes.
6. Craft form-based zoning standards with special emphasis on scale of buildings, architecture,
materials, and façade appearance, so as to complement architecture from several eras of
history.
7. Identify and enhance the major gateways into the City. These gateways should resonate the
importance of Union City as a diverse cultural center.
8. Revitalize the City’s existing commercial corridors, and recognize newer corridors where
commercial activity has become predominant by: encouraging uses such as supermarkets,
coffee houses, bookstores, etc; encourage establishment of artist communities with galleries, and
shops; streetscape improvements unique to the commercial corridors; encouragement of shared
parking facilities adjacent to commercial corridors; taking advantage of an established UEZ
District; identification and enhancement of specific core areas of activity; new bus routes or jitney
service serving commercial corridors; attraction of smaller businesses such as home offices on
upper floors of commercial buildings; provision of tax-based incentives to property owners for
façade and other improvements; and revision of City’s zoning ordinances to allow for a wide
variety of uses, while enhancing the physical character of City’s commercial corridors.
9. Promote historic preservation as a tool for successful economic development.
10. Recognition of structures listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places demolition
and inappropriate alteration by designation and markings as an historic structure;
11. Induce the use of the Investment Tax Credit to encourage appropriate rehabilitation of the
structure and adaptive re-use.
12. Capitalize on the ethnic diversity of the City as a tool for economic development. by
encouraging ethnic businesses to recognize the diversity of the marketplace.
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Goal 3:
•
Improve internal circulation (pedestrian as well as vehicular), and enhance connectivity
to the regional transportation network (major roadway systems that are in close proximity,
bus, and light rail)
Goal 3 Objectives:
1. Reduce auto-dependency through innovative design practices that discourage surface
parking lots and suburban strip mall design practices.
2. Adopt a streetscape plan that focuses on issues such as traffic, pedestrian flow, physical
conditions of streets, street trees, utilities, signage, land uses affecting the quality of street
environment, to complement the strong street network of Union City. The plan should also include
a phasing plan, implementation strategies, and funding opportunities for streetscape
improvements.
3. Minimize traffic impacts on residential streets.
4. Identify and eliminate congestion on major internal streets, and commercial streets such as
Bergenline Avenue
5. Ensure that any redevelopment efforts in the City are inextricably linked to and consider
pedestrian, bicycle and mass transit circulation access.
6. Anticipate and coordinate design and placement of directional and informational signs
indicating parking areas, public facilities (town hall, library, schools, etc.) in graphics not
dependent on language literacy.
7. Work with the NJ Transit, the State, and adjacent municipalities to: ensure adequate bus options
are available; add additional bus routes connecting the City regionally and internally; extend light
rail service to Manhattan past midnight; increase the frequency of mass transit serving the City;
8. Establish a comprehensive parking system in the City, especially in areas served by mass transit.
Encourage shared parking opportunities with community residents, businesses and visitors.
Goal 4:
•
Preserve and build open spaces, community facilities and recreational amenities as
unique assets of the City.
Goal 4 Objectives:
1. Consider the creation of a central town square for public use over I-495 that will unite the City
physically and socially.
2. Continue strengthening partnerships with institutional uses such as churches for increased
cultural activities and social services.
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3. Recognize the existing open-space assets of the City and make efforts to acquire land for new
open spaces. Develop a network of open spaces so that every corner of the city is within a 5-
minute walking distance from a park, playground or other public spaces.
4. Improve the provision of recreational facilities for residents of all ages within the City. Create a
policy whereby developer agreements in redevelopment plans share their indoor and outdoor
recreational facilities with the public
5. Consider exploration of additional opportunities to share City, County and School parks and
recreational activity space given the built-out nature of the City and its needs to provide
recreational space.
6. Strengthen protection of the Palisades.
7. Encourage reduction of waste and promote recycling and require developers of multi-family
residential developments to obtain site plan approval of recycling areas pursuant to the Solid
Waste Management Act.
Implementation Element
In addition to the goals and objectives, there are Implementation Strategies included in the
Master Plan that are intended to address and act upon the City’s goals and strategies:
Land Use – Community Character
Urban Design
•
Review Design Standards from Redevelopment Plans for application as General Site
Design Standards that should apply throughout the City
•
Change Bulk Standards from Residential and Commercial zone areas to support General
Site Design standards
•
Change Municipal Site Design standards for residential and commercial development to
support General Site Design standards
•
Include Street, Sidewalk and Crosswalk standards in a Circulation Element of Master Plan
as well as in revised engineering and construction standards
•
Review and revise Design Standards for Central Business District in light of continuing
redevelopment activity
•
Create Design Standards for the Business District
•
Create Design Standards for Center City District based on findings of the Master Plan
•
Revise Design Standards for all districts based on continuing redevelopment, infill
development and Board of Adjustments reports
•
Create a plan for the Center City Area that includes decking I-495 to create a new Urban
Park
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Zoning, Planning and Redevelopment
•
Review the Development Application and Approval procedures. Ensure proper
professional engineering and planning review is completed on all applications so that
applications are realistic and feasible while promoting public health, safety, and welfare
•
Comprehensive review and revision of Land Development Ordinance per new Master Plan
•
Create new zoning standards for the Central City based on the Master Plan
recommendations
Business Districts
•
Create and Promote Specific and Unique Identity for each Business District
o
Identify Strengths and weaknesses
o
Existing and future retail and mixed use development possibility
o
Relationship to Neighborhoods
o
Opportunities to create public spaces
•
Review and Revise Design Standards for Central Business District in light of continuing
redevelopment activity
•
Promote discussion and evaluation of Business/Special Improvement District for the entire
City or for each individual Business District, similar to UEZ.
•
Create and Implement Marketing Studies for each Business District to identify potential for
expanded retail and service businesses
•
Promote continuing cooperation between Government, Planning and Zoning Boards and
Chamber of Commerce, and UEZ
•
Identify opportunity to link Business District improvements with promotion off Historic
Preservation Tourism of areas such as the Monastery.
•
Continue to evaluate use of Redevelopment and Rehabilitation for Business District
Improvement
Circulation
Bicycle/Pedestrian
•
Create Green Infrastructure Map – composite view/map of overall Recreation, Open
Space, Bike and Pedestrian access to identify areas of potential improvement, including
recommendations for strategic links throughout the remainder of the community/
•
Establishment of pedestrian connections between schools and business zones
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Parking
•
Create a Comprehensive Parking Strategy for the City
•
Promote alternatives (bike and pedestrian) for local access to merchants
•
Establish better drop off and pickup locations at Train Station (kiss and ride)
•
Continue to study options for structured parking in Central Business District for shared use
by commuters and Central Business District merchants and residents
Traffic / Vehicular Congestion
•
Incorporate traffic calming measures into Site Planning process for new applications
before Planning Board in areas of concern
•
Analyze and determine solutions for traffic circulation issues throughout the City in a
Circulation Element of Master Plan, focusing on:
o
Cut through traffic on residential Streets
o
Delivery Truck traffic
o
County transportation Corridors
o
Bus Routes
•
Continue to study circulation issues throughout the City
Parks and Open Space
•
Create Green Infrastructure Map – composite view/map of overall Recreation, Open
Space, Bike, and Pedestrian access to identify areas of potential improvement, including
recommendations for strategic links throughout the remainder of the community.
•
Create a Recreation & Open Space Plan and Recreation Element of the Land Use Master
Plan
•
Review opportunities to expand the Parks and Recreation system through Planning and
Redevelopment
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SECTION B
The Extent to Which Goals and Objectives Have Been Reduced or Have Increased Since 2009
Goal #1
•
Provide a balance of land uses, and balanced development patterns, in appropriate
locations in order to: Preserve the character of the community; Encourage economic
development; Increase park and recreation facilities; Accommodate community facilities;
Facilitate local and regional circulation; Protect and preserve the established residential
character; Provide a broad range of housing choices; Promote and reinforce the City as
a desirable residential location and attractive shopping / entertainment / recreation
destination; and Improve the quality of life of the residents of Union City.
In 2012, the City revised the zoning ordinance and rezoned the zoning districts to be consistent
with the prevailing development patterns within Union City. In summary, the rezoning
addressed the following key goals and objectives:
o
The zone surrounding I-495 was rezoned as the City’s Parks-Air Rights District with the
intent to create hardscape park space above the freeway and minimize the
spatial division the corridor creates.
o
The City re-designated commercial corridors to include mixed-use development
and encouraged transit-oriented development opportunities near the Light Rail
Terminal, all in an attempt to strengthen intermodal connectivity.
o
Arterial roads, such as JFK Boulevard and Park Avenue, were renovated with
sidewalk repairs, tree planting, and the installation of street furniture. These
improvements, in tandem with transit-oriented development, strengthened
pedestrian and bicycle linkages throughout the City.
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Zone Plan Recommendations
The 2009 Master Plan identified eight key areas within the City proposed for future land use
recommendations. Since then, the City has taken the following courses of action in addressing
these considerations:
Downtown (Area #1):
As recommended in the 2009 Master Plan, the City has rezoned the Summit Avenue
corridor from a Commercial District (C) to a Neighborhood Commercial District (C-N). This
provided the conditions to create a mixed-use center with a pedestrian intensive
streetscape environment.
The land use recommendations for Area 1 have been implemented.
City Center (Area #2):
The City Center Area, as identified in the 2009 Plan is focused around the Interstate 495
corridor that physically divides the City in two halves. The City adopted a new zoning map
in 2012 that designated the Route 495 corridor a Parks-Air Rights District. The purpose of the
zone is “to encourage decking and other streetscape improvements over Route 495 to
create a public park to reduce the effects that Route 495 has on dividing the City. The
standards of this zone are intended to create hardscape park space and do not
advocate constructing buildings over Route 495, with the exception of small buildings of
an accessory nature.” Construction or planning of such a park has yet to begin.
The Area 2 recommendations also included a central mixed-use core zone encompassing
the blocks immediately around the Bergenline Avenue and Route 495 intersection. In
accordance with the Master Plan recommendation, the City rezoned this portion of Area
2, which had previously been part of two zones, Residential (R) and Commercial (C), to
the Center City Core (C-C) Zone. The C-C zone was envisioned as a commercial district
with a mix of uses and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape focus.
On either side of the proposed core zone, the 2009 Master Plan recommended two
“gateway” districts, whose development would act as landmarks and grand entrances to
Union City. In conformance with this recommendation, the City rezoned those portions on
either side of the C-C zone to the Gateway Commercial (G-C) Zone. The new district was
intended to reinforce a vibrant “gateway commercial core” and support a broad array
of retail amenities in support of the adjacent residential neighborhoods.
Area 2 recommendations remain partially valid. Portions of the recommendations
for Area 2 have been implemented through new zoning designations. The
proposed park space above Route 495 has not been initiated. This section of the
Area 2 recommendations remains valid.
Highpoint, Summit, and Kerrigan (Area #3):
Prior to the 2009 Master Plan, the City was witnessing the transition of this area from
industrial and commercial uses to multi-family residential housing. The intent of the 2009
recommendations for this area was to support this transition. Per the 2009
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recommendations, in 2012 the City rezoned a majority of this area as the Multiple Use (MU)
Zone to allow for both commercial and residential uses. Other portions of Area 3 were
rezoned into the Medium Density Residential (R-M) Zone to accommodate and plan for
some of the larger multi-family developments. Specific sections of Area 3 had previously
been designated as part of the Roosevelt Stadium Redevelopment Area.
In order to facilitate a pedestrian-friendly street environment in this area of Union City, the
City also undertook a campaign to repave and restore sidewalks, as well as plant trees
along main throughways and residential streets.
The land use recommendations for Area 3 have been implemented.
Northeast Union City (Area #4):
In response to the demand for commercial use within this area, the City redistricted a
majority of the area as Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) to allow for ground-level
commercial with upper floor residential. The block in the northeastern-most corner of the
City bound by 49th Street was rezoned from Industrial to the Medium Density Residential (R-
M) Zone to reflect the development patterns in the area, as well as allow for a new five-
story apartment complex.
The land use recommendations for Area 4 have been implemented.
Park Avenue (Area #5):
As per recommendations in the 2009 Master Plan, the City rezoned a majority of the area
as a Medium Density Residential (R-M) Zone, which limited retail and commercial use. This
also prohibited the construction of new surface parking lots along Park Avenue, Broadway,
and Hudson Avenue, maintaining the character of the street.
The land use recommendations for Area 5 have been implemented.
Uptown (Area #6):
In 2012, the City revised its zoning code and rezoned Area #6 as the Uptown Transit
Oriented Development Overlay District per recommendations of the 2009 Master Plan. The
overlay offers incentives for transit-oriented development while maintaining the property
owner’s rights determined by the underlying residential and commercial zones. With these
principles in mind, the Hudson County Community College developed its transit-accessible
North Hudson Campus adjacent to the train station.
The land use recommendations for Area 6 have been implemented.
New York Avenue between 7th and 15th (Area #7):
As recommended in the 2009 Master Plan, the City rezoned Area 7 as Neighborhood
Commercial (C-N) in 2012, differentiating it from the surrounding Residential Zone. The goal
of this area is to create a neighborhood retail center, permitting ground floor retail and
prohibiting such uses as drive-through restaurants and gas stations.
The land use recommendations for Area 7 have been implemented.
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Bergenline Avenue Commercial District (Area #8):
The 2009 Plan recommended this area be rezoned from Commercial to a Neighborhood
Commercial zoning district to maintain smaller scale development with ground floor retail
services intended to serve the surrounding residential neighborhood. The City rezoned the
area to C-N (Neighborhood Commercial) in 2012, in conformance with the 2009 Master
Plan recommendation.
The land use recommendations for Area 8 have been implemented.
Land Development Ordinance Recommendations
Comprehensive Land Development Ordinance Revision
The City comprehensively revised its Land Development Ordinances in 2012 based on
recommendations from the 2009 Master Plan.
•
2009 Recommendation: Consider building heights and develop strong definitions that are
consistent with Uniform Construction Code.
The City developed strong definitions and clarified building heights in the 2012
zoning ordinance revisions. All structures within residential districts, with the
exception of mid-rise apartment buildings have a maximum height restriction of 40
feet. A height of 60 feet is permitted if the lot area of a mid-rise apartment building
is over 15,000 square feet in size. No high-rise structures are permitted by the City’s
ordinances. This recommendation has been addressed.
•
2009 Recommendation: Conduct a detailed review of whether four-family units are
appropriate in the 1-4 family zone.
The City revised its zoning ordinances in 2012 to divide residential zones between
the Low-Density Residential District (R) and Medium-Density Residential District (R-
M). Neither the R or R-M zone currently permit 4 family units. This recommendation
has been addressed.
•
2009 Recommendation: Impose conditions to control commercial establishments in
residential areas.
This recommendation has been addressed through the 2012 zoning ordinance
revisions.
•
2009 Recommendation: Include detailed design standards to design architecture and
guide the business community in appropriate aesthetic treatments that enhance business
opportunities.
The 2012 zoning ordinance revisions incorporated design standards. This
recommendations has been addressed.
•
2009 Recommendation: Create development standards and an application procedure
that enhances protection of the City and minimizes Court exposure.
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This recommendation has been addressed.
•
2009 Recommendation: Review and amend all ordinance definitions, particularly related
to multi-family building typology. Consistency with RSIS standards should be sought where
practical.
This recommendation has been partially addressed. Application of RSIS standards
in a dense urban environment such as Union City is not realistic.
Other Recommendations
A Green Community
To be good stewards of the environment, it is important for Union City to create and preserve open
spaces, seek opportunities for groundwater recharge, reduce the heat-island effects of its paved
and concrete surfaces, and mitigate sources of local air pollution.
•
2009 Recommendation: Seek recommendations from the Shade Tree Advisory Committee
on the placement, care, and maintenance of trees.
This recommendation remains valid.
•
2009 Recommendation: Complete a Community Forestry Plan.
In December 2017, the City adopted its Community Forestry Management Plan.
This recommendation has been addressed.
•
2009 Recommendation: Seek funding sources or grants to plant and maintain trees.
This recommendation remains valid.
•
2009 Recommendation: Participate in the Cool Cities Program and plant 250 trees per
year.
This recommendation remains valid.
•
2009 Recommendation: Engage volunteers in tree plantings.
This recommendation remains valid.
•
2009 Recommendation: Create sustainability design guidelines.
This recommendation remains valid.
Creating Centers of Place
Center-based planning, or “placemaking,” is the process of orienting a space to meet the needs
of the people that use it rather than to accommodate the quick entry, exit, or throughput of the
automobile. Another way to think of center-based planning is to prioritize the quality of design
over the traditional paradigm of considering the quantity of land, as the intended end result of
center-based planning is to create a destination for people to enjoy.
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•
2009 Recommendations: Encourage citywide center-based planning whenever possible.
This recommendation remains valid. In line with this goal, the City adopted a
resolution establishing a Complete Streets Policy in December 2013, which
provided the policy framework needed to create new centers of place in Union
City.
•
2009 Recommendations: concentrate placemaking efforts in the areas specified by the
2009 Master Plan (Areas #1, #2, #4, and #7).
This recommendation remains valid.
Containment
•
2009 Recommendation: Revise the City’s land development ordinance to reinforce the
future development of land uses in appropriate zones to solidify concentrated areas for
civic and commercial activity.
To preserve the character of residential neighborhoods, the City adopted new
zoning ordinances in 2012 and created the new ‘Neighborhood Commercial’
zoning district for commercial corridors with upper-story residential developments.
This recommendation has been addressed.
•
2009 Recommendation: Coordinate actions of the Planning Board and the Board of
Adjustment to determine whether proposed developments are consistent with the zoning
plan and zoning intent.
This recommendation remains valid. Under the Municipal Land Use Law, the
Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment must review the Master Plan with
each development application to determine whether the proposed application is
consistent with the zoning intent.
Redevelopment & Rehabilitation
•
2009 Recommendation: Pursue new Redevelopment Plans for the specific areas
highlighted in the 2009 Master Plan.
This recommendation remains valid, as there have been no new Redevelopment
Plans prepared since the adoption of the 2009 Master Plan. The statutory
redevelopment process is an important tool for largely built-out communities so the
City should continue to consider opportunities as they present themselves.
•
2009 Recommendation: Determine Union City’s eligibility to employ broader rehabilitation
area criteria.
This recommendation remains valid. A program of rehabilitation for a
neighborhood or the City in general could provide incentive for smaller scale
renovation and rehabilitation projects.
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Public Spaces
•
2009 Recommendation: Continue to acquire land for creating new pocket park spaces
inside neighborhood residential and neighborhood mixed-use districts.
This recommendation remains valid. The City has actively pursued the creation of
pocket parks. For example, the City opened the Police Memorial Park, located at
11th and West streets in a residential district, on May 5, 2016.
•
2009 Recommendation: Seize opportunities to create “green corridors” along the City’s
east-west streets.
This recommendation remains valid. Since the 2009 Master Plan, the City has
installed deciduous trees and a landscaped median along Central Avenue from
Paterson Plank Road to 18th Street, as well as trees along Bergenline Avenue, New
York Avenue, and Palisade Avenue.
•
2009 Recommendation: Ensure that the City’s sidewalk network is entirely integrated and
well suited for the function of providing a comfortable public space.
This recommendation remains valid. In December 2013, the Board of
Commissioners adopted a resolution establishing a Complete Streets Policy, which
laid the policy groundwork for the City to accomplish the goal of creating an
integrated and pedestrian-friendly sidewalk network.
Historic Preservation
•
2009 Recommendation: Consider implementation of a historic façade improvement
program that offers tax incentives to encourage restoration in selected areas. Areas
identified for further analysis include:
•
Sip Street
•
Churches
•
Palisades Avenue (near Reservoir)
•
23rd Street
•
New York and 2nd Avenue
This recommendation remains valid.
Circulation Plan Element
•
2009 Recommendation: Consider preparing a comprehensive Circulation Plan Element of
the Master Plan that addresses all modes of transportation and parking.
Transportation and parking remain critical issues for the City, but the focus has
shifted from preparing a city-wide Circulation Plan Element to conducting
neighborhood or district based parking and traffic studies to improve
management.
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Steep Slopes Ordinance
•
2009 Recommendation: The City should consider updating its steep slope ordinance, using
Jersey City’s steep slope ordinance as a model, to ensure preservation of the Palisades
and view sheds of the Manhattan skyline.
The Palisades Preservation Overlay District (PPOD) was established in the 2012
ordinance to address issues related to steep slopes. This recommendation has
been addressed.
Recycling
•
2009 Recommendation: Union City should continue to comply with State statutes related
to recycling and be a leader in Hudson County.
This recommendation remains valid.
Urban Enterprise Zone
•
2009 Recommendation: The City should continue to utilize the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ)
as a tool that can transform Union City into the model community.
This recommendation remains valid. The State opted not to extend the first wave
of UEZs that expired on December 31, 2016. The Union City UEZ remains into effect
until April 11, 2026, although the future of the program beyond that date is
uncertain.
Streetscape Signage Program
•
2009 Recommendation: Standards should be adopted to build on existing streetscape
signage programs in order to leverage private investment to complement City
investments.
This recommendation remains valid.
Goal #2
•
Capitalize on the City’s proximity to Manhattan, and its ideal location within one of the
largest financial, industrial, and cultural metropolises in the world.
Union City remains positioned to take advantage of its proximity to Manhattan and it regional
and global employment and cultural offerings. The City’s history, community character, and
cultural diversity set it apart from its neighbors and other places throughout the metropolitan
region. The City seeks to continue to take advantage of its geographical advantages while
preserving its neighborhood feel and managing growth in a thoughtful and conscientious
manner with an emphasis on equity and sustainability. This goal remains relevant.
Goal #2 Objectives
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Establish design standards that support the preservation of
unique architectural and historic features and/or implement a façade improvement
program.
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This remains a valid objective.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Encourage the recognition of structures and districts listed on
the National and State Registers of Historic Places and pursue measures to foster the
rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of these historic places.
Several locations within the City have either been placed on the State or National
Register or for which a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) opinion has been
issued. Since 2009, the only property for which a SHPO opinion has been issued is
320-324 Mountain Road. The opinion was issued on March 6, 2017. This remains a
valid objective.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Protect the Palisades as a critical environmental feature.
The City created the Palisades Preservation Overlay District (PPOD) in 2012 with the
purpose of minimizing adverse impact of development along the District’s steep
slopes. The ordinance requires strict adherence to the City’s land use and
development regulations, along with the prohibition of construction atop land with
a grade of greater than 30 percent. Buildings below the cliff face and within the
PPOD are also subject to regulation. This objective has been addressed. The focus
shifts to implementation and enforcement.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Identify and enhance major gateways into the City, along
with revitalizing existing commercial corridors to cultivate a wide variety of retail and
cultural activities.
In the 2012 zoning update, the City designated three sections along the I-495
corridor at the eastern and western edges of the City as Gateway Commercial
zones. These zones serve as entry and exit points into the City from the I-495
freeway and create pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use areas. This objective remains
valid as the City continues to focus on revitalizing commercial areas.
Goal #3
•
Improve internal circulation (pedestrian as well as vehicular), and enhance connectivity
to the regional transportation network (major roadway systems that are in close proximity,
bus, and light rail).
The City continues to address issues associated with circulation, including the provision of the
appropriate amount of off-street parking and the challenges associated with parking demand
and traffic congestion that accompany development and growth. The goal remains relevant as
the City needs to ensure that future growth and development are balanced with the provision of
useful, reliable, and equitable transportation opportunities for all of the City’s residents.
Goal #3 Objectives
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Reduce auto-dependency through innovative design
practices, minimize traffic impacts on residential streets, and identify and eliminate
congestion on major internal streets, and commercial streets such as Bergenline Avenue.
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This objective remains relevant as the City continues to work to alleviate traffic congestion,
consider creative design options, and review broader trends such as the increasing
popularity of ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft, etc.) and car-sharing (Zipcar, etc.) services and their
potential impacts on accessibility, mobility, and parking demand.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Adopt a streetscape plan that focuses on issues such as traffic,
pedestrian flow, physical conditions, and land uses.
On December 17, 2013 the Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution establishing a
Complete Streets Policy with the aim of providing a safe, integrated urban street network
that serves all categories of users. The City has conducted street tree planting and street
painting programs that enhance the pedestrian experience.
Now that the policy has been adopted, the objective shifts to implementation, monitoring,
and continued incremental revisions and improvements to policy documents to reflect
lessons learned and best practices.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Work with NJ Transit, the State, and adjacent municipalities to
ensure adequate bus options are available, extend light rail service to Manhattan past
midnight, and increase the frequency of mass transit serving the City.
Improving existing transit service, most notably New Jersey Transit bus routes, remains a
critical factor in alleviating traffic congestion and ensuring that all residents of Union City
have accessible transportation options. The City has been advocating for enhanced bus
service and facilities, and will continue to do so. Informal jitneys have long provided a
necessary alternative to official services, but there are safety and traffic concerns
associated with uncontrolled pick-up and drop-off locations that must be considered.
The Light-Rail Service hours have been extended past midnight since the 2009 Master Plan.
The last arrival at the Bergenline Station is at 1:53 AM during the week and 1:27 AM on the
weekend and the last departure is at 1:42 AM during the week and 1:33 AM on the
weekend.
This objective remains valid, with the exception of the extension of the light rail service
hours.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Establish a comprehensive parking system in the City,
especially in areas served by mass transit. Encourage shared parking opportunities with
community residents, businesses and visitors.
The City is continuing to evaluate parking management options on a neighborhood /
area-wide basis. Managing the supply and demand of parking remains a major challenge
for the City’s future. This objective remains valid.
Goal #4
•
Preserve and build open spaces, community facilities and recreational amenities as
unique assets in the City.
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This goal remains relevant. The density of the City, continued population growth and demand for
new development reinforce the desirability of the City as a place to live. In order to maintain that
desirability it remains important to ensure that there are adequate community facilities and
recreational amenities to serve the needs of all segments of the population. It is also important to
explore possible additions to the City’s inventory of open space and to encourage the integration
of outdoor spaces into new development projects.
Goal #4 Objectives
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Consider the creation of a central town square for public use
over I-495 that will unite the City physically and socially.
The 2012 Zoning Ordinance revision created a Park Air Rights Zone for the I-495 right-of-way
to set the local land use framework to move this objective forward. There are significant
exterior regulatory and jurisdictional hurdles, as well as substantial cost considerations, but
the objective remains a valid and forward thinking opportunity for the future.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Continue strengthening partnerships with institutional uses
such as churches for increased cultural activities and social services.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Consider exploration of additional opportunities to share City,
County, and school parks and recreational activity space.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Improve the provision of recreational facilities for residents of
all ages within the City. Create a policy whereby developer agreements in redevelopment
plans share their indoor and outdoor recreational facilities with the public.
•
2009 Master Plan Objective: Recognize the existing open space assets of the City and
make efforts to acquire land for new open spaces. Develop a network of open spaces so
that every corner of the City is within a 5-minute walking distance of a park, playground or
other public space.
All of the above objectives remain relevant.
Since the adoption of the 2009 Master Plan, the City has made progress with a number of
park and recreation facility improvements.
o
The Union City Performing Arts Center at 2500 Kennedy Boulevard opened in
October 2009.
o
The City received grant money for recreation improvements to the 22-acre
Washington Park in 2010. This project included planting trees and other
landscaping and upgrading the athletic fields to a multi-purpose artificial turf field
with new lighting.
o
The City also received grant money to construct an amphitheater in the Michael
Leggiero Music Park; however, the construction costs were higher than
anticipated, which prompted the City to redesign the plan to create a music-
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themed playground equipped with a large moveable video screen. The park was
opened to the public in the summer of 2012.
o
In 2014, Union City received $500,000 from the Hudson County Open Space,
Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund to renovate Ellsworth Park (on top
of a grant awarded in 2012). The city refurbished and redesigned much of the
park, which was subsequently re-dedicated in 2017.
o
Union City and Weehawken partnered on the purchase of Hackensack Reservoir
#2 from United Water with funding from the Trust for Public Land and Green Acres.
This tract is within the borders of Weehawken, but abuts the municipal border with
Union City. The 14.4-acre tract provides a passive recreational space that is
managed jointly by the municipalities.
o
Juan Pablo Duarte Park and Columbia Park are in the process of being resurfaced
to improve the quality of service they provide the public. The project is slated to
be completed by May 11, 2018.
o
The City is currently in the process of completely renovating Veterans Memorial
Park at 17th Street and West Street with new sidewalks, drainage improvements,
benches, tables, water fountains, landscaping, irrigation, and other improvements.
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SECTION C
Significant Changes in Assumptions Impacting the Master Plan
Since the City adopted its 2009 Master Plan, there have been demographic changes and policy
and regulatory changes in the City, in Hudson County, and in the State of New Jersey. These
changes affect the assumptions, policies, and objectives that form the basis of the Master Plan.
Changes in Union City
Demographic Changes
Since the 2009 Master Plan, the 2010 Census was conducted and its data was released. As a
result, the demographics that inform the City’s Master Plan have shifted and should be
reevaluated for changes and variations since the 2000 Census. Below are a series of
characteristics that impact policies and assumptions vis-à-vis Union City’s goals and objectives:
Population
There were 66,455 residents in Union City in 2010, which was a slight decrease of 633 people from
2000. The 2013 estimated population projects a slight increase in population to 67,233. During the
1990s the City experienced its largest population growth of 15.6 percent. During the same decade
Hudson County experienced a 10.1 percent population growth. While both the City and the
County have experienced small losses and gains in population, the State has seen steady
population growth since 1930.
Population Trends
Year
Union City
Hudson County
New Jersey
Population
Change
Population
Change
Population
Change
Number
%
Number
%
Number
%
1930
58,659
-
-
690,730
-
-
4,041,334
-
-
1940
56,173
-2,486
-4.2%
652,040
-38,690
-5.6%
4,160,165
118,831
2.9%
1950
55,537
-636
-1.1%
647,437
-4,603
-0.7%
4,835,329
675,164
16.2%
1960
52,180
-3,357
-6.0%
610,734
-36,703
-5.7%
6,066,782
1,231,453 25.5%
1970
57,305
5,125
9.8%
607,839
-2,895
-0.5%
7,171,112
1,104,330 18.2%
1980
55,593
-1,712
-3.0%
556,972
-50,867
-8.4%
7,365,011
193,899
2.7%
1990
58,012
2,419
4.4%
553,099
-3,873
-0.7%
7,730,188
365,177
5.0%
2000
67,088
9,076
15.6%
608,975
55,876
10.1%
8,414,350
684,162
8.9%
2010
66,455
-633
-0.9%
634,277
25,302
4.2%
8,791,894
377,544
4.5%
2013
(est.)
67,233
778
1.2%
644,605
10,328
1.6%
8,832,406
40,512
0.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates
Population Composition by Age
The median age of the residents in Union City in 2010 was 34 years, which has shifted since 2000.
All age cohorts 45 and older saw significant increases while the age cohorts under 45 all
experienced decreases. The largest rates of increase occurred in the 45 to 54 age cohort, rising
20 percent. A moderate decrease was experienced in the 5 to 14 age cohort, declining by 10.9
percent.
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Population by Age 2000 and 2010, City of Union City
Population
2000
2010
Change, 2000 to 2010
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
Total population
67,088
100.0%
66,455
100.0%
-633
-0.9%
Under 5 years
4,945
7.4%
4,845
7.3%
-100
-2.0%
5 to 14
9,268
13.8%
8,255
12.4%
-1,013
-10.9%
15 to 24
10,122
15.1%
9,736
14.7%
-386
-3.8%
25 to 34
12,074
18.0%
11,559
17.4%
-515
-4.3%
35 to 44
10,949
16.3%
9,958
15.0%
-991
-9.1%
45 to 54
7,641
11.4%
9,166
13.8%
1,525
20.0%
55 to 64
5,395
8.0%
6,078
9.1%
683
12.7%
65 and over
6,694
10.0%
6,958
10.5%
264
3.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Households
A household is defined as one or more persons, either related or not, living together in a housing
unit. In 2010 there were a total of 22,814 households in Union City. Almost half of the households
(49.5%) were occupied by two persons or less. The average household size in the City was 2.88,
higher than that of the County’s average of 2.54.
Household Size- Occupied Housing Units
City of Union City and Hudson County, 2010
City
County
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Total Households
22,814
100.0%
246,437
100.0%
1-person household
5,441
23.8%
73,741
29.9%
2-person household
5,852
25.7%
71,762
29.1%
3-person household
4,350
19.1%
42,935
17.4%
4-person household
3,465
15.2%
31,581
12.8%
5-person household
1,969
8.6%
15,098
6.1%
6-person household
931
4.1%
6,401
2.6%
7-or-more-person household
806
3.5%
4,919
2.0%
Average Household Size
2.88
2.54
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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Household Size and Type, 2010
City of Union City
Total
Percent
Total Households
22,814
100.0%
1 person household
5,441
23.8%
Male householder
2,690
49.4%
Female householder
2,751
50.6%
2 or more person household
17,373
76.2%
Family households
15,512
68.0%
Married Couple Family
8,368
53.9%
With own children under 18 years
4,156
49.7%
No children under 18 years
4,212
50.3%
Other Family
7,144
31.3%
Male householder, no wife present
2,170
30.4%
With own children under 18 years
936
43.1%
No own children under 18 year
1,234
56.9%
Female householder, no husband present
4,974
69.6%
With own children under 18 years
2,720
54.7%
No own children under 18 year
2,254
45.3%
Nonfamily Households
1,861
8.2%
Male householder
1,167
62.7%
Female householder
694
37.3%
Average Family Size
3.39
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Income
As measured in 2013, Union City had a significantly lower median household income than that of
Hudson County and the State of New Jersey. In 2013, the median income of Union City was
$40,763; $17,679 less than the County and $31,166 less than the State’s median income.
Per Capita and Household Income
2013 Per
Capita Income
2013 Median
Household Income
Union City
$19,475
$40,763
Hudson County
$32,641
$58,442
New Jersey
$36,027
$71,929
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
The distribution for household income for Union City in 2013 is listed below. The most common
income bracket was $50,000 to $74,999, which was earned by 17.5 percent of the households. This
range was followed by those households that earned $15,000 to $24,999 (14.1%). In Union City,
58.3 percent of the households earned less than $50,000, compared to 43.7 percent of the
County’s households
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Household Income
Union City and Hudson County, 2013
Union City
Hudson County
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
Total Households
22,439
100.0%
243,875
100.0%
Less than $10,000
2,318
10.3%
19,590
8.0%
$10,000 to $14,999
1,646
7.3%
12,934
5.3%
$15,000 to $24,999
3,173
14.1%
25,473
10.4%
$25,000 to $34,999
2,857
12.7%
21,400
8.8%
$35,000 to $49,999
3,082
13.7%
27,192
11.1%
$50,000 to $74,999
3,937
17.5%
40,066
16.4%
$75,000 to $99,999
2,395
10.7%
27,865
11.4%
$100,000 to $149,999
1,898
8.5%
34,386
14.1%
$150,000 to $199,999
638
2.8%
15,949
6.5%
$200,000 or more
495
2.2%
18,120
7.4%
Median Household Income
$40,763
$58,442
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Poverty Status
In 2013, nearly a quarter of Union City’s residents were living below the poverty level, most of whom
were working age. Of the 16,307 persons who lived below the poverty level, a third was under the
age of 18. Hudson County saw a similar distribution of those in poverty but experienced a lower
overall percentage (16.8%).
Poverty Status
Union City and Hudson County, 2009 – 2013 Estimates
Union City
Hudson County
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
Total persons
66,956
-
638,010
-
Total persons below poverty level
16,307
24.4%
107,116
16.8%
Under 18
5,662
34.7%
33,401
31.2%
18 to 64
9,094
55.8%
63,612
59.4%
65 and over
1,551
9.5%
10,103
9.4%
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Housing Unit Data
Union City’s housing stock consists mainly of older structures and is primarily renter-occupied.
According to the 2010 Census, Union City had a total of 22,814 occupied housing units. A majority
of the units, 79.9 percent, were renter-occupied while 20.1 percent were owner-occupied.
Approximately 55 percent of the City’s housing stock was constructed before 1960 and a
significant amount of housing (32.4%) was built in 1939 or earlier. These factors put the median
year of construction in 1957.
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Housing Data
City of Union City, 2010
Number
Percentage
Total Housing Units
24,931
100.0%
Occupied Housing Units
22,814
91.5%
Owner Occupied
4,583
20.1%
Renter Occupied
18,231
79.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Year Structure Built
City of Union City
Number
Percentage
Built 1939 or earlier
8,132
32.4%
Built 1940 to 1949
2,307
9.2%
Built 1950 to 1959
3,212
12.8%
Built 1960 to 1969
3,433
13.7%
Built 1970 to 1979
2,591
10.3%
Built 1980 to 1989
1,207
4.8%
Built 1990 to 1999
1,062
4.2%
Built 2000 to 2009
2,982
11.9%
Built 2010 or later
136
0.5%
Total
25,062
100.0%
Median Year Structure Built
1957
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Employment
The following tables detail changes in employment from 2003 to 2014 in Union City, Hudson
County, and the State of New Jersey. Both the labor force and employment saw a steady decline
beginning in 2003. However, so did the unemployment rate, declining from 10.9 percent in 2003
to 6.5 percent in 2007. In 2008 the unemployment rate began to rise again and in 2009 it hit a
decade high of 13.9 percent. Following this peak, the unemployment rate began to decline and
in 2014 was at 8 percent. In 2010 both the labor force and employment jumped by nearly 8,000
individuals and has remained steady. While the Union City unemployment trends mirror those of
Hudson County and the State, the City has a consistently higher level of unemployment.
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Union City Employment and Residential
Labor Force -- 2003 - 2014
Hudson County
New Jersey
Year
Labor
Force
Unemployment
Rate
Unemployment
Rate
Unemployment
Rate
2003
28,840
10.9%
7.4%
5.8%
2004
28,209
9.0%
6.0%
4.8%
2005
27,250
7.1%
5.5%
4.5%
2006
26,988
7.2%
5.6%
4.7%
2007
26,646
6.5%
5.0%
4.3%
2008
27,024
8.1%
6.2%
5.3%
2009
27,862
13.9%
10.5%
9.1%
2010
35,127
11.4%
9.6%
9.5%
2011
35,504
11.0%
9.2%
9.3%
2012
35,719
10.9%
9.1%
9.3%
2013
35,166
9.6%
8.0%
8.2%
2014
35,043
8.0%
6.5%
6.6%
Source: NJ Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development Labor Force Estimates
The occupational breakdown shown in the table below includes only private wage and salary
workers. The two largest occupational categories for Union City workers were service occupations
(25.9%) and sales and office occupations (23.8%). These two categories were followed closely by
production transportation and material moving occupations, which employed 22.7 percent of
Union City workers.
Occupation, 2013
Union City
Number
Percentage
Employed Civilian population 16 years and over
31,677
100.0%
Management, business, science and arts occupations
5,424
17.1%
Service occupations
8,216
25.9%
Sales and office occupations
7,547
23.8%
Natural resources, construction and maintenance occupations
3,284
10.4%
Production Transportation and material moving occupations
7,206
22.7%
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Commuting to Work
In 2013, the mean travel time to work for those who lived in the City was 31 minutes. The vast
majority of commuters, 80.3 percent, traveled less than an hour to work, and roughly 44 percent
have less than a thirty-minute commute.
The largest portion of workers commuted via public transportation (41.1%), while approximately
30 percent drove to work alone. Roughly 14 percent of workers, however, walked to work and
nearly 11 percent carpooled. The City saw 2.5 percent of its workers work from home.
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Travel Time to Work
Union City, 2013
Number
Percentage
Workers who did not work at home
30,297
100.0%
Less than 10 minutes
257
0.8%
10 to 14 minutes
1,481
4.9%
15 to 19 minutes
2,976
9.8%
20 to 24 minutes
3,681
12.1%
25 to 29 minutes
4,832
15.9%
30 to 34 minutes
1,467
4.8%
35 to 44 minutes
6,153
20.3%
45 to 59 minutes
3,469
11.4%
60 to 89 minutes
3,184
10.5%
90 or more minutes
925
3.1%
Mean travel time to work (minutes)
31.0
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Probable Future Population and Employment Opportunities
The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) completes regional forecasts for the
New York/New Jersey metropolitan area every four years for population, households, and
employment. The most recent set of forecasts, released in November 2017, predicts Union City’s
population will increase by 0.2% to 71,954 and employment will increase by 0.7% from 14,050 to
17,293 jobs by 2045.
Significant Ordinances Adopted
2012 Land Development Ordinance and Zoning Map (Chapter 223 of the City’s Code)
A substantial overhaul of the City’s land development and zoning ordinance was prepared to
implement recommendations from the 2009 Master Plan. The Ordinance was adopted by the
Board of Commissioners of Union City on March 20, 2012. The changes amended the zoning map
and districts, and created new zones to ensure that the regulatory framework was more in line
with the existing pattern of development.
2012 and 2018 Amendment to Rent Control Ordinance (Chapter 334 of the City’s Official Code)
Following the 2012 amendment to the City’s ordinances, an anti-warehousing ordinance was
adopted and subsequently amended in 2018. This ordinance prevents intentional vacancies by
obligating property owners of four or more units to register vacant apartments with the Rent
Stabilization Board office within 90 days, as well as to report the rental of the unit within the same
timeframe. If a structure is not rented within 90 days, the ordinance mandates the City dispatch
inspectors to the subject property to ensure compliance with the code.
Airbnb Ordinance
On December 15, 2015, the City adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 296 of the City’s
Code, entitled “Peace and Good Order” to include a provision that prohibits all short-term
vacation rentals, excluding hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. The ordinance prohibits
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maintaining, facilitating, and advertising any vacation rental activity, or “transient occupancy,”
that does not comply with the code, including Airbnb listings.
2017 Community Forestry Management Plan
On December 20, 2017, the Community Development Agency (CDA) submitted the second five-
year Community Forestry Management Plan to the Board of Commissioners. The plan’s central
goal is the establishment of a new community forestry program for the City with the aim of
promoting a sustainable community forest for the well-being of City residents.
A shade tree committee is to be established to promote preservation of the trees within the City,
identify public land where trees could be planted and benefit the space, and assist the City in
obtaining grants for shade tree purposes.
The plan identified the continued installation of trees along streets, in parks, and at schools via
grant funding as a priority objective. This planting program is intended to meet the Mayor’s 2009
goal of 20 percent tree coverage across Union City. In tandem with the planting program, the
Plan highlights the need for an approved “Recommended Tree Species List” for potential planting
sites to ensure that appropriate, non-invasive species are installed correctly.
Furthermore, the Plan encourages community involvement with tree stewardship throughout the
City. Several objects are highlighted as potential courses of action, including potential
cooperation between the Shade Tree Committee and Union City schools to educate students on
the importance of trees, and the founding of an ‘adopt-a-tree’ program.
Adoption of a Community Forestry Plan was a recommendation in 2009 Master Plan.
Open Space and Recreation
Goal #4 of the 2009 Master Plan established the importance of enhancing the City’s open space
and recreation opportunities. The City is continuing to work with Hudson County to facilitate the
funding of these improvements. The discussion of the progress made toward Goal #4 in Section B
of this report details the specific park improvements that have been made.
In addition to the park improvements, Union City and Weehawken partnered on the purchase of
the Hackensack Reservoir #2 from United Water with funding from the Trust for Public Land and
Green Acres. This tract is within the borders of Weehawken, but abuts the municipal border with
Union City. The 14.4-acre tract provides a passive recreational space that is managed jointly by
the municipalities.
Redevelopment
Since 2009, two of the redevelopment areas within the City have experienced progress.
•
Swiss Town Redevelopment Plan (Hudson Avenue, Peter Street, and Cantello Street) –
Since the 2009 Master Plan, the development envisioned by this plan was constructed. A
multi-family high-rise building known as “The Thread” opened in 2014.
•
Roosevelt Stadium Redevelopment Plan (Municipal Stadium on JFK Boulevard) – In fall
2009 (after the adoption of the Master Plan) the new Union City High School opened on a
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portion of the redevelopment area. The remaining portions of the Plan have not yet been
implemented.
Changes at the County and Regional Level
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
The Hudson County Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a five-
year development plan originally released in 2010 to steer the growth of economic activity in
Hudson County. Annual updates were prepared in 2012 and 2013, and then a new five-year plan
was prepared in 2016 for the 2015-2019 period. A CEDS is a requirement of the U.S. Department of
Commerce and U.S. Economic Development Administration in order for Hudson County to remain
eligible for public works grants and economic development assistance. The Plan was generated
through socio-economic, industry, and real estate trend analysis paired with stakeholder outreach
efforts, which culminated in the creation of “SWOT” analysis. This method of analysis identifies the
strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats to Hudson County.
According to the 2012 Annual Update, the top three infrastructure priorities in Union City are the
following:
•
Summit Avenue façade and sidewalk improvements along the commercial corridor from
2nd to 14th Streets.
•
Park Avenue beautification program to encourage new businesses and create foot traffic.
This project was completed.
•
Hackensack Reservoir #2 acquisition in cooperation with Weehawken. This project was
completed.
The following improvement programs were identified in the 2013 Annual Update:
•
2013 CDA Road Program using CDBG and HUD funding for improvements to 46th Street
between New York Avenue and Bergenline Avenue, 36th Street between New York Avenue
and Palisade Avenue, and 8th Street between Bergenline Avenue and West Street.
•
Street Improvements including curbing, repaving, and catch basin installation.
•
Sidewalk improvements in targeted eligible low / moderate income areas.
•
Tree Planting Program
•
Multi-Unit Rehab providing a grant to owners of residential property for rehabilitation
activities where a certain number of tenants qualify as low / moderate income.
•
Commercial Façade Program to make improvements to commercial and industrial
building to improve conditions and increase job opportunities.
•
New York Avenue Infrastructure Improvements including sidewalks, pavement, and tree
planting from 19th Street to 48th Street, the Roosevelt Stadium Redevelopment project, and
planning and improvements at Reservoir site.
The 2015-2019 CEDS prepared new SWOT analyses for the County with stakeholder involvement.
These analyses looked at a number of factors including socio-economic, labor, workforce &
industry, real estate, and location & transportation. The factors identified generally apply to Union
City. Some of the key strengths include proximity to New York City, strong warehousing and
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shipping industry, low unemployment, and diversity, while some of the weaknesses include an
increasing poverty rate, limited opportunity for residents lacking higher education, lack of housing
affordability, and congestion and quality of the transportation system. These factors, along with
the opportunities and threats identified generally apply to Union City. The CEDS does not contain
recommendations specific to Union City but does identify several completed, ongoing, and
potential projects of note:
•
The Yardley Soap Factory redevelopment project was identified as a potential site for
mixed use development including a retail component.
•
The Homes for Heroes apartment building for qualified veterans opened in 2013.
•
The Wyndham Hotel on Central Avenue between 31st Street and Sip Street was identified
as a future project.
•
Improvements to Juan Pablo Duarte Park including upgrades to the spray ground and
playground surface are identified.
•
The Union City / Weehawken Reservoir Park is identified as having opened in 2015.
2015 Hudson County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP)
In accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), Hudson County and its
municipalities developed the 2008 Hazard Mitigation Plan followed by the 2015 updated Hazard
Mitigation Plan. For communities to remain eligible for hazard mitigation assistance from the
federal government, they must maintain an updated HMP. The purpose of the Hudson County
HMP is to identify potential natural disaster risks that threaten the County’s communities and
residents. The Plan evaluates the risks and identifies planned projects designed to prevent and
mitigate the effects of future natural disasters.
The Hudson County HMP includes individual plans for each municipality within the County,
including Union City. The City identified the following vulnerabilities in regards to hazard problems:
Hazard Type
Probability of Occurrence
Hazard Ranking
Coastal Erosion
Rare
Low
Coastal Storm
Frequent
Medium
Drought
Frequent
Medium
Earthquake
Occasional
Low
Extreme Temperature
Frequent
High
Flood
Frequent
Medium
Geological Hazards
Occasional
Low
Severe Storm
Frequent
High
Winter Storm
Frequent
High
Wildlife
Frequent
Medium
2013 Hudson County Open Space Reexamination Report
To address contemporary challenges such as dwindling funds and the threats from climate
change, Hudson County and its municipalities updated the 2005 Hudson County Open Space
Plan with the 2013 Open Space Reexamination Report. The Reexamination Report identifies the
four goals established in Union City’s 2009 Master Plan (found within Section 4 of the
Reexamination Report).
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Since 2005, the County added an additional 1,395 acres of open space to a total of 5,403 acres.
Upon reviewing the 2005 goals, the County has developed five new goals: Environmental Justice,
Recreation, Connectivity, Urban Ecosystems and Greenspaces, and Acquisition.
The County determined the following seven objectives for the 2013 update:
•
Hackensack and Passaic Rivers
•
Public Access
•
Active Design Guidelines
•
Complete Streets
•
Bike Share
•
Low Impact Development
•
Urban Forestry
In Section 5, the Reexamination details the grant money Union City received for the Washington
Park recreation improvements, grant money received in 2012 for Michael Leggiero Music Park,
and 2012 grant money for Ellsworth Park improvements.
2011 Hudson County Jitney Study, NJTPA
In 2011, an NJTPA consultant team conducted a study on jitney services operating in Hudson
County. Although it is a popular mass transit option, there are significant operational and safety
concerns associated with these services. The Study looked at several corridors that are relevant to
Union City including Bergenline Avenue, JFK Boulevard, 30th/31st Streets, and I-495.
Recommendations of the study included developing a regulatory framework to license operators,
improve safety, coordinate the supply of service with other modes of transit, manage competition
between carriers, and ensure access and accessibility for customers.
Jitneys remain an important part of the Union City transportation network. In addition, the advent
of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are transforming the transportation landscape. Further
consideration of these services should be incorporated in future planning efforts and policy
decisions.
Hudson County Community College
Hudson County Community College opened its North Hudson Campus for the Fall 2011 semester
adjacent to the Bergenline Avenue light rail station. The $200 Million project consists of a seven-
story building with 92,330 square feet of floor area. The new campus includes a full scope of
educational programs, music and art studios, lab space, a bookstore, and other amenities.
Changes at the State Level
Affordable Housing
The “Third Round” of affordable housing obligations within New Jersey has been a decades-long
conflict over methodologies. Around the same time Union City adopted its 2009 Master Plan, the
City also petitioned COAH for substantive certification for the Third Round. The City, however never
received substantive certification because the Appellate Division deemed the methodology
invalid.
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COAH made no progress in adopting a constitutional framework for affordable housing and so,
in March 2015, the New Jersey Supreme Court disbanded COAH. In re Adoption of N.J.A.C. 5:96
& 5:97 by the N.J. Council on Affordable Housing, 221 N.J. 1 (2015) (“Mount Laurel IV”), the Court
held that because COAH was no longer functioning, trial courts were to resume their role as the
forum of first instance for evaluating municipal compliance with Mount Laurel obligations, and
also established a transitional process for municipalities to seek a Judgment of Compliance and
Repose (“JOR”) in lieu of Substantive Certification from COAH.
On January 18, 2017 in Re Declaratory Judgment Actions Filed by Various Municipalities, County
of Ocean, Pursuant To The Supreme Court’s Decision In In re Adoption of N.J.A.C. 5:96, 221 N.J. 1
(2015), the Court decided that for the sixteen year period between 1999 and 2015 (known as the
“gap period”) when the Council on Affordable Housing failed to implement rules creating fair
share obligations for municipalities, the Mount Laurel constitutional obligation did not go away.
Therefore, municipalities continue to be responsible for the need created during the gap period.
Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZ)
The UEZ Program was enacted in 1983 to provide incentives for businesses located within
designated zones. The program included a 50% reduction in sales taxes, financial assistance from
NJEDA, tax credit options, and other benefits to incentivize economic growth and revitalization of
urban communities. Union City’s UEZ came into effect April 12, 1995 and covers the two main
commercial shopping districts of the City: Bergenline Avenue, from 32nd to 49th streets, and Summit
Avenue, from 8th to 15th streets.
Following former Governor Christie’s conditional veto of a proposal to extend the expiration date
of the UEZ program for the first wave of UEZs set to expire, the State of New Jersey Department of
Treasury issued a notice effective December 31, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. that UEZs would begin to expire
upon reaching their renewal date. On April 11, 2026, Union City’s UEZ will expire unless future
legislation extends the program further. Businesses within the designated zones will no longer
collect sales tax at a reduced rate.
As of this report, there are no plans to renew the UEZ program for another 10-year cycle. Five UEZ
zones—Trenton, Newark, Bridgeton, Camden, and Plainfield—have already expired as of
December 31, 2016. Union City businesses participating in the program will continue to benefit
from the sales tax break until the 2026 expiration.
Time of Application Law
In 2011, the Municipal Land Use Law was subject to a significant change in its regulations regarding
development applications. The “Time of Application” law took effect on May 5, 2011. The new
law states that the development regulations that are in place at the time of submission of an
application for development shall govern the entire review of the application. Any provisions to
ordinances that are adopted after the date of submission for a development application, shall
not be applicable to that application. The “Time of Application” Law overturned the previously
established case law that allowed municipalities to change the zoning requirements after an
applicant had submitted a development application but before a final vote has been held. This
process was known as the “time of decision” rule.
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Permit Extension Act of 2008, Amended through 2016
On September 6, 2008 the Permit Extension Act at N.J.S.A. 40:55D-136.1 et seq. (“Act”) was signed
into law. The purpose of the Act was to revive and extend State, county, and local government
approvals in an effort to provide the regulated community, developers, property owners, and the
real estate sector with relief in recognition of the ongoing economic downturn. In 2010, 2012, and
2014 the Act was amended to further extend some approvals.
On June 30, 2016 the Act was amended to extend certain permits and approvals affecting
development of properties located in Superstorm Sandy-impacted counties. The Act specifically
identifies those counties as: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth,
Ocean and Union. Therefore, approvals issued by the Department’s Division of Land Use
Regulation for projects within the aforementioned counties may be eligible for extension under
the Act.
Municipal Land use law Amendments – Land Use Plan Element
In January 2018, Governor Chris Christie signed into law a bill that amends the MLUL at N.J.SA.
40:55D-28b(2) to require the Land Use Element of a municipality’s Master Plan to address “smart
growth which in part, shall consider potential locations for the installation of electric vehicle
charging stations, storm resiliency with respect to energy supply, flood-prone areas, and
environmental infrastructure, and environmental sustainability issues.”
Local Redevelopment and Housing Law
In 2013, the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL) was amended to address concerns
regarding the use of eminent domain. The purpose of the amendment was in direct response to
several court cases that were argued regarding the use of eminent domain within redevelopment
areas. Criterion ‘e’ was also amended to clarify its application. Additionally, prior to the initiation
of a study, the municipality must indicate whether it is seeking to designate a “Non-Condemnation
Redevelopment Area” or a “Condemnation Redevelopment Area.”
The 2013 legislation also amended and clarified the conditions necessary to classify an area in
need of rehabilitation when there is evidence of environmental contamination.
Airbnb Regulations
Short-term vacation rentals have been a popular trend in New Jersey for decades. The majority
of these properties have been located along the coast, enticing summer beach-goers to come
and stay for a defined period of time. However, Airbnb, which was founded in 2008, has pushed
the definition of short-term rental away from a typical vacation rental. The platform allows a
person to rent out his or her home, apartment, or just a single bedroom to a visitor for a day, week,
or extended period of time. Airbnb rentals are now found worldwide and the company is worth
$30 billon.
Many municipalities and State Legislatures around the world are struggling to adjust to this new
form of short-term rental and are beginning to adopt regulations that put a limit on what a person
can do through Airbnb. According to Airdna, Airbnb’s analytics and reporting department, on
October 13, 2017, there were approximately 11,370 listings in New Jersey, 346 of which were in
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Union City. Although there are listings in Union City, the City passed an Ordinance in December
2015 prohibiting short-term rentals.
State Strategic Plan
Since the City’s Master Plan in 2009, the State released the final draft of the State Strategic Plan in
2011, meant as an update to the 2001 SDRP. While the State Strategic Plan has not been officially
adopted, and the SDRP is still the official State Plan, it is still prudent to plan with updated State
goals and objectives in mind so as to be prepared for its eventual implementation, or the
implementation of a State Plan with similar goals. The 2011 State Strategic Plan articulates a
number of goals as Garden State Values, stated as follows:
•
Garden State Value #1: Concentrate development and mix uses.
•
Garden State Value #2: Prioritize Redevelopment, infill, and existing infrastructure.
•
Garden State Value #3: Increase job and business opportunities in priority growth
investment areas.
•
Garden State Value #4: Create High-Quality, Livable Places.
•
Garden State Value #5: Provide Transportation Choice & Efficient Mobility of Goods.
•
Garden State Value #6: Advance Equity.
•
Garden State Value #7: Diversify Housing Options.
•
Garden State Value #8: Provide for Healthy Communities through Environmental
Protection and Enhancement.
•
Garden State Value #9: Protect, Restore and Enhance Agricultural, Recreational and
Heritage Lands.
•
Garden State Value #10: Make Decisions within a Regional Framework
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SECTION D
Recommended changes for the City’s Master Plan and Land Development Ordinance
Changes to Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives as outlined in the 2009 Master Plan are broad, long-term goals that
largely remain valid for the City’s land use policy. No substantial changes are recommended for
the goals and objectives at this time. However, the following additional goals are recommended
to further Union City’s vision for its future and to reflect the trends of development and progress
seen throughout the City.
1. Preserve the established residential character of Union City while simultaneously taking into
consideration mechanisms that promote economic growth and development.
2. Advocate for smart growth and planning principles that maintain the established
neighborhood scale without exacerbating burdens on infrastructure.
3. Encourage infill development and compact design that efficiently utilizes the City’s land.
4. Promote and provide for housing opportunities that support the needs of the residents,
specifically the demand for three-bedroom dwellings units.
5. Provide housing options for a variety of income levels, including low- and moderate-
income households.
6. Preserve and enhance the existing business districts of the City, maintaining sufficient retail
and commercial uses to meet the needs of the City’s residents.
7. Provide for upper floor residential along the City’s commercial corridors.
8. Continue to upgrade streetscapes with additional lighting and street trees, planted in a
variety of local species that will thrive in an urban environment.
9. Continue to pursue and work closely with the regional transportation organizations such as
Port Authority and New Jersey Transit to improve the public transit opportunities for Union
City residents.
Affordable Housing
•
Implement the provisions of the adopted Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.
In response to Mount Laurel IV, Union City filed a Declaratory Judgment action on July 6,
2015 seeking a declaration of its compliance with the Mount Laurel doctrine and Fair
Housing Act of 1985, N.J.S.A. 53:27D-301 et seq.
The City determined it was in the best interest of the households in need of low- and
moderate-income housing and the City to enter into a settlement agreement with the Fair
Share Housing Center (FSHC) regarding its fair share obligation. The settlement agreement
was approved through a Fairness Hearing on April 26, 2017. The City has prepared,
adopted, and endorsed a Housing Element and Fair Share Plan pursuant to the terms of
the Court-approved settlement agreement.
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The agreed upon settlement determined a Present Need of 1,442 units for Union City. The
City is a state-designated urban aid municipality and is therefore excluded from the
Prospective Need responsibility, as well as the reallocated Present Need designated in the
Prior Round.
The City’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (HEFSP) was adopted as an element of the
Master Plan by the Planning Board on September 18, 2017 and endorsed by the Board of
Commissioners on January 30, 2018. The City has historically worked with the Hudson
County Consortium (the “Consortium”) regarding the use of funds from the HOME program
to rehabilitate deficient housing units. The HEFSP confirms the City will continue to work
closely with the Consortium to ensure deficient units within the City are rehabilitated. Union
City additionally intends to continue its participation in the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) program, through which it has already completed twenty-one rehabilitation
projects since 2010.
Even though Union City does not have a Prior Round or Third Round obligation due to its
status as an Urban Aid community, the City has made a commitment to remain affordable
to its residents. The Plan includes provisions for a mandatory sliding scale set-aside. This set-
aside is also a component of the executed settlement agreement with Fair Share Housing
Center. The sliding scale requirement will be triggered through any Planning Board or
Zoning Board of Adjustment action on subdivisions or site plan applications, rezoning, use
variance, or redevelopment and rehabilitation plans that provides for an increase in
density above what is in place at the time of adoption of the Housing Plan.
Additionally, in lieu of constructing affordable units, a developer may request to make an
in lieu payment. If permitted, a payment in lieu of affordable housing shall be in the sum
of $175,000 per unit, made to the City’s affordable housing trust fund.
Union City also intends to pursue funding options to construct additional affordable and
veteran’s housing across the City.
Once the City is issued a Judgment of Compliance and Repose (JOR) through a
Compliance Hearing, the City can move forward with implementing the conditions of the
settlement agreement and Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.
Parking
The issue of parking was raised by numerous residents during the public outreach meetings. The
following recommendations are proposed:
•
Conduct a study analyzing the overall parking conditions of residential neighborhoods
and commercial corridors such as Bergenline Avenue. Parking is a complex challenge
experienced by communities across the state. There is no one way to solve parking
problems, but rather a variety of mechanisms can be utilized and relied on based on the
individual needs of communities. The parking study could identify all existing municipal lots
and provide recommendations for opportunities for additional parking and strategies for
maximizing existing resources.
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•
Identify opportunities for shared parking among commercial uses to maximize the
available space.
•
Reduce the parking standard for three-bedroom residential units so that new
development is more likely to meet the parking requirements on-site.
•
Evaluate the parking standards for food and entertainment related uses.
Streetscape
•
It is recommended the City continue planting street trees where appropriate. Street trees
should be coordinated to improve air quality, reduce noise and light pollution, and
promote the health and well-being of the City’s residents. To ensure sustainability of the
urban plantings, local species should be utilized that are more likely to thrive in a
metropolitan setting. Additionally, it is recommended that no more than 60% of all trees on
a single block be of the same species. This practice will not only promote the health of the
City’s residents, but will also reduce damage to the trees and protect them from pests and
diseases.
•
When providing streetscape improvements, there should be an adequate sidewalk width
for pedestrians to walk side-by-side. It is recommended a minimum four-foot clearance be
provided when planting street trees or adding street furniture such as benches.
Transportation
Transportation issues including traffic, pedestrian safety, transit service options, accessibility,
reliability, and parking continue to be significant issues for the City. The following
recommendations focus on incremental approaches to addressing different transportation
related issues in the City that will seek to expand accessibility and mobility for all of the City’s
residents.
•
Conduct a comprehensive multi-modal transportation study of the City that accounts for
passenger vehicles, buses, light rail, jitneys, ride-sharing, bicycles, and pedestrians. This
study should include a complete look at traffic patterns, residents’ transportation habits
and needs, and regional trends that may help identify opportunities to improve the City’s
transportation network.
•
Improve the public transit system. The City should continue to work with NJ Transit, the
Hudson County Transportation Management Association (TMA), and other stakeholders to
improve transit service and reliability. Some issues that may need to be addressed include
identifying new bus stops, improving existing bus shelters and facilities, increasing service
frequency, expanding hours of operation, and improving timing and reliability.
•
Consider regulating jitney service. The NJTPA Hudson County Jitney Study prepared in 2011
provides a substantial amount of background information on the jitney services in Union
City along several key corridors. The City should continue to evaluate the positive and
negative impacts of jitneys. Jitneys provide an important service and have long been a
part of the culture of the City. However, there are safety concerns and traffic issues
associated with these services. The City should consider the pros and cons of implementing
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regulations, which may include licensing, designating routes and pick-up / drop-off zones,
safety standards and monitoring, and vehicle emissions standards.
•
Study impacts of ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft, and car-sharing services such
as ZipCar. The “sharing economy” is transforming transportation in urban areas throughout
the country. The availability of fast, clean, and reliable options for short rides and flexible
car rental and sharing options has reduced the need for some people to own private cars,
especially in dense urban areas where parking and congestion are major issues. The City
should attempt to determine the impacts of these new services on its residents’ habits and
the transportation network as a whole. These services may have an impact on future
parking demand and developments that provide dedicated car sharing spaces may
require less overall parking.
•
Promote electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure installation. The City should consider
adopting standards to regulate the siting and design of electric vehicle charging stations.
The electric vehicle market is in the early stages of adoption, and one of the significant
hurdles to wider market penetration is difficulty in providing charging stations for multi-
family dwelling units. The City should explore options to add public infrastructure or public-
private partnerships that could provide charging stations on City property or near City
buildings. The City should also consider converting light duty vehicles such as those used
by code enforcement officials to electric vehicles.
•
Consider opportunities to expand bicycle network and create a bike share. The City should
explore options to expand its bicycle network through the provision of bikes lanes where
feasible. Connections should focus on key destinations such as the 49th Street / Bergenline
Avenue Light Rail Station. The station has a number of existing bike racks, but the City could
pursue options with NJ Transit to add lockers or more secure bike parking areas to
encourage increased cycling to the station.
Bicycle share programs are becoming more prevalent in urban areas. The City should
consider studying the viability of a bike share program and opportunities for public-private
partnerships to provide funding. It may be sensible to explore a multi-jurisdictional
partnership with Hudson County or one or more neighboring municipalities to put a
comprehensive system into place in northern Hudson County.
Residential Zoning
•
Consolidate the lower density residential zones into a single residential zone that permits
one-, two-, and three-family structures. The majority of Union City’s existing housing stock is
within a similar density, and the City has seen an increase in demand for three-family
structures with three-bedroom units. Three-family structures permit the City to grow and
develop in a way that complements the existing character of the residential
neighborhoods and meets the demands of the growing three-family market.
•
Allow the existing high-rise residential buildings to be grandfathered as a permitted use.
•
It is recommended that the MU Zoning district be broken up, with portions put into the
residential district and portions put into the C-N district. The purpose of this
recommendation is to place land uses into a zoning district that more accurately
represents the existing land use pattern.
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Commercial Zoning
•
It is recommended that the City merge their several commercial zones into a single zone.
The standards and permitted uses in several of the commercial zones are similar to one
another and create redundancy throughout the Ordinance. Consolidating the C-G and
C-C zoning districts into the C-N zone would eliminate the replication of standards and
would promote the small scale commercial development that already defines Union City’s
commercial corridors.
•
Reduce parking requirements for non-residential uses within the commercial zone as well
as encourage shared parking strategies. This would eliminate barriers to small-scale
commercial development and allow for further opportunities to create residential parking
in the place of commercial parking.
Existing Redevelopment Plans
•
It is recommended the City evaluate the existing redevelopment plans to determine
whether updates or revisions are needed.
Specific Recommended Changes to Development Regulations
The following revisions are recommended for the City’s Land Development and Zoning
Regulations based on updated goals and community input:
Zoning Regulations
Districts
•
Eliminate all references to the R-M, C-C, C-G, and MU districts (see Proposed Zoning Map).
Zoning Regulations for R Residential District:
•
It is recommended the newly consolidated R Zone include the following purpose.
Purpose: Maintain the character and scale of the City’s traditional residential
neighborhoods by creating standards that encourage infill development in a manner
consistent with the City’s current and desired future density, even in cases where larger
scale developments are demolished.
•
Permitted Principal Uses: With the proposed consolidation of the residential zones, it is
recommended the principal uses be amended to read as follows:
a) One-family dwellings
b) Two-family dwellings
c) Three-family dwellings
d) Assisted Living Facilities
e) Nursing Homes
f)
Municipal Uses
g) Parks, playgrounds, and open space
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•
Permitted Accessory Uses: The R Zone currently allows for private garages that cover up to
50% of the ground floor area. It is recommended this provision be removed and be
replaced with the following:
Ground floor garage parking
The other existing accessory uses should remain the same.
•
Supplemental Requirements: It is recommended that the R Zone include the following
supplemental requirements:
a) The off-street parking requirement must be met through ground floor garage
parking.
b) No habitable ground floor space is permitted.
c) The massing and spacing of buildings must be comparable to those on 2,500
square-foot lots, i.e. a 5,000 square-foot lot can subdivide into two 2,500 square-
foot lots or build two structures with ground floor garage parking and upper
floor residential. A minimum of four (4) feet shall be maintained between
buildings.
•
Required Off-Street Parking:
o
A minimum of two (2) off-street parking spaces shall be required per residential unit.
Zoning Regulations for C-N Neighborhood Commercial District:
•
It is recommended the newly consolidated C-N Zone include the following purpose.
Purpose: Reinforce and revitalize the City’s commercial districts while recognizing the
distinct character of several key commercial corridors such as Bergenline Avenue and
Summit Avenue. To the extent feasible, encourage the provision of on-site parking in areas
where development patterns provide the opportunity.
•
Permitted Principal Uses: With the proposed consolidation of the commercial zones, it is
recommended the principal uses be amended to read as follows:
a) Retail sales and service
b) Offices
c) Medical Offices
d) Residential (upper floors only)
e) Live/Work Unit (upper floors only)
f)
Eating and Drinking Establishments (exclusive of drive-thru restaurants)
g) Banks and Financial Institutions (exclusive of drive-thru establishments)
h) Health Clubs
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i)
Child-care Centers
j)
Municipal and Government Uses
k) Public Parks and Playgrounds
•
Required Off-Street Parking:
o
Off-street parking shall not be required for non-residential uses on lots with frontage
on Bergenline Avenue or Summit Avenue.
o
Off-street parking for non-residential shall be required in accordance with existing
parking minimums for all other areas in the C-N District.
o
A minimum of two (2) spaces shall be required per residential unit.
Zoning Regulations for Wireless Communication Facilities:
•
This section of the Ordinance currently does not list the C-N district as one of the districts
that allows wireless communication facilities as a conditional use. This text should be
amended to include the C-N district as wireless communication facilities are conditional
uses within that zone.
Bulk Schedule Recommendations:
•
223 Attachment 1, Schedule of Bulk Regulations, should be amended to read as follows:
R – Residential Zone District Bulk Standards
Minimum Lot Area
2,500 square feet
Minimum Lot Width
25 feet
Minimum Lot Depth
100 feet
Minimum Front Yard
10 feet or prevailing setback
Minimum Side (one)
2 feet
Minimum Side (both)
5 feet
Minimum Rear
5 feet (clear and unobstructed)*
Maximum Height
4 stories / 45 feet
Maximum Building Coverage
80%
Maximum Lot Coverage
100%
Residential Requirement
Each building shall have a
maximum of 3 residential units
*Mechanical / HVAC equipment is only permitted in rear yards a minimum 10-foot rear yard setback is provided.
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C-N Neighborhood Community Zone District Bulk Standards
Minimum Lot Area
2,500 square feet
Minimum Lot Width
25 feet
Minimum Lot Depth
100 feet
Minimum Front Yard
0 feet
Minimum Side (one)
0 feet or 5 feet if provided
Minimum Side (both)
N/A
Minimum Rear
20 feet
Maximum Height
4 stories / 45 feet
Maximum Building Coverage
80%
Maximum Lot Coverage
100%
Residential Requirement
Each building shall have a
maximum of 3 residential units
above ground floor commercial
Conditional Use Standards
•
Eliminate the “Greyfield Redevelopment” conditional use from each zone and the
associated standards at 223-43.D
•
Review all conditional use standards for consistency with proposed zone district changes.
Land Development Regulations
In concert with the proposed zoning ordinance amendments, the City should conduct a thorough
review of its other land development standards to ensure compatibility with the changes to the
zoning ordinance.
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SECTION E
Recommendations of the Planning Board concerning the incorporation of Redevelopment Plans
into the Land Use Element of the Master Plan
No new areas are recommended for investigation as redevelopment areas at this time.
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