The Redevelopment Agency awarded an appraisal contract for the site of a proposed affordable housing complex for artists.
Four years after the idea of a hair salon was rejected for the site, an Irving Street storefront gained approval Tuesday night to become art gallery and events space.
Continue reading Art gallery, event space OK’d for Irving Street
Developers of an affordable housing concept for artists hope to present their project to the Planning Board later this year as they tweak the original plan, increasing the number of units from 60 to 69 in the latest version.
Continue reading Concept for artist housing grows to 69 units
The developer behind a proposed affordable housing facility for artists launched a month-long online survey yesterday to help shape the Rahway Residence for the Arts, a 69-unit project planned for the former Elizabethtown Gas Building.
Given the slow time of year, and my aim to post at least a couple of times a week, we’ll make this a part two of a retail update of sorts while I work on something more substantial for an upcoming post.
Here’s some recent turnover on the eastern end of Irving Street:
The Redevelopment Agency amended an agreement to lease the Hamilton Stage for Performing Arts to the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) from 10 years to 30 years while authorizing the final $100,000 payment to the Rahway Arts District.
The Redevelopment Agency at its meeting earlier this month conditionally designated the Actors Fund Housing Development Corporation (AFHDC) as redeveloper of the former Elizabethtown Gas building on Central Avenue (Block 167, Lot 1), where it has proposed 60 units of affordable housing for artists.
Continue reading Agency designates redeveloper for artist housing
The City Council is scheduled to adopt an ordinance Monday night that would allow property owners to use vacant storefronts as “pop-up” galleries or cafes until a tenant can fill the space.
City Council President Samson Steinman said the amendment will strengthen the city’s current outdoor dining ordinance while also allowing the temporary use of vacant storefronts for such things as “pop-up” galleries or cafes.
As an example, he cited an Irving Street property currently under renovation (across from the Klavierhaus Piano Conservatory) that is likely to participate. The ordinance would amend existing regulations to include permanent or temporary food establishments and outlines the application process, which includes a $45 fee.
Pop-galleries are being employed in Chicago’s Loop area and this 2009 story from The New York Times details various neighborhoods in New York City where the initiative has been employed. Some places have even used parking spaces to create “pop-up cafes” — decked out with seating, tables and plants — including Lower Manhattan, Westport, Conn., and Austin, Texas.