The hillside along Water Street across from Regal Bag is seeking to be redeveloped. John Gatsik of FD Water Street Holdings, Daniel Rieger of Rieger Homes Inc and Jason Anderson of ADG Architects presented a new housing development proposal made up for two buildings with 58 apartments and a new dog park included in the development.

The Newburgh City Council and public watching at home were presented the proposal on Thursday, August 8. The team seeks to develop the property between Montgomery and Water Street along the hillside. The lot is currently vacant and undeveloped. Two buildings are proposed with underground parking. The two buildings were now only intended to be used for housing. The previous proposal saw mixed income mixed use housing.

Other highlights of the proposal include outdoor space and a river view for all apartments (other than studios), electric vehicle charging stations for residents and the public, the “Right to Return” policy and there would be minimal impact to the Montgomery Street viewshed. The applicant has also committed to engaging construction managers to try and meet the hiring goal of a minimum of 30% of the total paid construction work performed by qualified City of Newburgh residents. The “Right to Return” policy is a provision that gives preference to individuals and families, both current City of Newburgh residents and direct descendants of at least one person adversely affected by the urban renewal process.

Anderson of ADG said there would be parking for almost every resident within the building, there would be elevators for the building, bike storage would be included along with recreation and work areas. There is also a proposed community dog park that would be included in the project.

Between the two buildings are 58 apartments in total with six being affordable. The breakdown of the apartments is two studio apartments, 32 one bedroom apartments and 24 two bedroom apartments. Building 1 which is to the north would be 32 units and Building 2 to the south is made up of 26 units. The dog park would be placed in-between the buildings. The building heights have been reviewed and do not appear to impede on the viewshed of the residents of Montgomery Street. Access to the property would be off Water Street and Broad Street and a lot coverage variance would be required for the property.

Councilwoman Giselle Martinez questioned the number of affordable apartments which is six out of 58 apartments. She would also like to see an increase in percentage of the total paid construction work be performed by qualified City of Newburgh Residents. Work would involve contracting, subcontracting and servicing opportunities for development and construction.

“Ten percent is what we’re comfortable with right now. We’re willing to have a conversation but that’s what we’re comfortable with,” Gatsik said in response. “We’re big supporters of Newburgh. I don’t want to commit to it but it is something that if we can get 40 percent great, if we can get 50 percent even better.”